Families have a chance to see first hand the resident bat population of Durham Cathedral as the city landmark offers even more reasons to visit over the school holidays.
A Bat Watch and a Bat Walk are taking place over the summer break alongside other cathedral activities including shell hunts and tours revealing the likes of the Chapter House which has Harry Potter connections.
This room, rarely opened to the public, had a starring role as Professor McGonagall's classroom at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and is set to be a huge draw for young fans of the film.
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A range of tours is on offer and include - for those with a head for heights - a chance to enjoy the views from the restored central tower which recently reopened following the lifting of restrictions, while visitors are also encouraged to make the most of an outing to the venue by bringing along a picnic to enjoy in its Monks' Garden .
The Bat Watch will take place, alongside themed activities, in the Cloister on Monday, August 23 when families will have the opportunity to spot the resident bats living there above their heads.
Starting at 7.30pm, the 90-minute watch - suitable for all ages - will be an opportunity to see and learn about the Common Pipistrelle bat of which the cathedral has the second largest roost in the UK.
Before that there will be a night-time Bat Walk along Durham's adjacent river banks.
Aimed at teenagers and adults, this 90-minute guided tour, starting at 8.30pm on August 9, will be out to spot bats outdoors and walkers will be able to have a go at using a bat detector and learn about the fascinating creatures.
There will be other opportunities to discover more about the local area at other cathedral events, including a weekday Outdoor Tour taking in the surrounding woodland.
Other attractions on offer include a Shell Hunt and families can pick up a free trail at the visitor desk to take part.
It's aimed at young ones, who are tasked with finding six scallop shells have been scattered around the building.
And a current LIGHT exhibition on show in the Galilee Chapel.
Here, Chris Levine's installation, which immerses visitors in coloured light and the sound of choral music, can be seen until September after which there will another treat in store.
The cathedral recently announced it will be hosting giant moon exhibit Museum of the Moon from that month: artist Luke Jerram’s illumination which previously has been shown at Centre for Life in Newcastle.
The range of tours, which offer a chance to see inside the likes of the Chapter House, Great Kitchen and Monks Dormitory, are suitable for those aged over eight.
For more information on what is available or to buy tickets for the bat events, which cost £5 and must be pre-booked, see here. To keep up to date with the latest news and what's on updates from across the North East, sign up for our newsletters
