A one-night only experience is on offer at Durham Cathedral this May inviting visitors to explore the famous landmark after dark.
For just one night only, on May 23, the cathedral will be opening its doors from 6.30pm to 9pm so that people can enjoy what promises to be an atmospheric walkabout. The rare event is free but there will be an opportunity to pay for extra treats on the night, including seeing its treasures and climbing up its revamped central tower.
The cathedral - a worldwide visitor attraction - is hosting the event as part of a Cathedrals at Night initiative: a new campaign which is taking place across the country to show historic and sacred venues in, literally, a new light. In Durham, the late opening will be a chance to explore the building as dusk falls and to add a candle to a giant St Cuthbert's Cross shape on the floor.
Read more: Durham Cathedral Museum reopens after Covid restrictions
While the event has free entry, those wanting to pay for extra perks on the night will need to book tickets in advance. These include a chance to climb the 325 steps up the cathedral tower to see the city lights and look inside the historic 'Song School', a behind-the-scenes area - initially a 15th Century library where the choristers now practice - which is rarely open to the public.
There also will be half-price entry on offer to Durham Cathedral Museum, formerly known as Open Treasure which only fully reopened in April following Covid restrictions. This contains the likes of Saint's Cuthbert's 7th Century coffin and his jewelled Pectoral Cross.
The museum also has a new exhibition which reveals the cathedral's royal connections from over the years with exhibits including photographs of the Queen's visits and hand-written letters from monarchs such as Elizabeth l. Entry to the museum is through the Monks’ Dormitory, which dates back to its time as a monastery and whose standout attraction is an original 15th Century oak timber roof. The museum itself is housed in the former Great Kitchen.
Tickets are available to book now and those for the museum are available here for £3.75 (free for under 16s) or there is an annual pass option for £15. Tickets to climb the central tower cost £5.50, or £2.50 for eight to 16-year-olds and free for companions or carers: see here. Those to visit the Song School, which is up a flight of stairs, can be bought here for £5.
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