Skip To Main Content

  • Accommodation
    • Don't Miss
      • City Breaks
      • Coast and Countryside Escapes
      • Spa Breaks
      • Dog Friendly
      • Stunning Stays
    • Hotels
    • B&B and Guest Houses
    • Inns & Pubs
    • Self Catering & Holiday Cottages
      • Self Catering Agencies
    • Caravan, Camping & Glamping
    • Hostels
    • Special Offers
  • Things to Do
    • Don't Miss
      • Beamish Museum
      • Bowlees Visitor Centre
      • Dalton Park Outlet Shopping Centre
      • Durham Castle Tours
      • Durham Cathedral
      • Durham University Botanic Garden
      • Durham University Oriental Museum
      • Hamsterley Forest
      • Hardwick Park
      • High Force
      • Kynren- An epic Tale of England
      • Locomotion
      • Palace Green Library
      • Raby Castle
      • The Bowes Museum
      • Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
      • Wharton Park
    • Support Durham's Local Businesses
    • Attractions
      • Castles & Historic Houses
      • Cathedral & Churches
      • Hands on History
      • Gardens & Parks
      • Family Fun
      • Museums & Galleries
      • Waterfalls & Reservoirs
    • Activities
      • Adventure Activities
      • Cycling
      • Fishing
      • Golf
      • Horse Riding
      • Spas
      • Walking
    • Entertainment
      • Cinema
      • Theatre
    • Shopping
      • Antiques
      • Arts & Crafts
      • Farm Shops & Markets
      • Garden Centres
      • Independent Shops & Boutiques
      • Shopping Centres
      • Regional Delivery Service
    • Sightseeing, Tours & Guides
      • Attraction Tours
      • Tour Guides
      • Scenic Tours
      • Cycling Tours
      • Walking Tours
      • Durham City Guide - Churches, Chapels and Cafes
    • Weddings
      • Historic Wedding Venues
      • Hotel Wedding Venues
      • Wedding Fairs & Events
      • Stag & Hen Party Ideas
      • Wedding Packages
  • What's On
    • Dark Skies Events
    • Family Events
      • Free Events
      • May Half Term Events
      • Father's Day Events
    • Foodie Events
    • Historic Events
    • Cinema, Theatre & Music Events
      • Cinema Venues
      • Theatre Venues
    • Sporting Events
    • 2022 Top Ten Events
  • Food & Drink
    • Don't Miss
      • Cafe Bowes at The Bowes Museum
      • Collage Restaurant and Grill
      • Eating Out at Ushaw
      • Headlam Hall Restaurant
      • Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill
      • Ozone at Seaham Hall
      • The Dining Room
      • The Rose and Crown
      • Undercroft Restaurant
    • Support Durham's Local Businesses
    • Restaurants
    • Tearooms & Coffee Shops
    • Pubs & Bars
    • Local Produce
      • Farmers Markets
      • Farm Shops
    • Afternoon Tea in Durham
    • Inspire Me
      • Food Itineraries
      • Foodie Events
      • Tasty Tours
      • Tasty Places to Stay
  • Inspire Me
    • Don't Miss
      • Auckland Castle
      • Beamish Museum
      • Dalton Park
      • Durham Cathedral
      • Hamsterley Forest
      • High Force
      • Killhope
      • Kynren – an epic tale of England
      • North Pennines AONB
    • Short Break Ideas
      • Dark Skies
      • Escape the Everyday
      • Dog Friendly Durham
      • Romantic Getaways
      • Spa Breaks
      • Golf Breaks
      • Weddings
      • City Break
    • Seasonal
      • Spring Breaks
      • Summer Breaks
      • Autumn Breaks
      • Winter Breaks
    • Blog Squad
    • Taste Durham
    • Only in Durham
    • Discover Durham's Great Outdoors
    • Delve Into Our Heritage
    • Durham's Unmissable Highlights
    • Itineraries
  • Explore Durham
    • Durham City
    • Durham Dales
    • Vale of Durham
    • Durham Coast
    • Durham Towns
      • Barnard Castle
      • Bishop Auckland
      • Chester-le-Street
      • Seaham
      • Stanhope
    • North Pennines AONB and UNESCO Global Geopark
    • North East England
  • Visitor Information
    • Information Points
    • Maps of Durham
    • Getting to Durham
    • Getting Around Durham
      • Car Hire
      • Taxis
      • Electric Car Charging Points
    • Accessibility
    • Publications
    • Durham Apps
    • Durham Videos
    • Discover Durham Digitally

Don't Miss

  • mother and daughter walking dogs at hamsterley forest

    Walking in Durham

  • Queens Jubilee logo

    The Queen's Platinum Jubilee

  • High Force in Durham

    Only in Durham

  • Seaham summer beach holiday fun

    Summer Breaks

  • Corporate
  • Groups & Travel Trade
  • Durham Place Of Light
  • Northern Saints
Menu
  • Top Attractions

  • Places To Stay

  • Things to Do

    Things to Do in Durham

  • Planning Your Trip

    Planning Your Trip

  • Inspire Me

Site Search Icon
My Account icon

Login to your account

Welcome to the Itinerary Planner. Use this tool to build your own journey or choose from an exciting range of specially selected tours.

