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

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    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
1325 reviews
    • Excellent
      720
    • Very Good
      418
    • Average
      115
    • Poor
      37
    • Terrible
      35

    Recent Reviews:

    • ArinAnnan
      Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
      Trip Type:
      Solo travel
      Fantastic historical landmark
      5 of 5 stars
      Sunday, 16th October 2022
      The castle can only be visited as part of a guided tour as it's part of the university facilities. Our guide was a history student and he was very knowledgeable and passionate about the legacy of the... Read full review
    • debatt2014
      Harlow, United Kingdom
      Trip Type:
      Couples
      well worth a visit
      5 of 5 stars
      Wednesday, 7th December 2022
      fantastic to look inside this castle but visits are booked only with a guide as it is where students live and is in daily use. Read full review
    • Ferenc M
      United Kingdom
      Trip Type:
      Solo travel
      an absolute must see..and check out museum and library too
      5 of 5 stars
      Monday, 19th December 2022
      This is quite amazing. Only £5 to do the guided tour, only way you can see it. When you get your ticket, make sure you see the exhibitions and get to the library too. Absolutely enthralling. Read full review
    Write a review
    © TripAdvisor 2023

    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

    2023 (1 Jan 2023 - 31 Dec 2023)

    * Closed 22 December to 6 January.
    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/
    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

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