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Music at the cathedral

Cathedral Choir
Cathedral Bells
Cathedral Organ

Music has been a part of worship since Biblical times. It fills the cathedral here at Durham and can speak to people of all faiths and of none.

Music

Children's choir singing

Cathedral Choir

Durham Cathedral Choir can trace its origins back to the time of the Cathedral’s foundation in the 11th century.
Cathedral bells ringing

Cathedral Bells

The sound of the bells ringing out from the central tower, echoing around Durham City and the gorge of the River Wear, is truly wonderful.
Close up of the Cathedral organ

Cathedral Organ

These instruments accompany the cathedrals choir and congregation, as well as filling the cathedral with music through solo recitals.

When can I hear the choir sing?

Our choir sings eight services each week, continuing a centuries’ old tradition.

In term-time the Cathedral choir sings Evensong six times a week at 5.30pm Tuesday – Saturday and 3.30pm on Sundays.

On Sunday mornings the choir sings at a Sung Eucharist at 10am and Matins at 11.30am.

All are welcome to join a service and listen to choral music.

Choir singing at a Christmas service

Who else sings in the Cathedral?

Our adult voluntary choir is the Cathedral Consort of Singers. They often supplement the work of the Cathedral Choir.

On Mondays and during choir holidays we regularly welcome visiting choirs from all over the world to sing services. If you would like to bring a choir to sing services, please email music@durhamcathedral.co.uk

Children's Choirs

We believe singing is a wonderful way to help children gain confidence and aim to encourage music from a young age. We offer singing sessions for all age ranges. 

Find out more about Children's Choirs
Children's Choir

Choristers and Choral Scholarships

We regularly recruit young singers as Choristers. We also offer Choral Scholarships for Durham University students.

Music Experience Events

Tower climb

Various times

Conquer the 325 steps and enjoy unrivalled views over the historic city of Durham and see recently-completed restoration work up close.

We may need to close the tower at short notice because of particularly bad weather or other events taking place at the cathedral.

NOTE: One full paying adult with up to five children.


Important information:

A reasonable level of fitness is required to climb the tower. Please wear reasonable footwear to climb the steps which are steep and narrow in parts.

  • The tower may not suitable for those frightened by heights or confined spaces.
  • The tower is not suitable if you have a medical condition such as a heart or respiratory disorder which may be exacerbated by climbing stairs.
  • Pregnant visitors are strongly advised not to climb the tower.
  • No smoking in or at the top of the tower.
  • Suitable footwear is advised due to the uneven nature of the stairs.
  • No food or drink may be taken up the tower.
  • Large bags, including some large handbags, are not permitted. It is advisable to have both hands free for your own safety.
  • There are no toilet facilities in the tower.
  • There is a rest point with seating half way up the tower, but there is no seating at the top.
  • Visitors must collect a lanyard prior to climbing the tower which contains important Health and Safety information and return it upon exit.
  • Durham Cathedral is not responsible for the loss of or damage to clothing or personal possessions. The Chapter of Durham reserves the right to refuse entry to the tower at any time.

Cathedral tour

Various times

Discover Durham Cathedral's hidden history on a tour with one of our knowledgeable volunteer guides.

Useful things to know

  • Tours can be cancelled or times can change at short notice when there is a special service or event taking place. Check availability below.
  • Guided tours last for approximately one hour.
  • Not all areas of the cathedral are fully accessible, and our tours do go into these parts of the building.

Meet the organists

Daniel Cook - Master of the Choristers and Organist

Daniel Cook is Master of the Choristers and Organist of Durham Cathedral and is recognised internationally as a liturgical and concert organist of the highest order.

Joseph Beech - Sub-Organist

Joseph took up the post of Sub-Organist of Durham Cathedral in September 2019.

How you can help

Would you like to support our tradition of singing in celebration and prayer? Your support can help us keep the cathedral alive with music for years to come.

Donate here