2025 Guide to Visiting Durham Cathedral, an Iconic Harry Potter Filming Location


@magicallyhome and @thesortingkat

For Harry Potter fans, visiting the actual locations where the beloved films were shot is a bucket-list experience. 
One such iconic site is the stunning Durham Cathedral in the northeast of England. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is not only a breathtaking piece of architecture but also serves as a backdrop for some of the most memorable scenes in the Harry Potter series. The cathedral's cloisters served as filming locations for Hogwarts corridors in the Harry Potter films. 
In this blog guide, I’ll share how to visit Durham Cathedral, the specific filming locations, and tips for making the most of your magical journey.

A Brief History of Durham Cathedral

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the historical significance of Durham Cathedral. Completed in 1133, this Norman cathedral is renowned for its stunning Romanesque architecture and is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Europe. It houses the shrine of Saint Cuthbert and the tomb of the Venerable Bede.

What Harry Potter Movie was Filmed at Durham Cathedral?

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
Durham Cathedral featured as different parts of Hogwarts in both of these Harry Potter movies.

What Harry Potter Scenes were Filmed at Durham Cathedral?

Durham cathedral cloisters, Triforium, Chapter House, and the Cathedral Garth in particular, were used to represent Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in several key scenes, making it a bucket-list visit for Harry Potter fans.
The majority of the Harry Potter filming locations can be found in the Durham Cathedral Cloisters & The Cloister Garth which is the small outdoor grassy in the middle – so if pressed for time, head there first.

Filming Locations in Durham Cathedral

The Cloisters

These secluded walkways were used as the filming location for scenes of Harry, Ron and Hermione walking between lessons in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. At the end of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the scene where Harry frees Dobby the House Elf was filmed on a set that is an almost identical replica of Durham Cathedral's Cloister. 
Fun Filming Fact: Filch is often seen with a set of big old-fashioned keys as he prowls the school looking for mischief. While filming at Durham Cathedral, an actual set of Durham Cathedral's keys were used as props.

The Cloister Garth

This is the name for the square of grass in the middle of the Cloister. It featured, generously dusted in fake snow, in a wintery scene in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, when Harry released his pet owl Hedwig for a flight around Hogwarts Castle.
 
 In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the Cloister Garth was used for the iconic  scene where Ron’s spell backfires with his broken wand in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

The Chapter House

The Chapter House was used as the filming location for Professor Minerva McGonagall's classroom in the first two Harry Potter films. In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Ron and Harry are running late to their Transfiguration class and run through the cathedral cloisters. Ron and Harry think they've gotten away with being late, but McGonagall transfigures back from cat to her human form and scolds them.
In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets when Hermoine asks McGonagall to tell the class about the Chamber of Secrets, this scene was also filmed inside Durham Cathedral Chapter House. 
Note: This location is currently open to the public, from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday. Some dates are excluded due to being used for services and events.

The Triforium at Durham Cathedral

May fans are surprised to find out that another well-known scene was filmed high up inside the Cathedral. The Triforium – which is an interior gallery overlooking the cathedral’s nave. The Triforium at Durham Cathedral was used as a filming location for the scene in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone where Harry, Ron, and Hermione encounter Fluffy, guarding the trapdoor leading to the Philosopher's Stone. This area doubled as the Forbidden Corridor in Hogwarts Castle. 
Note: The Triforium is not typically open to the public for visits. 

Avengers: Endgame is Another Iconic Movie Filmed at Durham Cathedral

The Nave

The Nave was used in Avengers: Endgame, in the scene where Thor travels back in time and visits his Asgard. You can see the checked floor of the crossing from above, as Thor's mother and her ladies walk across it, and our famous columns feature as Thor hides behind them.

Fun Filming Fact: The crew and cast from Avengers: Endgame used a model of Rocket Racoon, voiced in editing by Bradley Cooper. Here you can see him meeting Badger, Dean Andrew Tremlett's cat in the Cloister.

Image credit: Marvel Studios

The Galilee Chapel

The Galilee Chapel along the western side of the cathedral features as one of the rooms in the Asgard palace in Avengers: Endgame. 
The view might look a little different in the film, as the crews laid a green screen across one of the walls, editing it to appear as a window overlooking Asgard.

Image credit: Marvel Studios

Non-Harry Potter things to do at Durham Cathedral

Check out the Shrine of St Cuthbert 

St Cuthbert was one of the great Northern Saints. Today, many people still come here to pray and remember the way Cuthbert’s life pointed to God. You can also see Cuthbert’s beautiful pectoral cross and other possessions in the Cathedral Treasury.
The Shrine of St Cuthbert, also known as the feretory sits behind the quire. You can access the shrine via the stairs in the Chapel of the Nine Altars.

Photo credit: Durham Cathedral website

Climb the Central Tower

Standing 218ft or 66m tall, there are 325 steps on a narrow winding spiral staircase that take you to the top to experience breath-taking views of the city below.
Looking out from the tower, you have a bird's eye view over the cathedral, cloisters quad and over the beautiful city of Durham. AKA a bird’s eye view of Hogwarts corridors.
Climbs begin on the hour, and Durham Cathedral suggests you book tickets in advance for this.

