Durham Castle - Self-Guided Day
Join us at Durham Castle for a special visit at your own pace this summer.
Date and time
Location
Durham Castle
Palace Green Durham DH1 3RW United KingdomGood to know
Highlights
- 4 hours, 15 minutes
- In person
Refund Policy
About this event
Take a tour around one Durham's most significant historic buildings, designated a World Heritage Site since 1986, and enjoy a rare opportunity to explore Durham Castle on a self-guided visit.
Today you can enjoy the historic and beautiful surroundings at your own pace - Durham castle is usually only accessed by guided tour, but on few selected dates throughout the year we are able to open the doors for self-led visits. Find out about the early days of the Castle, built in the 1070s as a Norman fortress by William the Conqueror, and learn about the powerful Prince-Bishops of Durham, whose seat of power was based for hundreds of years at Durham Castle. Discover how the building became the first college of Durham University and how today it is the home of University College students, who live and learn in Durham Castle.
Our friendly guides and volunteers will be around Durham Castle to answer your questions and share some of the stories and hidden history of the Castle.
Activities for children, including trails, colouring sheets and dressing up will be available on the day.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION:
- Entry to the Castle is from 11am to 3.15pm. The Castle will close at 4pm.
- Your ticket will allow entry in the Castle at any time during this timeframe. PLease make sure you give yourself plenty of time before the castle closing time.
- In advanced of your visit you will need to check in and collect a wristband from Palace Green Library (next door to Durham Castle).
About your visit:
- The historic nature and layout of the Castle means that the majority of the building is inaccessible to wheelchair users. The tour route involves many steps and staircases, some of which are uneven. Accessibility within the Castle is limited due to access to areas via steps only. Any visitors with accessibility needs please contact 0191 334 2932 to discuss. For a full access statement to the venue, please visit our FAQs at the bottom of this page.
- All children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Please consult our FAQs for more information - if you have any other question not covered on this page, please call us at 0191 334 2932 or email us at castle.tours@duham.ac.uk.
Frequently asked questions
Please note that there is no parking available at Durham Castle. The nearest car park, the Prince Bishops Shopping Centre car park, is a 5-10 minute walk. For more information about parking please visit: https://www.dur.ac.uk/things-to-do/venues/durham-castle/visit/getting-here/
For more information on the areas you will see during your tour, you can visit: https://www.dur.ac.uk/things-to-do/venues/durham-castle/visit/tickets-and-times/whats-on-a-tour/
Unfortunately only assistance and therapy pets can be taken along on a tour, family pets are not allowed. A bowl of water for your dog can be requested at the desk at Palace Green Library.
Photos can be taken during a tour, both outside and inside the building. We please ask that you don't use a flash as it can damage our artefacts. We also ask that you refrain from taking pictures of students for privacy reasons.
Refunds will be offered up to midnight of the day before your visit is due. Please note we are unable to offer refunds requested on the day of the visit itself.
The historic nature and layout of the Castle means that unfortunately the majority of the building is not easily accessible by people with limited mobility. A full access statement to the venue can be found here: https://www.dur.ac.uk/things-to-do/venues/durham-castle/visit/access/
You are welcome to come along if you have a pushchair, however you will need to leave it on the ground floor of the castle as it will not be allowed on the upper level. Staff will show you a dedicated area to store it for the duration of your visit.
Palace Green Library has lockers that can be used by members of the public, however these cannot hold suitcases or large bags. We will not be able to keep any large bags on site, so please make sure you find alternative solutions before your visit.
Toilets are available inside the castle and staff on site will be happy to direct you to them. There is one toilet equipped for disabled use, although this is accessed via a set of six steps. Additional toilets are located at Palace Green Library, including a fully accessible toilet.
Our gift shop is located inside Palace Green Library, where you will find a small range of gifts, souvenirs and publications inspired by the castle and our exhibitions and collections. Locally sourced gifts, postcards and Durham Castle branded souvenirs are also available.