Tickets and Times

Uncover 1000 years of history as our knowledgeable and friendly tour guides take you on a journey through Durham Castle’s remarkable past. Built in the Norman period as an imposing fortress, Durham Castle’s story is entwined with that of the Prince Bishops of Durham, whose status made them some of the most powerful and wealthy men in the country.  

Discover a castle that gradually turned into a lavish palace, and was affected by major historical events from the Norman Conquest to the English Civil War. Today, it serves as a place of learning as the home of University College, the founding college of Durham University. 

Find out more:

• Tour times 
• Self-guided tours
• Durham Castle Tour: need to know
• Group tours
• Ticket information

Tour times

Durham Castle will be closed 24th December 2024 to 1st January 2025 included.

Tour times vary throughout the year. Due to the Castle being a working college of Durham University, sometimes we are not able to run tours, and closures can happen at short notice. To avoid disappointment, please check that tours are running by calling us at 0191 334 2932 ahead of your visit. 

To book your tickets, please follow the link below. Please note that tour times are released on our booking system only a week in advance. 

• Book your guided tour

Contact us if you would like more information about our current tour schedule.

Self-guided tours

During the summer, we run self-guided days with optional audio guides. As such, on these days guided tours will not be available, but please ask at Palace Green Library for details.  

With the self-guided tours, you can discover Durham Castle for yourself. Our friendly guides and volunteers will be throughout Durham Castle to answer your questions and share some of the stories and hidden history of the Castle. 

Our self guided days run on selected dates during the months of July, August and September. Please contact castle.tours@durham.ac.uk or ring 01913342932 to double check the exact dates.

Our opening times for self-guided days are:

11am-3pm, last entry 2.15pm

Durham Castle Tour: need to know

Tours last approx. 45-50 minutes 

The historic nature and layout of the Castle means that the majority of the building is inaccessible to wheelchair users and pushchairs 

The tour route involves many steps and staircases, some of which are uneven.

Guide and assistance dogs are welcome, family pets are not permitted to be part of the tours. 

To avoid disappointment, it is best to book a tour in advance, especially during school holidays, as we often sell out. 

Find out more about what’s included in a tour.

Group tours

Contact us for more information about our group tours, if you are interested in booking a Castle Tour for a group of 10 or more.

Ticket information

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
For tours running on Wednesday 6th November you will need to check in for your Castle Tour at 7 Owengate, Durham, DH1 3HB (located on the left hand side of the cobbled street that leads up to Palace Green from the marketplace). Please head to the front desk to check in and collect a lanyard before your tour start time.

You can purchase your guided tour tickets on the day, at the reception desk in Palace Green Library, the building to the left of the Castle entrance. You can also book your tickets in advance, either by phone on +44 (0)191 334 2932, or via Eventbrite. Tickets cannot be purchased from Durham Castle directly. 

Individual Ticket prices

Contact us for more information about our group tours, if you are interested in booking a Castle Tour for a group of 10 or more.