Visiting Durham Cathedral is a moving and awe-inspiring experience—one that invites reflection, discovery, and wonder. After exploring the cathedral’s vast nave, the serene Shrine of St Cuthbert, the Galilee Chapel, and the engaging exhibitions in Open Treasure, many visitors are drawn to two welcoming spaces nestled within the cathedral precinct: the Durham Cathedral Shop and the Undercroft Café.
Whether you’re looking to take home a meaningful souvenir, find a gift, or simply relax with a cup of tea and something to eat, these spaces provide the perfect conclusion—or a comfortable pause—on your visit.
Durham Cathedral Shop: More Than a Souvenir Store
Located in the Undercroft, just off the cloister and near the main visitor route, the Cathedral Shop offers a curated selection of items inspired by the cathedral’s sacred heritage, craftsmanship, and artistry. This is no ordinary gift shop—it reflects the spirit of Durham itself.
✦ Books and Literature
For those seeking to learn more about the cathedral’s rich history or religious heritage, the shop features a comprehensive selection of books. Topics range from Anglo-Saxon saints, Norman architecture, and monastic life, to broader works on Christianity, theology, and local history.
You’ll also find beautiful editions of the works of The Venerable Bede, information on St Cuthbert, and titles about the Prince-Bishops of Durham. Guidebooks are available in multiple languages, providing a deeper understanding of what you’ve seen on your tour.
✦ Gifts and Keepsakes
The shop offers an array of tasteful gifts and keepsakes, including:
- Handcrafted jewellery inspired by cathedral motifs.
- St Cuthbert’s Cross replicas in silver and bronze.
- Locally produced candles, soaps, and textiles.
- Stationery and art prints featuring Durham Cathedral’s iconic silhouette.
Every item is carefully chosen to reflect the spirit of the place—spiritual, historic, and artisan in nature.
✦ Children’s Corner
Families with young visitors will appreciate the range of children’s books, toys, activity packs, and educational items. Some tie in with the cathedral’s history, making them both fun and informative souvenirs.
✦ Religious Items
For those on pilgrimage or spiritual retreat, the shop also carries rosaries, prayer cards, icons, bibles, and liturgical books. These are respectful and thoughtful items that align with the cathedral’s sacred atmosphere.
✦ Local Artisan Products
Supporting local craftspeople is an important part of the shop’s mission. You’ll often find goods created by artists and producers from the North East of England—from ceramics and textiles to food items and handcrafted ornaments.
✦ Supporting a Living Cathedral
Importantly, all proceeds from purchases go toward the conservation, upkeep, and ministry of Durham Cathedral. By shopping here, visitors are directly supporting one of Britain’s most treasured heritage sites.
The Undercroft Café: Relaxation in a Historic Setting
Just a few steps from the Cathedral Shop is the Undercroft Café, situated within the beautiful medieval undercroft of the monks’ former dining hall. With its vaulted stone ceilings, exposed beams, and inviting atmosphere, the café offers a peaceful place to rest and reflect after exploring the cathedral and its surroundings.
✦ A Welcoming Space for All
Whether you’re visiting solo, with family, or in a tour group, the café offers plenty of seating and a warm welcome. The layout includes cosy corners for quiet reading or conversation, as well as open areas suitable for families and larger groups.
During good weather, you can also take advantage of outdoor seating in the cathedral courtyard—a serene setting framed by ancient stone and greenery.
✦ Locally Sourced Food and Drinks
The café serves a delicious selection of hot and cold food, much of it made using locally sourced ingredients. The menu includes:
- Freshly prepared sandwiches, paninis, and salads.
- Homemade soups and quiches.
- Hot meals, which vary seasonally—perfect for a more substantial lunch.
- A range of cakes, traybakes, and scones, often homemade and ideal with a pot of tea or fresh coffee.
Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are usually available, and the café staff are happy to assist with dietary requirements.
✦ Quality Beverages
Whether you’re in the mood for a flat white or a traditional English breakfast tea, the café serves high-quality hot drinks, along with cold refreshments, juices, and soft drinks.
✦ Sustainable and Ethical Focus
In line with Durham Cathedral’s environmental values, the café seeks to operate sustainably. Many of its food and drink options are ethically sourced, and the team works to reduce single-use plastics and food waste.
Special Events and Group Catering
The Undercroft Café also caters to special events, such as:
- School visits and educational groups.
- Tour groups and heritage societies.
- Cathedral festivals and community celebrations.
It can provide group catering by prior arrangement, with custom menus designed for everything from light lunches to full afternoon teas.
During major events like Lumiere Durham, Durham Miners’ Gala, or Evensong services, the café extends its hours to accommodate larger crowds, offering a welcome haven in the heart of the cathedral precinct.
A Place to Pause and Reflect
What sets the Durham Cathedral Shop and Café apart is their connection to the place they serve. Unlike high-street chains or impersonal tourist shops, both offer a genuine extension of the cathedral experience.
- The shop allows you to take a piece of Durham’s sacred and cultural story home with you.
- The café invites you to linger—to contemplate the beauty you’ve seen and enjoy the hospitality that has been a tradition here for centuries.
Whether you’ve come for worship, architecture, history, or quiet reflection, these spaces embody the warmth, grace, and enduring charm of Durham Cathedral.
Practical Information
- 📍 Location: Both the shop and café are located within the cathedral grounds, accessible from the cloister.
- 🕒 Opening Hours:
- Cathedral Shop: Typically open from 10am to 5pm (check website for seasonal variations).
- Undercroft Café: Generally open from 10am to 4pm, with lunch service until around 2:30pm.
- 💳 Payments: Most major cards accepted, including contactless.
- ♿ Accessibility: Both venues are wheelchair accessible, with assistance available on request.
- 🚻 Toilets: Located nearby in the cathedral precinct, including accessible facilities.
Conclusion
The Durham Cathedral Shop and Undercroft Café are more than just conveniences—they are thoughtful, welcoming, and spiritually aligned extensions of the cathedral’s mission. Whether you’re looking for a special gift, a deeper understanding of your visit, or simply a chance to rest in a beautiful setting, these spaces offer hospitality that is both genuine and rooted in tradition.
When you next visit Durham Cathedral, be sure to make time for them—not just as a stop, but as part of the experience itself.