Photo credit: Durham Cathedral website

Photo credit: Durham Cathedral website

Durham Cathedral Café

If you’re looking for a place to grab a bite to eat, The Undercroft Cafe is a located inside Durham Cathedral. It offers freshly food and a variety of hot and cold drinks, coffees and teas.
Located just off the west side of the Cloister, the Undercroft Cafe is known for its delicious range of sandwhiches, soups, scones, cakes and biscuits.

Undercroft Cafe Opening Hours

  • Monday-Saturday: 9.30am - 4.30pm
  • Sunday: 10.30am - 4pm
Click here for more information.

The Durham Cathedral Gift Shop

The cathedral shop featuresgifts and souvenirs including prints, books, and there’s even a small range of Harry Potter items. Every penny spent in the shop helps support the care of the cathedral.
The Gift Shop is off the Cloister, next to the Undercroft cafe and toilets.

Gift Shop Opening Hours

  • Monday-Saturday: 9.30am - 4.30pm
  • Sunday: 11am - 4pm

How to get to Durham Cathedral

Durham Cathedral can be accessed via the medieval city of Durham in the North East of England. 
Address: Durham DH1 3EH, UK

By Car

Durham is conveniently situated on the A1(M) and has good road links from all directions. City-centre car parking is Pay & Display, or there is a good and inexpensive Park & Ride service.
Turn off the A1(M) at Junction 62 and take the A690 west towards Durham. Follow signs for car parking. Alternatively, use the Park & Ride situated on the A690 just off the A1(M) to the East (follow signs).

By Rail

Durham Station is on the East Coast main railway line, just 15 minutes away from Newcastle. A journey from London takes three hours, and travel from Edinburgh takes about two hours. 
Durham Railway Station is served by the following inter-city routes:
  • East Coast: London, York, Newcastle, Edinburgh
  • CrossCountry: The South West, Bristol, Reading, Oxford, Birmingham, Derby, Sheffield, Leeds, York, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen
  • Transpennine Express: Manchester, Manchester Airport, Leeds, York, Newcastle

Durham Cathedral Bus

The Cathedral Bus connects the Cathedral and Castle to the train station and coach drop-off point at Freeman's Place. It runs throughout the day, Monday to Saturday. The bus will be operating on Sundays until November 1. 
The buses are suitable for wheelchair users and pushchairs. Park and ride holders travel free. Check fares and timetable information for the Cathedral Bus.

Durham Cathedral parking

Durham's narrow, medieval streets mean there is no parking at the Cathedral itself, but there are several car parks a short distance away.  if you are arriving by car, your best bet is to use the Park & Ride services around Durham city.

Park and Ride

Park your car and take a bus into the city centre. These car parks are open all year round from 7am – 7pm Monday to Saturday, excluding Bank Holidays:
  • Belmont Park and Ride - DH1 1SR
  • Sniperley Park and Ride - DH1 5RA
  • Howlands Farm Park and Ride - DH1 3TQ
During our most recent trip, we used the Durham Park & Ride Howlands Car Park.

Durham Park & Ride Howlands Car Park

  • Roughly an 8-10min bus ride to Durham Cathedral 
  • Price: Adult (16 years and over) Day pass - $2.95
  • Howlands Farm Park and Ride site (PR2) is located less than one mile after joining A177 at the A167 / A177 roundabout.
  • Use post code Durham DH1 3TQ
  • Car park is open from 7.00am to 7.00pm, Monday to Saturday.
  • Buses run every 15 minutes, Monday to Saturday.
    • The bus leaves the Park and Ride at 7, 22, 37 and 52 minutes past the hour. The first bus is at 7.07am and the last bus is at 6.37pm.
  • You’ll need to buy a ticket from the park and ride site. The ticket machine will take coins and cards (including contactless) but will not take notes. You can also pay via contactless on their buses.
Kat did some research before our trip, and you can also try to park at the shopping centre Prince Bishops Car Park. Be aware that according to Durham Cathedral website, there is a congestion charge $6.72 (£5) if you drive onto the Durham City peninsula between 10am- 4pm, Mon to Sat.
Address: Prince Bishops Car Park, City, Durham DH1 3UJ

You can find more locations on Durham City car parks page.

Once you take a bus into the city

There is a steep hill you will need to walk up in order to access Durham Cathedral via the North Bailey. Continue to follow the cobbled pathways until you see the cathedral.

Durham Cathedral Opening Times

Monday to Saturday opening times:

The cathedral is open: Monday to Saturday 8am - 6pm 
Normal visitor hours (when all areas of the cathedral site are open):
Monday to Saturday 9.30am - 4.30pm

Sunday opening times:

The cathedral is open: Sunday 8am - 5pm
Normal visitor hours (when all areas of the cathedral site are open):
Sunday 12 noon - 3pm
Café: 10.30am - 4pm 
Gift Shop: 11am - 4pm
Museum: noon - 4pm

Click here for the latest opening times

Durham Cathedral Ticket Prices

While they don't charge an entry fee, Durham Cathedral encourages visitors to donate at least $6.72 per person to support the cathedral's conservation, if you can.

