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School visits

Durham Cathedral, its historic buildings, its collections and its riverbanks are all fantastic learning resources in the heart of the city.

We offer a variety of workshops to meet your curriculum needs as well as options for self-guided visits.

All school, academy and college groups must book ahead of their visit using the enquiry links below.

Due to high demand, we are fully booked for guided school visits until the end of the school year. Please use the forms below to make enquiries about guided bookings for September 2023 and beyond, or self-guided visits at any time.

Keystage 1 and 2

Typically, we offer an indoor tour of the cathedral and its features followed by your choice of 45 minute workshop. 

A half day consists of a tour and one workshop, and a full day provides a tour and three workshops.

Pricing

A guided half day is £4.50 per pupil 

A guided full day is £7 per pupil

Self-guided visits are  £3.50 per pupil

All accompanying adults are free of charge

Keystage 3 and 4

Most of our workshops are a half day in length and include a tour of the cathedral.

Teacher-led museum access and climbing the central tower are optional extras available to KS3 and KS4 as part of a full day visit. Terms and conditions apply.

Safeguarding policy and pledge

As part of the booking process, all groups are asked to complete a pledge before they visit agreeing to follow the principles of our safeguarding policy.

This policy determines the mandatory adult supervision ratios outlined to us by the Church of England, amongst other legal obligations. Key information for visitors starts on page 10. Visiting staff should familiarise themselves with the details here:

Durham Cathedral Safeguarding Policy

Self guided visits

We have a limited number of spaces remaining for self-guided educational visits in 2023.

We offer a selection of worksheets and suggested activities to help you make the most of your time at Durham Cathedral. 

To book a self guided visit or to start a conversation about how our resources can support your visit, complete an enquiry form for your pupils' key stage using the 'Enquire about...' buttons below.

Key Stage 1 Workshops (available to book from September 2023)

The Story of St Cuthbert - Use our costumes and props to take part in a theatrical retelling of the life of St Cuthbert.

Understanding Pilgrimage - Learn about identity and belonging through a craft based activity.

Riverbanks Tour - Take a walk and explore the human and physical geography of the riverbanks and hills of the Durham peninsula.

Art, Architecture and Design - Engage with shapes, patterns and structures from the architecture of the cathedral, build puzzles and create your own geometric patterns using printing techniques.

Expressions of Belief - Learn about the symbols and features of Durham Cathedral and learn how Christians express their belief.

Enquire about a KS1 visit

Key Stage 2 Workshops (available to book from September 2023)

St Cuthbert: Tales and Tails - Retell stories from the life of Saint Cuthbert through drama. Learn how Cuthbert was impacted by his faith, and how this affected those around him.

Treasures of St Cuthbert - Hunt for facts amongst our collection of objects from Roman graves to Viking hogbacks and Anglo-Saxon gold.

Understanding Pilgrimage - Learn about Pilgrimage and why people visit Durham cathedral today through hands-on activities.

Riverbanks Tour - Take a walk and explore the interaction between the human and physical geography of the riverbanks and hills of the Durham peninsula. Consider how land use has changed over time and issues of sustainability in the modern world.

Expressions of Belief - Learn about key beliefs held by Christians and how they are expressed through the features and practices of Durham cathedral.

Enquire about a KS2 visit

Key Stage 3+ Workshops (available to book from September 2023)

Treasures of St Cuthbert – Explore Durham Cathedral Museum to find out more about life in different periods in Durham’s past. Take part in a quiz in the Great Kitchen amongst the treasures of St Cuthbert.

Christianity in Durham Cathedral - Explore Durham Cathedral to learn about beliefs and practices in Christianity. Discuss key topics within religion such as gender equality, war, life after death and the role of prayer.

Burnt banners and missing statues- Learn about key contentions in Christian belief during the Elizabethan period and their impact on the revolt of the Northern Earls through interaction with primary materials.

Enquire about a KS3+ visit

How did we do?

We’d love to hear your thoughts about your visit.

Complete a feedback survey
Spring blossom surrounding the exterior of the cathedral

Parking for coaches

Coach parking isn't available in the cathedral grounds, but follow this link for Durham County Council's coach parking information page.
Cathedral view from the South.

Accessibility

Everyone is welcome at Durham Cathedral. Find tips for visiting the cathedral with disabilities, and information about the accessibility of different spaces around the cathedral.
Family outside of Durham Cathedral

Safeguarding

The welfare of everyone, including children, young people, vulnerable adults, is a priority at Durham Cathedral and safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do