Durham Castle

About Durham Castle

Durham Castle sits on Palace Green directly opposite the cathedral, the two buildings together making up the UNESCO World Heritage Site listed in 1986. Founded in the eleventh century as a Norman stronghold, the castle was for centuries the residence of the Prince Bishops of Durham before becoming home to University College, part of Durham University, in the nineteenth century.

Because it remains a working college and student residence, the castle is open to the public through guided tours, which take in the great hall, the Norman chapel and the historic staircases and courtyards. Its position at the heart of the peninsula, ringed by the river, makes it one of the most striking survivals of medieval England and a natural companion to a visit to the cathedral and Palace Green.

Featured in These Guides

Blog posts and guides that feature Durham Castle.

Corporate Christmas Party Venues in Durham

Where a Durham business can actually book a Christmas party: shared party nights at Ramside and the Riverside, exclusive function suites at the Radisson Blu, and the one venue option no other city has, a college dinner inside Durham Castle.

Christmas Markets in Durham

Durham Christmas Festival runs from 4 to 6 December 2026 across Palace Green, the Cathedral Cloisters, the Market Hall and the Market Place, with a ticketed craft marquee of over 180 stalls and a lantern parade on the Sunday.

The Best Wedding Venues in Durham

From a wedding in Durham Castle to a country barn in 100 acres, our guide to the best wedding venues in and around Durham City for every style and budget.

Interesting Facts About Durham: A City Like No Other

A saint carried around the North for a century, prince bishops with their own army, and a cathedral that doubled as Hogwarts. Fascinating facts about the city of Durham.

The Best Photography Spots in Durham

From the classic Prebends Bridge view to the riverbanks, Wharton Park and Observatory Hill, our guide to the best places to photograph Durham's World Heritage skyline.

Things to Do in Durham

From the World Heritage cathedral and castle to riverside walks, museums and the Victorian market hall, here is our guide to the best things to do in Durham.

A Weekend in Durham

How to spend a perfect two days in Durham, from the World Heritage cathedral and castle to riverside walks, independent restaurants and the Victorian market hall.

Durham Castle: A Visitor's Guide

How to visit the Norman castle on Palace Green, once home to the Prince Bishops and now a Durham University college, open to the public by guided tour.

The Prince Bishops of Durham

For centuries the Bishops of Durham ruled the County Palatine with near-royal powers, raising armies, holding courts and minting their own coins. Here is their story.

Walking the Durham World Heritage Site: A Self-Guided Route

A short circular walk around Durham's peninsula, taking in the cathedral and castle, Palace Green, Prebends Bridge and the wooded riverbanks of the Wear.

A Student's Guide to Durham

New to Durham University? An introduction to life in one of England's oldest university cities, from the collegiate system to getting around a compact, hilly city.

Durham University Colleges Explained

Durham's collegiate system explained, from the historic Bailey colleges on the peninsula to the Hill colleges on Elvet Hill, and what college life actually involves.

Halloween in Durham

Spooky season in the city: family castle tours, Kynren's Halloween fireworks spectacular, a grown-up cocktail masterclass and a big family Halloween at Beamish nearby.