Tips for Visiting Durham Cathedral

Consider doing the Durham Cathedral Museum Tour

While this is not a specific Harry Potter tour, you do get to  specifically see all of the filming locations. This tour also allows you to access rooms like the Chapter House, which is often closed off to the public.
Tour price: $20 and includes the Museum exhibit’s which have display some of St Cuthbert’s belongings.

Arrive Early

To avoid crowds and fully enjoy the serene atmosphere, try to arrive right when the doors open.

Soak in all the details

Take your time to walk through the cloisters. Imagine the characters passing by and soak in the atmosphere. The intricate stonework and arched ceilings are breathtaking.

Be Respectful

This is your friendly reminder to be respectful of the sacred nature of the space and of others who may be visiting for worship. Capture the magic, but also take time to soak in the atmosphere.

Set an alarm to be back at Car Park

If you are traveling by car, don’t forget what time the Car Park closes, and what time the last bus leaves. Set an alarm on your phone if you are spending the entire day and evening at Durham Cathedral and the nearby area. We barely made it back before the car park closed at 7pm.

Critical things to know before you visit Durham Cathedral

Specific areas of the cathedral might be temporarily restricted or roped off due to various reasons like maintenance, events, etc. This means certain areas  of the cathedral may be closed during your visit. 
Check the calendar to see Durham Cathedral's events, activities and any planned disruption.

Places to stay near Durham Cathedral

During our most recent trip, we stayed 8 minutes away from Durham Cathedral at the Premier Inn Durham East hotel. 
Premier Inn is somewhat similar to brands like Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn, etc., so they’re a good option when you want somewhere to stay that’s clean, comfortable and good value.
Our room was very dated, but it was clean. The bathroom had a tub, there were plenty of outlets for charging camera gear, and most importantly it felt safe and was quiet. It's certainly not the most updated hotel, but It's an affordable hotel option if you just need a place to sleep after visiting Durham Cathedral.

Premier Inn Durham East

  • Address: Broomside Park, Belmont Industrial Estate, Durham DH1 1GG, UK
  • Sat Nav Directions: DH1 1GG
  • Nightly rates for a standard room rang from $70 - $226
  • Limited free onsite car parking available
  • Free wifi
  • Breakfast isn’t complimentary, but they have a restaurant on-site where you can order breakfast for a reasonable price.
  • Our room did NOT HAVE AIR CONDITIONING

Transport and local information:

  • Diggerland Theme Park 7 miles
  • Metro Shopping Centre 17 miles
  • Durham Castle 2 miles
  • Durham Train Station 3 miles
For more hotel options near Durham Cathedral, click here.

Things to do around Durham Cathedral

If you have time, make sure to explore the surrounding area. The city of Durham itself is charming, with plenty of cafes, pubs, shops, and historical sites nearby. River Wear surrounds the city of Durham, which provides lots of scenic walks you can take.
After our visit, we had the late afternoon- evening free to wander around the historic streets. We went in some of the little locally owned shops, I found Monster Energy Drinks and Pokemon treats I'd never seen before, we grabbed some ice- cream, people watched, and eventually had dinner before heading back to our hotel.  

Places to Eat in Durham

We were only there for one night, so grabbed Go Waffle Bubble ice cream for a snack, and had dinner at Nando’s.

Go Waffle Durham Ice Cream Shop

For those who have a sweet tooth, Go Waffle has really tasty Bubble Waffles, Ice Creams, sundaes, hot drinks, Bubble Teas and more.
I went with the Frosty Mint which cost me $10.72! I 10/10 recommend this place, and would totally eat stop by again. 
  • For more information on Go Waffle Durham, click here.
  • Address: 33 Saddler Street, Durham DH1 3NU

Nando's Durham Restaurant at Walkergate

Nando’s is a short walk from Durham Station, a 5-minute walk from Odeon Luxe and a 15-20 minute walk from Durham Cathedral. They are known for their flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken. 
I tried the new Ceasar Salad Wrap with corn for $20.00. 
  • Full menu, click here.
  • Nando’s Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday 11:30am – 10pm
  • Address: Unit 5 Walkergate, Freeman's Pl, Durham DH1 1SQ, United Kingdom

Overall Thoughts on Visiting Durham Cathedral

Visiting Durham Cathedral is a magical experience for any Harry Potter fan. Not only do you get to walk in the footsteps of your favorite characters, but you also get to appreciate the rich history and stunning architecture of one of England’s most treasured sites. 
Whether you’re a die-hard Harry Potter fan or a history enthusiast, Durham Cathedral promises a memorable visit that blends the charm of the wizarding world with the beauty of medieval architecture. So grab your wand, put on your robes, and get ready to explore the magic!

You can find more of my UK Harry Potter Filming Location guides here:

Disclaimer: All information provided in this blog post was accurate at the time of writing, including experience offerings and details, opening times, and location availability.

Previous
Previous

2025 Guide to Visiting Goathland Station - The Real-Life Hogsmeade Station

Next
Next

Your Ultimate Guide to Visiting Alnwick Castle, the Harry Potter Filming Location