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World Heritage Site Visitor Centre

Durham World Heritage site was inscribed by UNESCO in 1986 in recognition of its Outstanding Universal Value, becoming one of the first UK sites to be listed. The site has remained in constant use for 1000 years as a centre for religion, education and pilgrimage.
Aerial View of Palace Green, Durham Castle, and Durham Cathedral

Plan Your Visit

Find out everything you need to know to get the most from our visit: how to find us, opening times and more. Plus, everything you need to know if you or anyone in your group has any special needs or requirements.

If you need additional help in planning your visit, please contact us at the link below.

Contact Us
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.
Tickets and Times
Getting Here
A family exiting Palace Green Library.
Access
Series of historic stone buildings of different shapes and sizes sit behind a road way. There is a large lawn in the front.
Facilities

Book a tour

Come into the World Heritage Site Visitor Centre to book your tour of Durham Castle or the historic Cosin’s Library.

Cosin's Library balcony with bookcases lined along it and a view of the lower level bookcases in the background

Upcoming events

Take a Stitch 2 Durham

Saturday 1 April, 2023
2:50 PM to 2:50 PM
Durham Castle
A collage of crafted textiles
Discover Events

What's here

Find out more about Durham World Heritage Site and how you can explore it. From Durham Cathedral and Castle, to our museums and galleries, talks, tours and trails.

Cosin's Library Bookcases
The Keep of Durham Castle from the Courtyard

Research on the World Heritage Site

Durham World Heritage Site has been a place of learning for over 900 years. Learn more about research taking place today.

Explore more
A great place to start your trip to historic Durham. Staff fantastic. Full of useful suggestions and advice. Definitely visit to library. Amazing. Highly recommend.
Tracey G, United Kingdom

Nearby attractions

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Historic Libraries

Cosin’s Library was founded in 1669 by Bishop John Cosin to give local people access to ‘good books’.

1 Minute Walk
A person exploring the books at a bookcase in Cosin's Library.

Museum of Archaeology

Charting the story of Durham from prehistory to modern times.
1 Minute Walk
A blurry person walking through a gallery.

Durham Castle

Sitting at the heart of Durham's World Heritage Site and occupied continuously since the 11th century.
2 Minute Walk
Castle Tour standing in front of the Norman Arch.

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