Guest Accessibility and Special Arrangements

As a guest, you can contact the Ceremonies Unit directly to discuss any special arrangements or accessibility issues, to gain advice or support as appropriate. Graduands are given the opportunity to advise of any special requirements for guests when registering for the ceremony.

Palace Green access and parking options

There is no public parking on Palace Green (the area between the Castle and the Cathedral). Durham city centre will be very busy on Congregation days.

There are various car parks situated around Durham, including Durham's Park and Ride service, and metered on-street parking.

Guests with mobility issues can be dropped off at the bottom of Owengate (the road that leads to Palace Green) by car or taxi.

Entering Durham Cathedral

Guests with mobility issues who are unable to queue can be escorted into the Galilee Chapel so they are able to sit and wait until escorted into the Cathedral for the ceremony. They should report to the Congregation Information Point, with one other guest in their party (this is due to restricted seating), 1 hour 15 minutes before the ceremony.

Guests using wheelchairs will be escorted into the Cathedral and are requested to report to the Congregation Information Point, with the rest of their party, 30 minutes before the ceremony as they will enter through the North Door.

All other guests will enter the Cathedral approximately 45 minutes prior to the ceremony. If you have other party members in the queue, you can wait for them to re-join you in the Galilee Chapel so you can be seated together.

Additional information

Visitors to Durham are able to hire wheelchairs and electric scooters from Durham Shopmobility. Please contact them in good time as stock may be limited and is subject to availability.

Induction loop facilities are available throughout the seating areas in the Cathedral and those who require it should use the 'T' position on their hearing aid.

TV screens including subtitles and speakers are installed throughout the Cathedral to support the enjoyment of the ceremony.