Went up there today and decided to have a look around the cathedral only to be confronted with a channelling system whereby visitors have to check in with a huge electronic display saying recommended donation £5.ie pay or get embarrassed.
This happened at York and a few other cathedrals across the land years ago and I was always impressed that Durham had resisted it till now. I was always in the past happy to lob a few quid in the box and buy a meal from the cafe to help.
I am not a religious person but these buildings are special in so many ways to people and unfettered access at zero cost should be a right to all citizens in my opinion.
It just feels like these places are just going to be the destinations of reasonably well to do people flashing their debit cards when it should be an experience open to all of whatever means so they can enjoy the historic, cultural and spiritual experience these places offer.
Yes I appeaciate they cost a lot to maintain etc etc etc but it feels like a bit of a step towards Disneyland and I am sure the Church has other rental income to cross subsidise these buildings.

Ya tight arsed bastard!

I know you wouldn't pay a quid

I like Durham cathedral and I liked the way that it kept it's entry costs down to discretion, or previously did.

Personally I wouldn't feel embarrassed about not paying and I agree with Bluestreak about this and will continue to bung a couple of quid in for a candle. God would approve of this.

bung em double for a good unrestricted view for the afterlife. you do not want to be stuck with an ugly angel or see the mother in law again.

I live near Ely Cathedral, the entrance fee is £8-50 plus extra for additional tours. Although people living local can get a free pass. They put on concerts and exhibitions from time to time, Jethro Tull played there a few years ago.

Didn’t Jesus scatter the money lenders from the Temple?
Looks like his concessionaires have more in common with the money lenders.
Gods house ?
The last outpost falls, the only one where I’ve been where you can walk in and sit for a breather for nothing is.....Ypres.... and they had to rebuild that from the ground up.

the excuse that they,ll possibly use for getting this money is the costs of restoration of these buildings. unless things have been ignored for years it does seem odd that after nearly 1,000 years they need to be done right now. what next season tickets and reduced admission for the Pew End only.

No doubt it will be renamed the Suits Direct cathedral at Durham.

Surely the ‘Monks Garb Direct’ Cathedral at Durham...... with a proven track record of wandering around cloisters you get in for nowt.

That's a good habit...............I'll get me coat !!!

Winchester cathedral was a catchy tune, it was knocked off the No1 spot by the Beach Boys 'Good Vibrations'.

any sponsors around for St.Hilda,s with comfy seats and a good view of the pulpit.

How about this for a Cathedral 5 a side line up......

Benny Dickteen
Dom Innicans. Greg Orions
Frank Ciscans. Chris Tercians

Reffed by Dicky Upthechoir

Had a day out to Beverley the other week, with plenty of places to eat and drink and plenty of shops for the missus. Took a look around the Minster/Cathedral, a mighty impressive building and it was free too!

Jamie's missus making the sandwiches...

... Mona Sterry

After match drinking Abbot Ale