Durham Castle

Step Into History at Durham Castle

Fancy visiting a real-life castle? Then Durham Castle is the place for you! It’s right in the middle of Durham City, and it’s been standing tall for hundreds of years. It’s full of stories about kings, battles, and brave knights.

What You’ll See and Do:

• Join a guided tour to explore the big halls, hidden staircases and old rooms.
• See where students live – Durham Castle is part of a university, so some lucky students actually live there!
• Take in the views from the castle grounds and imagine what it was like in the olden days.

Tips for Families:

• Great for curious kids – the castle's stories and secret spaces will spark imaginations.
• Toilets and baby change facilities are available on site.
• Pushchairs can’t go everywhere inside due to narrow stairs, but staff can help with places to leave them.
• You can bring snacks for younger children, though there’s no café inside the castle.
• Combine it with a picnic by the river or a trip to nearby cafes and shops.
• It's just a short walk from Durham Cathedral, so it's easy to turn your trip into a full day of discovery.

Planning Your Visit:

• Tours are run by students and usually last about an hour.
• It’s a good idea to book ahead so you don’t miss out.
• There’s a cool gift shop for castle-themed treats and souvenirs.