When I first tried to visit Durham Castle, I turned up without booking and stood outside wondering why the gates were locked. Here’s what catches everyone off guard: you cannot simply walk in. Unlike other English castles like Alnwick Castle, Newcastle Castle, Dunstanburgh Castle and Bamburgh Castle, this is a working university college. Students actually sleep in Norman-era rooms, so access is strictly by pre-booked guided tour only. No tour booking, no entry. The second surprise? The castle closes at very short notice for university events, sometimes cancelling tours the same day.
Quick overview
Durham Castle costs £7.50 for adults, with 16-18 year-olds and students paying £6. Under-16s enter free. The castle operates guided tours only — you cannot explore independently. Tour times vary throughout the year and are released on the booking system just one month in advance. Tours run during afternoons in term time and mornings plus afternoons during university holidays. Ring 0191 334 2932 before visiting to confirm tours are running.
At a glance
| Price | Opening hours | Address | Free for | Last entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £7.50 adult | Varies — tours only | Palace Green, Durham DH1 3RW | Under 16s, Durham University staff/students | Tour-dependent |
How much does Durham Castle cost?
The pricing is simple with no hidden fees or add-ons.
| Ticket type | Price | Who qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | £7.50 | Ages 18+ |
| 16-18 | £6 | Valid ID required |
| Student | £6 | Non-Durham University students with valid ID |
| Child | Free | Ages 0-15 (must be accompanied by adult) |
| Durham University | Free | Staff and students with valid ID |
There are no family tickets, group discounts advertised online, or season passes.
These Durham Castle entry fees were checked and verified in January 2026.
Is Durham Castle free to enter?
Children under 16 enter free when accompanied by a paying adult. Durham University staff and students also receive free admission with valid ID. Everyone else pays. Unlike Durham Cathedral next door (which requests £5 donations but doesn’t enforce payment), the castle charges a fixed admission fee. There are no free entry days, late-night openings, or pay-what-you-wish schemes.
What time does Durham Castle open?
This is where it gets complicated. The castle doesn’t have standard opening hours because it’s a functioning university college. Tour times vary depending on university term dates and activities. Generally, tours run in afternoons during term time and mornings plus afternoons during university holidays. However — and this is critical — the castle closes between 23 December and 5 January every year, plus every so often for graduation ceremonies.
Tour slots appear on the Eventbrite booking system only one month in advance. If you’re planning ahead, you’ll need to check back on the castle website closer to your visit date. The castle can cancel tours at short notice for university or commercial activities. Always ring 0191 334 2932 before travelling to confirm tours are running that day.
Do I need to book Durham Castle tickets in advance?
Yes, absolutely. Walk-ups are not accepted. You must book via the Eventbrite link on the Durham University website. Tours sell out, especially during school holidays. The guided tour is the only way to access the castle — there’s no self-guided option except during July, August, and September when selected dates offer self-guided tours with optional audio guides. These summer dates are also released one month in advance on Eventbrite.
History
Durham Castle was built in the 1070s under William the Conqueror‘s orders, part of the Norman suppression of northern England following the Harrying of the North. For nearly 800 years, it served as the residence and power base of the Prince Bishops of Durham — semi-regal figures who ruled County Durham with extraordinary independence, including their own parliament, army, and courts.
The Prince Bishops preferred Auckland Castle and often neglected Durham Castle, which fell into disrepair. In 1832, the Great Reform Act stripped the bishops of their secular powers. The last Prince Bishop, William Van Mildert, responded by founding Durham University and donating the castle as accommodation for University College in 1837.
Students have lived here continuously since, making it one of the world’s few castles still serving its residential function after nearly 1,000 years. Durham Castle and Cathedral jointly received UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1986.
What you’ll see on the tour
Tours last 50-60 minutes and cover several key rooms. The Norman Chapel from the 1080s is Durham’s oldest surviving building, featuring six stone columns with extraordinary carved capitals depicting a mermaid (possibly England’s earliest example), a hunted stag, lions, snakes, and an ox.
The Tunstall Chapel showcases rare 16th-century wooden misericords carved with fables and legendary creatures.
The Tunstall Gallery (1540) was built for entertaining and promenading, housing the once-hidden Norman Arch — one of England’s finest Norman archways.
The Black Stairs, built in the 1660s, rise 17 metres without vertical supports in a “flying staircase” design, decorated with carved wooden pineapples (expensive rarities at the time). Supports were added shortly after construction when the stairs began sagging.
The Great Hall dates from the 13th century, built for Edward I’s visit. At 30 metres long and 13 metres high, it remains one of England’s largest Great Halls and functions today as the students’ dining hall, with walls covered in banners and portraits.
You’ll enter through the 12th-century Gatehouse into the Courtyard, designed to appear larger than it is due to cliffs on two sides.
What’s included with your ticket?
- 50-60 minute guided tour
- Access to Norman Chapel, Tunstall Chapel, Tunstall Gallery
- Black Stairs viewing
- Great Hall access
- Courtyard and Gatehouse entry
- Expert commentary from student or volunteer guides
Not included: Keep tower (student accommodation, not shown), audio guides (only available on summer self-guided days), photography of certain areas (check with guide), access to student accommodation areas.
