Durham Castle
County Durham, England
Photo: Tim Green from Bradford, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Tilman2007, CC BY-SA 4.0 ยท Carla Brain, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- University College, Durham University
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Limited tour days
- Nearest station
- Durham, 0.3 miles (straight-line)
- Stays
- Overnight accommodation available
- Note
- Guided tours; B&B during university vacations
Pinpoint
Durham DH1 3RW
Telephone 0191 334 3800
A Norman castle turned university college - Durham Castle has housed students of University College since 1837, and today it's part of the Durham Cathedral and Castle UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visits are guided-tour-only, and because students still live there, you see a smaller slice of the building than the exterior suggests.
At a glance
Worth the trip
The guided tour itself - reviewers consistently call the guides funny and knowledgeable, turning what could be a limited visit into a genuine highlight.
Before you go
You can't visit independently - book a guided tour ahead, and be aware tour times are limited and access to student-occupied areas is restricted.
What visitors say
Durham Castle reviews · 4.6 / 5 across 2,087 Google reviews
Several reviewers enjoyed the guided tour of Durham Castle and found the guides knowledgeable, but a recurring theme is disappointment that only a small portion of the castle is open to visitors since much of it is used as student housing, and that tours are short at around 45 minutes.
Visitors are reminded that entry is only possible via a booked tour, not free exploration.
“Stunning place, world class, fascinating and almost addictively good. Wonderful tour guides, great value. Creat many memories here. Thoroughly recommended.”- Tad Baranski, visitor review
Within reach of Newcastle (14 miles) - see what else is nearby.
History
William the Conqueror
Built by William the Conqueror in 1071 as a Norman motte-and-bailey stronghold, Durham Castle served as the residence of the powerful Prince Bishops of Durham for nearly 900 years. When the last bishop, William van Mildert, founded Durham University in 1832, he gave the castle to the university, and it became a college residence. Today University College occupies the castle with students living in the medieval and later structures. Tours are guide-led only due to ongoing residential use by university members.
Adapted from this castle's Wikipedia article, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Guided tours
- “Visited the castle today as an birthday surprise, you have to book a guided tour and cannot visit on your own.” - John Brown
- Terrain & accessibility
- “The castle looks fantastic from the outside and is steeped in history.” - John Brown
Common questions about Durham Castle
Where is Durham Castle?
Durham Castle is in County Durham, England, at Durham DH1 3RW.
How do you visit Durham Castle?
Durham Castle opens on limited tour days rather than every day, and is looked after by University College, Durham University. Because the dates are restricted, check the official site and book ahead before travelling.
Can you stay overnight at Durham Castle?
Yes - Durham Castle offers bookable accommodation, so you can spend the night in the castle itself or within its grounds. See the Castles You Can Sleep In guide for the full list and how each stay works.
What is the highlight of visiting Durham Castle?
The guided tour itself - reviewers consistently call the guides funny and knowledgeable, turning what could be a limited visit into a genuine highlight.
Is Durham Castle a ruin or still intact?
Durham Castle is largely intact - Guided tours; B&B during university vacations.
