Durham Cathedral attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors

The city’s most recognisable building, part of the Durham Castle and Cathedral World Heritage Site, welcomed 393,090 visitors in 2024.

And recent reviews suggest its mix of history, architecture and setting remains a major attraction for those visiting the city.

Durham Cathedral (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

What is Durham Cathedral famous for?

The cathedral currently holds a 4.7 out of 5 rating on TripAdvisor, from more than 7,200 reviews.

Visitors have praised everything from its vast interior to its links with the Harry Potter films.

One person who visited this month said they spent “a pleasant few hours walking around this stunning Cathedral”, adding that a volunteer made the experience “even more special”.

Another described it as a “must do” in Durham, while a separate review called it a “beautiful, old and big Cathedral” with “lots to see inside”.

Others highlighted its architecture, with one visitor saying the “massive stone pillars, soaring arches and atmospheric lighting” make it feel “both grand and peaceful”.

The cathedral, which dates back to 1093, is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Europe and houses the tombs of St Cuthbert and the Venerable Bede.

Durham Cathedral (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

As well as being a place of worship, it is one of the North East’s leading tourist attractions, with free entry and optional paid extras including tower climbs and guided tours.

Several visitors said these added to their experience.

One reviewer said a guided tour was “well worth doing” and helped them “learn so much more about its history”, while another said climbing the tower offered “panoramic views across Durham”.

The cathedral’s location, perched above the River Wear next to Durham Castle, continues to be a major part of its appeal, with many visitors describing it as one of the most striking sights in the North East.

Nearly 1,000 years after construction began, Durham Cathedral remains at the heart of the city, continuing to attract visitors, generate discussion and cement its reputation as one of the region’s standout landmarks.