Guided Tours
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. Standing side by side on a prominent hill top site and encircled by the wooded slopes of the meandering River Wear, the Castle overlooks the medieval City of Durham with its fascinating narrow streets.
Durham Castle is a registered museum as well as a vibrant living and working community. It is the home of University College, the founding College of Durham University and over 100 students are resident during term. In view of this, entrance to the public is by guided tour only. The following tour times are a general guide as it is sometimes necessary to cancel tours at short notice due to University or commercial activities.
Tours during University Term-Time
Tours are normally available every afternoon of the week at 14:00, 15:00 and 16:00. For full details of term dates go to www.dur.ac.uk/dates
Tours during University Vacations
Tours are normally available mosat mornings of the week at 10:00, 11.00 and 12:00, and in the afternoons when there are no commercial activities, from 14:00 to 17:00. Please note that we are closed for the festive season from late December till 03 January each year.
For daily information on guided tour times, please contact our Palace Green Library on: +44 (0)191-334-2932
Tour Prices
Adult £5
Concessions: (Senior Citizens, Students, Children up to 16) £3.50
Family Ticket £12
Group Rates: (for 10+) Adults £4.50; Child/Senior Citizen £3.00
ACCESS TO THE CASTLE The Castle is a vibrant working community and our visitors appreciate that as a student residence there are some limitations regarding access and availability. We publish information on our guided tours on our website (http://www.dur.ac.uk/university.college/tours/) , however it is occasionally necessary to postpone tours at short notice. If you are travelling any distance to visit us we recommend that you check the latest information with our Lodge. We endeavour to provide our visitors and guests with the best experience during their time with us, whether that be as a tourist, bed and breakfast guest or passer by. The following information is provided to assist you in planning your visit and our staff will be happy to answer any further questions you may have. Contact details:
Guided Tours : World Heritage Site Information Centre: +44 (0)191-33-43805.
Porters Lodge : The Porter's Lodge 0191 334 3800
(Transfers to mobile if the Porter is on his rounds)
Bed and Breakfast Enquiries : The Accommodation Co-ordinator 0191 334 4106
Weddings, Banquets etc. : Event Durham 0800 28 99 70
Accessibility
The nature and layout of the Castle, means that the majority of the building is inaccessible to wheelchair users. The tour route and routes to bedrooms also involve 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 will provide directions. Visitors with limited mobility can be shown to staff toilets which require negotiation of one step (21 cm) but they are not equipped for disabled use.
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.
Travelling to Durham Castle
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, subject to availability. bed and breakfast guests can arrange overnight parking on Palace Green. The Lodge/Reception will provide a parking permit at check-I; however, 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.
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.