Durham Travel Forum

Is the Cathedral open for tours in December? What else should be on my 'must see' list. I heard I shouldn't bother with the castle - true?

I never heard of a cathedral that was closed in December...seems like a busy time of year for most churches. Can't see why Durham will be any different.

My Rick Steves book lists tour times for the months of April-Sept. I thought maybe it is only open for worship the entire year. I wouldn't want to be nosing around while others are praying.

Some cathedrals do have long periods closed, as we discovered in Norway but this one should certainly be open. The view of it across the river is as good as any in England of its type and the Norman arches inside are terrific.
I don't know Durham well but there are a umber of things in the County worth seeing - of which Beamish Outdoor Museum and the saxon curches at Monkwearmouth and Jarrow would be high on my list.

I wouldn't worry about nosing around while others are praying. There will always be someone praying and someone visiting. Durham Cathedral is a big and busy church. I haven't been there for a few years. Last time I was there (I had travelled some distance to visit) they were just closing up for a special service. I can't remember exaxctly what it was. Anyway, someone was kind enough to invite me in and show me around while the proceedings when on in the background. That might not always happen, but I think you should have no problems visiting.

In adition to Davids suggestion of Beamish Etc, the town and in particular the abbey at Hexham are well worth a visit. While you are in Durham wrap up warm and take a walk along the river, also the castle is worth seeing.

Full details of what is open and when are on.
http://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/