To build your own Itinerary, click Add to Excursion to add an item to your Itinerary basket.

List All My Saved Itineraries

  • Logo
  • Print Logo
Close Navigation

Follow Us...

  • Facebook

    Thumbnail for Facebook

  • Twitter

    Thumbnail for Twitter

  • YouTube

    YouTube Icon

  • Pintrest

    Pinterest

  • Instagram

    Instagram

  • Blog

    This is Durham Blog

You are here > Home > Things to Do > Durham Castle

Durham Castle

From £0.00
Durham University
Palace Green
Durham City
County Durham
DH1 3RW

Tel: +44 0191 334 2932

Email

Visit Website

Add Durham Castle to your Itinerary

The Courtyard of Durham Castle, showing the Gatehouse and Great Hall and Garden Stairs
  • The Courtyard of Durham Castle, showing the Gatehouse and Great Hall and Garden Stairs
  • The Norman Chapel in Durham Castle
  • A family on a Castle Tour in the Tunstall Gallery of Durham Castle.
  • Visitors on a Castle Tour in the Great Hall of Durham Castle
  • Entrance to the Great Hall of Durham Castle
  • Tunstall Gallery in Durham Castle

About

Experience over 1000 years of history on a Durham Castle Tour and discover how it functions today as the home of University College.

Durham Castle, together with the Cathedral, was awarded the status of a World Heritage Site in 1986 providing international recognition for this unique, historic and scenic site. Built in the Norman period as an imposing fortress, Durham Castle’s story is entwined with that of the Prince-Bishops of Durham, whose semi-regal status made them some of the most powerful and wealthy men in the country.

Discover a castle that gradually turned into a lavish palace, which was affected by major historical events from the Norman Conquest to the English Civil War. It was transformed in the Victorian period into a place of learning, as the home of University College, the founding college of Durham University.

Today Durham Castle remains a living building, evolving to modern day life while retaining its power to impress as part of the iconic Durham skyline.  

Visit us

Due to the residential nature of the building entrance is by guided tour only. Our knowledgeable and friendly tour guides will take you through the Gatehouse and into heart of the historic building. Here you will experience history and tales from 1000 years of living history. Tours last approx. 45-50 minutes. 

Visitors wishing to take part in a guided tour of Durham Castle need to purchase tickets at Palace Green Library and then meet your tour guide outside of Durham Castle.The historic nature and layout of the Castle means that the majority of the building is inaccessible to wheelchair users. The tour route involves many steps and staircases, some of which are uneven.

Tour times can vary - Please contact us or visit our webpage 

Telephone 0191 334 2932 or email castle.tours@durham.ac.uk

 

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Concession£4.50 per person per day
Adults£5.00 per ticket type
Children (under 11)Free

**Due to the residential nature of the building entrance is by guided tour only. Tours last approx. 45-50 minutes. The following tour times are a general guide as it is sometimes necessary to cancel tours due to University or commercial activities. Newly implemented safety measures will be in place during your visit to ensure a safe environment.**

Video

  • Video

Gradings

  • VAQAS VB Attraction
VAQAS VB Attraction

Awards

  • Visit EnglandVAQAS VAQAS 2019

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

4.5 of 5 stars
1310 reviews
    • Excellent
      713
    • Very Good
      411
    • Average
      115
    • Poor
      37
    • Terrible
      34

    Recent Reviews:

    • Tony W
      Cambridge, United Kingdom
      Truely Impressive
      5 of 5 stars
      Friday, 13th May 2022
      The castle is a "Hall of Residence" for University students, so the only way to look around is with a tour (by a student). Very clear (and sometimes amusing) insights into the history. We would the... Read full review
    • RandyKn
      Durham Castle/University
      5 of 5 stars
      Friday, 13th May 2022
      Excellent guided tour of the castle done by one of the university students. There is also a small museum next to the castle (where you buy the tour tickets). Don't miss that. Small but lots of... Read full review
    • johnpZ4299KQ
      Sidmouth, United Kingdom
      Need to book
      4 of 5 stars
      Saturday, 21st May 2022
      Booking is a must to gain admission.Otherwise, you will be looking through the railings from the outside. Read full review
    Write a review
    © TripAdvisor 2022

