Durham Cathedral Museum
Museum in the medieval monastery buildings of Durham Cathedral, with the Treasures of St Cuthbert, the monks’ dormitory and the Great Kitchen.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Durham Cathedral Museum occupies parts of the medieval monastery next to the cathedral. It tells the story of the North East’s history, culture and faith over about two thousand years and is spread over three rooms: the Monks’ Dormitory, the Great Kitchen and a further display space.
The Monks’ Dormitory dates from 1404 and still has its original oak roof. It holds early Christian stonework, including Anglo-Scandinavian hogback grave markers. The Great Kitchen was built in the 1370s and served as the cathedral kitchen until the 1940s. Today it shows the Treasures of St Cuthbert, the original Sanctuary Ring of the cathedral and the Conyers Falchion sword.
St Cuthbert is the saint most closely linked to the cathedral. His carved wooden coffin is dated to 698, and his tomb was opened in 1827, which brought many relics to light. Gifts that were placed with his body in 938, including a pectoral cross and silk textiles from King Athelstan, are part of the story the museum tells. Durham Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Highlights
- Treasures of St Cuthbert in the Great Kitchen
- Original Sanctuary Ring and the Conyers Falchion sword
- Monks’ Dormitory of 1404 with its original oak roof
- Anglo-Scandinavian hogback grave markers
- Quiet Hours with adapted lighting and sound for visitors with sensory needs
Permanent exhibitions
- Great Kitchen – The kitchen of the medieval monastery, built in the 1370s, now shows the Treasures of St Cuthbert, the original Sanctuary Ring and the Conyers Falchion.
- Monks’ Dormitory – The dormitory of 1404 with its original oak roof displays early Christian stonework, including Anglo-Scandinavian hogback grave markers.
- Operated by
- Durham Cathedral
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £7.50 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 17 · Under 18s are admitted free. |
| Annual pass | £15 |
Tickets for the museum are booked online. Entry to the cathedral itself is free, with a suggested donation of £5 per person towards its conservation. No concession rate is published.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Most of the cathedral site, including the main entrance, the museum, the café and the shop, can be reached by wheelchair or pushchair using ramps and lifts. Some areas have uneven floors and low lighting, and the tower can be reached by stairs only. There are two accessible toilets and an induction loop in the cathedral. Parking for disabled visitors is available close by. The museum offers Quiet Hours on selected days, when louder displays are switched off and the light in the Great Kitchen is raised, which suits visitors on the autism spectrum.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 17 |
|---|
The cathedral website links to a separate family guide; no details are given on the museum page.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
The cathedral recommends the Cathedral Bus or the Park and Ride service.
By car
No on-site parking at the museum.
There is no parking at the cathedral or nearby because of the narrow medieval streets. Parking for disabled visitors is available close by.
- Accessible parking
A congestion charge applies to vehicles driving onto the Durham City peninsula.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
The Undercroft café serves light lunches, hot drinks and cakes, and the cathedral shop is in the medieval undercroft. Toilets are by the café and in the museum. Wi-Fi is not mentioned.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Photography | Flash photography is not allowed in the museum, and photos are not allowed in the Great Kitchen. |
| Good to know | The cathedral runs special tours, for example to areas that are rarely open to the public, and a tour on images of Mary. School and youth groups must book in advance and pay a fee. Dogs are not allowed in the museum. |
