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Welcome videos

Our wonderful work experience students each year make welcome videos you are welcome to show your class to give them a little more information about their visit.  

If you wish to have closed captioned subtitles, simply click the ‘CC’ button on the video.

Oriental Museum

We are currently developing our other welcome videos for schools visiting Museum of Archaeology, Durham Castle, Archives and Special Collections. 

Accessibility information for booked group visits

Everyone is welcome to our museums, and we are keen to accommodate and support you in making your visit enjoyable. Here are some of the resources we can offer: 

  • Hearing loop 
  • Wheelchair 
  • Ear defenders 
  • Wobbly cushions
  • Sensory bags
  • Visual timetables 
  • Large print guides / printed resources
  • Different coloured paper for printed resources 
  • Magnifying glasses
  • Breakout quiet space 

If you can let us know what you would like to use before the day of your visit, this will help us have things ready for you on your arrival.  

If you have any questions or queries, please contact us on 4schools@durham.ac.uk or by telephone: +44 (0)191 334 2993 / +44 (0)191 334 5695. 

Visual Stories

We have produced visual stories to describe what happens on a typical visit to the Oriental Museum and the Palace Green venues, including Durham Castle and the Museum of Archaeology. We hope these help you to prepare your group to know what to expect on the day of their visit.  

Download them below. 

Durham Castle Visual Story

Visual Story: Museum of Archaeology and Palace Green Library

Oriental Museum Visual Story

Palace Green Library Visual Story

Venue Accessibility

See below for more information on individual venue accessibility information.

Oriental Museum

Information on access to the Oriental Museum, including parking and specific needs for Dementia, autism, D/deaf or visually impaired visitors to the museum.
Oriental Museum galleries from above

Museum of Archaeology

The Museum of Archaeology is located within the Palace Green Library building complex upon the Durham World Heritage Site with specific information for visitors here.
A blurry person walking through a gallery.

Durham Castle

Durham Castle is located in the World Heritage Site and is a Grade 1 listed building. There are accessibility issues so please read carefully and get in touch.
A group of people sat in Tunstall Chapel while a tour guide talks to them

Historic Libraries

Our Historic Libraries, located within the Palace Green Library complex, are unique and incredible places but do have access considerations.
Cosin's Library Bookcases

World Heritage Site Visitors Centre

The World Heritage Site Visitors Centre is a great starting point to understand Durham's historic centre and entrance to the Museum of Archaeology and Historic Libraries.
Series of historic brick buildings behind a large lawn, a group of people walk past while others sit on a bench in front of the building.

Botanic Garden

The Botanic Garden is a very large site with greenhouses, visitor centre, large grounds and historic woodlands. Please read carefully before visiting.
Young girl looks up at large plant at the botanic garden

Art

The Durham University Art Collection is displayed across our venues and campus. Please ensure you speak to the team about where your visit will be taking place.
A group of people walk down a narrow, cobbled street, on the left are houses, to the right a wall with metal fence attached.

Bill Bryson Library

For accessibility information to the Bill Bryson Library for post-16 research visits, please note, you must have completed an induction before visiting.
Students walking down the staircase into the library