    Facilities

    COVID-19 Response

    • 1m distancing in place
    • Capacity limit
    • COVID-19 measures in place
    • Face mask essential (not provided)
    • Online booking possible

    Tours and Demonstrations

    • Educational Visits Accepted
    • Guided Tours Available for Groups
    • Guided Tours Compulsory for Individuals

    Access Information

    Opening Times

    Season (1 Jan 2022 - 31 Dec 2022)

    * When there are no private events booked, tours are usually available every day at 1315, 1415, 1515 and 1615. During University vacations, tours are also normally offered at 1015, 1115 and 1215 noon.

    facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/durham.castle.museum/

    TWITTER UPDATES

    University College

    durhamcastle

    University College

    We had a very successful tie dye event getting our Pride attire ready 🏳️‍🌈 thank you once again to Dana for organis… https://t.co/SvIQm1ei0u
    25 May 2022   09:12:05
    A few highlights from Castle’s Inter MCR Formal ⭐️ #medieval #durhamuniversity https://t.co/Brqm5GxFma
    19 May 2022   10:36:58
    instagram: https://www.instagram.com/durhamcastlemuseum/?hl=en

    Map & Directions

    Map Link

    View Map

    Road Directions

    Nearest major road is A1(M). From the A1(M) take the A690 to Durham.

    Public Transport Directions

    Nearest station is Durham Station. The Durham Cathedral bus (every 20 minutes) links the railway station, North Road (for bus station), Market Place, and car and coach parks with the cathedral and castle. For more information see Durham County Council's web site www.durham.gov.uk or contact Traveline on 0871 200 22 33, www.traveline.info. Calls cost 10p per minute plus any charges your network provider makes

    Highlights...

    Durham CityDurham City, Durham CityA beautiful city with winding cobbled streets packed with history, culture and stunning architecture. Guarded by the River Wear, Durham City with its dramatic skyline never fails to impress.

    Hexham AbbeyThe Way of Light, HexhamWelcome to a breath-taking trail that transports you from the dawn of Christianity through to contemporary pilgrimage via Dark Ages battles that changed a region’s faith, abbeys that matched Rome for majesty and a stunning seminary that taught England ’s leading ecclesiastics.

    The Angel of the NorthThe Angel's Way, Whitley BayTraverse Tyneside in all its multi-faceted allure, from a sandy seaside village to the site that once housed St Cuthbert’s remains through a titanic legacy of medieval magic, Industrial Age endeavour and sheer contemporary class.

    National Glass Centre SunderlandThe Way of Learning, JarrowGain the ultimate enlightenment on The Way of Learning as it takes you on the trail of England’s original scholar, the Venerable Bede through a rich legacy of the North East’s foremost industry, inventiveness and innovation.

    Auckland TowerThe Way of Life, DarlingtonThe Way of Life is one wondrous route: healing waters, one of England ’s oldest churches and a palatial castle where Prince Bishops once resided, plus places where St Cuthbert made miracles occur.

    Heugh LighthouseThe Way of Love, HartlepoolThe Way of Love follows the influence of three of the most important female figures in the establishment of Christianity in England - St Hilda, St Helena and St Mary Magdalene - whilst mixing maritime and mining heritage, nationally-important nature reserves and the North East’s iconic denes.

    What's Nearby

    1. Palace Green Library: DLI Collection Gallery

      DLI Collection at Palace Green Library

      Explore the history of the Durham Light Infantry enjoying items from the collection with…

      0.05 miles away
    2. Palace Green Library Exterior Durham

      Palace Green Library

      Palace Green Library, in the heart of Durham city, holds Durham University's special…

      0.06 miles away
    3. Romans on display in the Museum of Archaeology

      Museum of Archaeology

      Enjoy our new special exhibition exploring the rich prehistoric and Roman archaeology and…

      0.07 miles away
    1. external image of Durham Town Hall

      Durham Town Hall

      The Town Hall has been central to life in Durham city for more than 650 years.  Learn…

      0.12 miles away
    2. A gold cross pendant with arms inlaid with precious stones.

      Durham Cathedral Museum

      Explore 2000 years of the North East’s history, culture and faith at Durham Cathedral…

      0.13 miles away
    3. Bertie's Play Village

      Bertie's Play Barn

      A bigger and better stay and play for winter, a real adventure for growing minds!…

      0.14 miles away
    4. St Nicolas Church

      St Nicholas Church

      The Church in the Marketplace of Durham City.

