An out-of-this-world family adventure at Durham Cathedral

Luke Jerram’s Earth artwork, Gaia, has landed at Durham Cathedral!

Until 10 September, see the seven-metre rotating Earth art work in the Nave of the cathedral. Experience out-of-this-world events for all ages including Dinner under Earth, Yoga, Silent Disco and lots of family friendly activities.

Don’t miss the chance to wander around the Earth this summer, in the iconic cathedral setting.

All the family can explore the impressive size and detail, of this unique art installation floating in three-dimension right in the centre of the cathedral Nave. Created using detailed NASA imagery, you will be able to gaze up at Earth as it’s seen from space, 1.8 million times smaller than the real planet. See if you can spot your home as you walk around the artwork while it slowly rotates or get your camera out and capture the moment with a selfie.

You can see Gaia daily, during cathedral opening hours with no booking required or visit as an after tea-time activity as the cathedral hosts a series of late night openings and special events.

Free family activities

Get the whole family involved with earth-themed and sustainable craft activities, along with out-of-this world experiences.

• Have a go at creating animal origami, every Monday to Friday 11am – 3 pm during the school holidays.
• Follow a recycling trail around the cathedral
• Learn more about the world we live on with a free activity sheet

Earth themed prebookable activities for families

There is a packed programme of earth-themed bookable events, including the family friendly Gaia Lates*, sunset silent discos and nature inspired crafts using recycled materials such as flower pressing and stained glass window making – each week will be slightly different.

*Gaia Lates are an amazing opportunity to see Gaia after hours, from 7pm – 10pm. Each week there is something different from Dried Flower Crown Making to Poetry workshops with live music & street food in the Cloisters it has a real festival feel, great for families looking for an evening activity. They are on every Wednesday in July and every Thursday in August (the last one being the 7th September).

For the full schedule of Gaia events and to book places please click here

Andrew Usher, Chief Officer: Visitor Experience and Enterprise at Durham Cathedral, says,

“We’re delighted to be bringing Gaia to Durham Cathedral this summer. The artwork is created by the same artist who created the Museum of the Moon which brought almost 100,000 people to the cathedral in 2021 and we’re hoping that those who came to see the Moon will return to see the Earth.”

For more information visit or to book one of the extra events online visit: www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/gaia

Kids eat free in summer holidays

During the summer school holidays, we’re making things a little easier for families. With the purchase of one adult meal, two children can eat for free*.

Little ones can chose from a plate of beans on toast or a sandwich and snack, either a piece of fruit or cookie. Ask our friendly staff for more details.

* Terms and conditions apply