I visited the Cathedral for my son's graduation ceremony – what a stunning, awe-inspiring venue! Amazing to think it was built at the end of the eleventh century! We returned the following day to explore the interior between other graduation ceremonies – beautiful stained glass windows, old and more recent, the shrine of St Cuthbert, the tomb of the Bede, the cloisters. We were unable to climb the 300 steps to the Tower as it was closed during the graduation week. There is no entry fee but we left a generous donation in the collection box. I understand there is a small fee charged (£5.00 I believe) for entry to the Tower and that you can also pay £5.00 to enjoy a guided tour.
Looking forward to returning some time soon, when there are no graduation ceremonies taking place, to climb the tower and visit the Lindisfarne Gospel exhibition being staged in the grounds 1 July – 30 September www.lindisfarnegospels.com This beautiful illuminated manuscript was written in 700 AD! Examples of the illuminations can be found on the city's buses!