      0.14 miles away
    5. St Margaret of Antioch Church

      St Margaret of Antioch Church

      St Margaret of Antioch: a friendly parish church in the heart of Durham. Over many…

      0.14 miles away
    6. Photography Workshop with Gary Lintern

      Durham Cathedral Tours

      Discover the hidden history of Durham Cathedral with one of our regular guided tours.…

      0.14 miles away
    7. Prince Bishop River Cruiser and Browns Rowing Boats

      Prince Bishop River Cruiser and Browns Rowing Boats

      The Prince Bishop River Cruiser offers cruises with spectacular views of historic Durham…

      0.14 miles away
    8. Durham Cathedral Tower Reopening

      Durham Cathedral Tower

      Durham Cathedral Towers
      Enjoy spectacular views of the historic city of Durham and the…

      0.14 miles away
    9. Family walking up to Durham Cathedral

      Durham Cathedral

      Thought by many to be the finest example of Norman church architecture in England, with…

      0.14 miles away
    10. Durham Museum and Heritage Centre

      Durham Museum and Heritage Centre

      Local history museum housed in historic church near cathedral. Tells the story of Durham…

      0.15 miles away
    11. st johns

      St John's Church

      St John’s draws together people of all ages and backgrounds to follow Christ.  

      0.24 miles away
    12. METHODIST CHURCH DURHAM

      North Road Methodist Church

      Grade 2 listed Bethel chapel, which is now a Methodist Church dates back to 1853.

      0.27 miles away
    13. Christchurch Durham

      Christchurch Durham

      Christchurch Durham is an Anglican Evangelical Church in Durham, please see website for…

      0.29 miles away
    Previous Next
    More

    Search What's Nearby

    Product Type
    Proximity
    Within miles
    • Enewsletter Sign Up

    • Win

    • Save

    • Contact Us

    this is our blog

  • Durham's Royal Connections

    Raby Castle reflected in the lake on a bright sunny day

    From Kings of distant past and powerful Prince Bishops to the current Queen of England, Durham has many fascinating connections to royals throughout history.  

  • Royal visits through the years

    HRH Queen Elizabeth II smiling at children during a visit to Durham Cathedral.

    The people of Durham love a good royal visit and over the years, we’ve had plenty of exciting royal visitors.

  • Seventy Years of the Railways

    Deltic train engine

    Celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee at Locomotion's new exhibition - Seventy Years of the Railways.

  • Spain’s Field Farm opening at Beamish Museum after being moved stone by stone

    Spain’s Field Farm at Beamish Museum

    See what life was like for families living in upland farms during the 1950s at Beamish Museum's Spain's Field Farm.

  • Discover The Plotter's Forest at Raby Castle

    artist impression of what Raby Castle forest adventure playground with child playing in treetop wooden towers.

    Adventure awaits this Easter at Raby Castle as The Plotter's Forest adventure playground is due to open. 

  • Loading..Loading..
    • Print Page
    • Email Page
    Home Accommodation
    • Hotels,
    • B&B and Guest Houses,
    • Inns & Pubs,
    • Self Catering & Holiday Cottages,
    • Caravan, Camping & Glamping,
    • Dog Friendly,
    • Hostels,
    • Special Offers,
    Things to Do
    • Attractions,
    • Activities,
    • Shopping,
    • Sightseeing, Tours & Guides,
    What's On
    • Family Events,
    • Foodie Events,
    • Historic Events,
    • Cinema, Theatre & Music Events,
    • Sporting Events,
    • 2022 Top Ten Events,
    Food & Drink
    • Restaurants,
    • Tearooms & Coffee Shops,
    • Pubs & Bars,
    • Local Produce,
    • Tasty Places to Stay,
    • Foodie Events,
    • Food Itineraries,
    • Special Offers,
    Inspire Me
    • Short Break Ideas,
    • Taste Durham,
    • Discover Durham's Great Outdoors,
    • Delve Into Our Heritage,
    • Durham's Unmissable Highlights,
    • Itineraries,
    Explore Durham
    • Durham City,
    • Durham Dales,
    • Vale of Durham,
    • Durham Coast,
    • Durham Towns,
    • North East England,
    Visitor Information
    • Information Points,
    • Maps of Durham,
    • Getting to Durham,
    • Getting Around Durham,
    • Accessibility,
    • Publications,
    Submit Event
    • Accessibility
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Site Map
    • Submit Event
    • Terms & Conditions

    © Copyright Visit County Durham. All Rights Reserved

    Registered Office: Visit County Durham, 2nd Floor, County Hall, Dryburn Road, Durham, DH1 5UL

    • North East England logo

    Ratings & Reviews

    Powered By

    tripadvisor

    • Durham County Council