Durham Castle

About the museum

Durham Castle began in 1072, when William the Conqueror ordered a fortress to guard the rocky peninsula above the River Wear. Soon after, it passed to the Bishops of Durham, who held it for nearly 750 years. As the king's representatives in the north, these Prince Bishops had their own courts, armies and coinage, and they turned the stronghold into a ceremonial palace. The castle was never taken by force.

Successive bishops extended and altered the buildings. The Norman arch dates from the time of Bishop Le Puiset, the Great Hall was built under Bishop Bek around 1300, and Bishop Tunstall added a gallery and chapel in the 16th century. Bishop Cosin built the Black Stairs in the 1660s.

When Durham University was founded in 1832, the bishops handed the castle over to it, and in 1837 it became University College, the oldest of the university's colleges. The medieval keep was rebuilt in 1840 as student rooms to designs by Anthony Salvin. The castle is still a working college, which is why it can only be seen on a guided tour.

Highlights

• Norman Chapel with its sound and light show
• Great Hall of the Prince Bishops
• Black Stairs and Tunstall's Gallery
• Norman arch and the rebuilt Victorian keep
• Part of the Durham World Heritage Site opposite the cathedral

Permanent exhibition

• Norman Chapel – From 9 September 2026 the guided tour includes a projection of moving images, music and changing light inside the Norman Chapel.

Founded

1072

Operated by

Durham University (University College)

Admission & discounts

Prices are for a guided tour or self-guided day. Durham University staff and students enter free. Groups of 10 or more can book tours by arrangement.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Most of the castle cannot be reached by wheelchair users or with pushchairs: there are many steps, uneven stone and timber staircases, cobbles, low doorways and no lifts. The one toilet in the castle that is equipped for disabled use is reached by six steps; an accessible toilet is also available at nearby Palace Green Library. Assistance dogs are welcome. Parking is not possible at the castle, and accessible parking options are listed by the county council. The tour includes a sound and light show in the Norman Chapel with loud sounds and sudden changes of lighting, and visitors can opt out. An AccessAble guide is available.

Kids & families

• Stroller-friendly: not available

Children under 16 enter free. The castle is not suitable for pushchairs because of the many steps.

Getting there & parking

The castle stands on Palace Green opposite Durham Cathedral. From the Market Place it is a walk of 0.2 miles, about 5 minutes, up Saddler Street and Owengate.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Lockers

Gifts, postcards and castle souvenirs are sold in the shop at Palace Green Library, where the visitor services team is based. Lockers at Palace Green Library need a £1 coin, which is returned.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 200 guests.

The Great Hall seats up to 200 guests for dinner and is available during university vacations; the Bishop's Dining Room holds up to 40 all year. Banqueting, weddings, meetings and bed-and-breakfast accommodation are offered.

Plan your visit