Guest & Delegate Information
Address:
Contact Details:
Directions
The Castle is a 15 to 20 minute walk, most of which is uphill, from both the train and bus station.
The Cathedral Bus Service (approximately every 10 minutes) is available for transport between the train and bus stations and the Cathedral (directly opposite the Castle). The buses are easy access and the fare is currently 50p or free to Senior Citizens and covers travel all day on the day of purchase. You can visit the website at http://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/Service.aspx?ServiceId=6251
The train station is 10 minutes away by car and accessible taxis are usually available.
Arrival and car parking facilities
Parking is severely restricted on the World Heritage Site, however, if a space is available bed and breakfast guests can obtain a permit from the Lodge Reception which will allow them to park free overnight.Vehicles must be moved off Palace Green by 09:00 each day.
Parking in the Courtyard is very restricted and a permit is required to park there. Bed and breakfast guests are welcome to drive in to drop off luggage and guests and then move their vehicle to one of the local parking areas at Prince Bishop's Shopping Centre, or the Sands. During wedding receptions, it may not be possible for cars to enter the Courtyard and we ask for your patience during these special occasions.
The Lindisfarne Gospels will be on display in the Palace Green Library in the Summer months of 2013. Due to the high volume of expected vistors there will be no parking facilities around Palace Green or the Castle courtyard over this period.
Visitors and guests with mobility problems are advised to contact us well in advance so that we can provide the best advice and assistance and where possible reserve a parking space.
The entrance to the Castle (the Barbican) is a single track cobbled road with a restricted entrance through the Gatehouse to the Courtyard. The Barbican is approximately 4.2 metres wide and the Gatehouse 2.5 metres wide by 2.6 metres high
Guests Staying at the Castle
Check In: from 2.00pm
Check Out: by 10.00am (Luggage can be stored if required)
Accessibility
The nature and layout of the Castle, means that the majority of the building is inaccessible to wheelchair users. The tour route and access to bedrooms involves many steps and staircases, some of which are uneven. If you are interested in staying overnight in Castle please contact our Accommodation Co-ordinator for advice on suitable rooms.
For guided tours, with prior notice, arrangements can be made for wheelchair users and guests who require assistance to use one of the service entrances to view the Great Hall, Buttery and Kitchen. There is one toilet equipped for disabled use, although this is accessed via a set of 6 steps. Reception/The Lodge/World Heritage Site Visitor Centre will provide directions. Visitors with limited mobility can be shown to the disabled toilets at the World Heritage Site Visitor Centre.
Reception
Term time
During term time visitors and guests should report to the Porter's Lodge which is clearly signed on the left-hand side of the Gatehouse. The Lodge is manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Porter does occasionally have to leave the Lodge for security patrols or to assist guests. Simply wait in the small waiting area for his return.
Vacations
During vacation a hotel-style Reception is open directly opposite the Gatehouse entrance, across the Courtyard (signposted). Opening times are 08:00 to 20:00 daily. There is one step down into the Castle, turn left into Reception through the double doors on to a level stone floor. A small seating area is provided in Reception.
Information on local attractions, entertainment and places to eat in the City is on display.
Toilets
Public toilets are available on the right-hand side of the entrance passage to the Undercroft Bar (signposted). Gents first right, Ladies through the glass doors and first right. There is one toilet equipped for disabled use, although this is accessed via a set of 6 steps. Reception/The Lodge will provide directions. Baby changing facilities are available. Please ask a member of staff for directions.
Other Information
Durham University operates a no smoking policy in all of it's premises.
Please note that Durham Cathedral is located next to Durham Castle and as a result guests should be aware the Cathedral bells ring prior to services on a Sunday and between 18.30 and 20.30 each Thursday evening.
