Experience over 1000 years of history on a Durham Castle Tour and discover how it functions today as the home of University College.

IMPORTANT NOTICES:

Self-Guided Days: On selected dates in August we run self-guided days instead of regular guided tours. If the date you are interested in is not available on the calendar, please check ou homepage: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/durham-castle-museum-and-tours-33796687285 to see if a self-guided is running instead.

Great British Summer Savings 2026: From 25th June to 1st September 2026 we are offering reduced Castle Tours tickets in line with the Goverment temporary VAT rate reduction on family leisure activities over the summer period. For more information on the initiative please visit: Great British Summer Savings 2026: Family activities VAT relief fact sheet - GOV.UK

Take a tour around one Durham's most significant historic buildings, designated a World Heritage Site since 1986.

Our knowledgeable and friendly tour guides will take you through the gatehouse and into the heart of the historic building, where you will experience stories and tales from 950 years of living history. 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.

The visit includes our Courtyard, Norman Chapel, Tunstall Chapel, Tunstall Gallery, Black Stairs and Great Hall. Please be aware that sometimes it may be necessary to change the tour route at short notice.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR THE DAY

You must check in and collect a lanyard from Palace Green Library (near the Castle entrance, between the Castle and the Cathedral) prior to the tour start time.

Please arrive on time for your tour - unfortunately we won't be able to accommodate arrivals outside of the chosen tour start time. The time you have booked is the start time of your tour.

Tours last approx. 45-50 minutes.

The tour takes place both outide and inside the building, please be prepared in the event of bad weather.

All children must be accompanied by an adult.

INFORMATION ON BOOKING YOUR TICKETS:

Tour times are released on this page one month at a time - if times for the next month are not available for viewing yet please check at a later date.

Walk-in spaces may be available to purchase from reception - if your selected tour time is sold out ring us on 0191 334 2932 or email castle.tours@durham.ac.uk to enquire about availability.

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.

Accessibility

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.

Description supplied by the event organiser.