Things to do near Durham Castle
Durham Cathedral (adjacent, 1 minute’s walk) — Magnificent Norman cathedral with UNESCO World Heritage status, housing St Cuthbert’s Shrine and the Venerable Bede’s tomb. The Cloisters and Chapter House featured in the first two Harry Potter films.
Palace Green Library (50m south, 1 minute’s walk) — Part of Durham University’s library system, housed in historic buildings on Palace Green. Free exhibitions showcasing rare books, manuscripts, and archives. World Heritage Site Visitor Centre located here.
Durham University Botanic Garden (1.8km south, 25 minutes’ walk or 5 minutes’ drive) — 18-acre garden featuring tropical glasshouse, woodland walks, and seasonal displays. Alpine House showcases mountain plants.
Crook Hall and Gardens (650m northeast, 8 minutes’ walk) — Medieval hall with Shakespeare garden, cathedral garden, and orchard. The building dates from the 13th century. Cream teas served in the hall.
Durham Market Place (400m north, 5 minutes’ walk) — Historic market square surrounded by Victorian and Georgian buildings. General market Saturdays, farmers market third Thursday monthly. Free to visit. Nearby indoor market hall open Monday-Saturday.
Practical tips
Location: On Palace Green, immediately adjacent to Durham Cathedral in the heart of the World Heritage Site. The castle sits on a peninsula formed by the River Wear.
Getting there: Durham railway station is 1.5km away — a 20-minute uphill walk or 5 minutes on the Cathedral Bus (every 20 minutes, £2). Park-and-ride schemes operate from several locations outside the city. Driving onto the Durham City peninsula incurs a congestion charge. No parking exists at the castle itself.
Time needed: The guided tour lasts 50-60 minutes. Most visitors spend 15-20 minutes in the courtyard before tours begin. Combined with Durham Cathedral, budget half a day.
Tour guides: Typically Durham University history students or trained volunteers. Quality varies — some are genuinely passionate and knowledgeable, others rush through. Multiple visitors praise guides by name in reviews, suggesting you get what you’re given on the day.
Photography: Allowed in most areas for personal use. Flash photography discouraged. Some rooms prohibit photography entirely — your guide will specify. The Norman Chapel’s lighting makes decent photos challenging.
Accessibility: The castle is largely inaccessible to wheelchair users and pushchairs due to its historic layout. The tour route involves many steps and staircases, some uneven. Guide and assistance dogs welcome; family pets prohibited. Contact the castle ahead if you have specific mobility questions.
What to wear: Indoor spaces are unheated in places. Stone buildings retain cold. Even in summer, bring layers. Comfortable shoes essential — you’ll be standing and walking on uneven stone surfaces for an hour.
Children: Under-16s enter free, making this excellent value for families. However, the guided tour format doesn’t suit very young children. Historical content appeals more to ages 8+. No children’s activity sheets or interactive elements.
Combination tickets: No official combination tickets exist with Durham Cathedral or other attractions, despite their proximity. You pay separately for everything.
Short-notice closures: This cannot be stressed enough — the castle cancels tours frequently and sometimes with zero notice. University events, commercial bookings, and academic activities all take precedence over public tours. Check the day before, or even morning of, by ringing 0191 334 2932.
FAQs
Why can’t I just walk around myself?
Because students live here. This is their home and university college. You’re essentially touring occupied student accommodation, so access is strictly controlled via guided tours for safeguarding and privacy reasons.
Can I stay overnight at Durham Castle?
Yes, but only during university holiday periods when students vacate. Durham University’s Events team manages bookings for conferences and special events. Check eventdurham.com for availability and pricing.
How far in advance should I book?
Tours appear on Eventbrite one month ahead. Book as soon as your date appears. School holidays sell out quickly. Last-minute availability exists sometimes, but don’t rely on it.
Are tours available in other languages?
No. All tours are conducted in English by student or volunteer guides. No foreign language audio guides or printed materials exist.
Why is the Keep tower not included?
It houses student bedrooms and accommodation. You cannot tour active student living spaces for obvious privacy and safeguarding reasons.
Can I bring a pushchair?
Pushchairs cannot navigate the tour route due to multiple staircases and narrow passages. No storage facilities exist for them during tours.
What happens if my tour is cancelled?
Contact the castle immediately via [email protected] or 0191 334 2932. They’ll attempt to rebook you if possible. Refund policies aren’t clearly stated online — clarify when booking.
Is this worth visiting if I’ve seen other castles?
The Norman Chapel alone justifies the £7.50. The combination of architectural periods, the unusual residential status, and the World Heritage setting make this distinctive. However, you see relatively little of the castle compared to other historic properties in North-East England — the tour covers perhaps 10% of the building.
More North-East England travel
Other North-East England travel articles on Planet Whitley incude:
- 7 reasons to visit Newcastle.
- How to see High Force – England’s most powerful waterfall.
- Why visit the Low Force waterfall in Upper Teesdale?
- Kielder Observatory visitor guide.
- Planning a visit to Housesteads Roman Fort and Chesters Norman Fort on Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland.
