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In the heart of the City, Durham Castle forms part of Durham's UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Grade 1 listed building shares Palace Green with Durham's iconic Norman Cathedral and is a few hundred yards from all the facilities and amenities that the City has to offer.

Due to the historic nature of the building, rooms are not wheelchair accessible. Some rooms are in the Castle Keep have over 100 steps to reach them and within Owengate (outside the Castle walls) have up to 65 steps. There are limited ground floor rooms and there are no lifts.

The historic Castle is Durham University's first and oldest College and used for student accommodation in University term times, but is available as guest accommodation during University vacations; January, Easter and throughout July, August and September. Staying at Durham Castle is an unparalleled experience and, whilst unlike a hotel there are not some modern conveniences like TVs in your room or lifts in the buildings, it is part of a wonderful World Heritage Site. All rooms are subject to availability at the time of booking. En-suite rooms have showers, but no baths.

Please be aware that restoration work is taking place to the Norman Gallery until approximately September 2024. There is scaffolding in the Courtyard, and also some in internal parts during the summer, but all areas are accessible whilst this important work to the Grade 1 listed Castle is completed.

On occasion, breakfast will be served in the Undercroft, rather than the Great Hall, due to ongoing restoration works.

History

The present Castle began in 1072 as a simple defensive mound commissioned by William the Conqueror to defend the peninsula formed by the meander in the River Wear. Over the centuries, the Castle has been a residence of the Bishops of Durham who added to the buildings and altered them to suit the needs of the time.

The University of Durham was founded in 1832 by Bishop Van Mildert and the Dean and Chapter of the Cathedral. After Van Mildert's death in 1836, the Castle was handed over to the University and became University College in 1837, the oldest of the Durham Colleges. Early generations of students lived either in University House, now Cosin's Hall, or in the Castle Keep which was reconstructed in 1840.

The College is an academic community within Durham University of around 600 undergraduates and 50 postgraduates, and members of University staff attached to the College through the Senior Common Room. All members, both academic staff and students, share a common aim: the pursuit of knowledge. There are many other aspects of College life: cultural, sporting and social, but the main purpose of the College is academic.

Food & beverage

The rates include breakfast served between Monday to Friday 0800 to 1000 / Saturday and Sunday 0800 to 1030, usually served in the medieval Great Hall. The Castle does not offer any food above breakfast but there are plenty of places nearby with these facilities.

The College Undercroft Bar is open when events are taking place, although there may be event guests in the Bar the area is not private to events and B&B guests are welcome to enter. Check at the Reception for opening times. There are numerous bars and restaurants within a few minutes' walk from the Castle.

Grounds & Gardens

The Castle, part of Durham's World Heritage Castle, is located on Palace Green across from the City's iconic Norman Cathedral. Either relax walking around the historic city or take a stroll along the nearby banks of the River Wear.

Due to the nature of Durham Castle, it is used as a venue for a variety of events and functions. As such, there may be some noise and minor disruption during your stay.

Durham Cathedral is located next to Durham Castle and, as a result, guests should be aware the Cathedral bells ring prior to services on a Sunday and between 1830 and 2030 each Thursday evening.

Other facilities

Rooms include tea and coffee making facilities.

Wifi is available in all bedrooms and to connect guests must use ‘thecloud@durham’.

Guide and assistance dogs are welcome to stay, maximum one dog per room. However, the venue holds a policy that no other dogs can stay overnight.

Top facilities

Free WiFi

Availability

Please select dates to view availability for this location

Reviews

4.4

Based on 238 reviews

Room
4.1

Value
4.4

Food
4.5

Service
4.6

Experience
4.4

★★★★★

177

★★★★

★★★

★★

★

Loved, loved, loved staying in this wonderful castle! My room (in the keep) was clean and well-appointed. I did not have an en-suite room, so I used the communal showers, which were very clean, well lit and secure. The housekeeping staff was so friendly, as was the check-in staff. The breakfast i...
NoraM

My second visit to Durham castle rooms (my previous visit was in 2019)and good to be back, As ever a spacious and clean room, with good facilities and plenty of character, also very peaceful, breakfast in the Great Hall was also good and the staff friendly. The only negative thing was the mattre...
Stephen VictorM

We loved our stay at Castle and found Keith the porter to be really helpful. He showed us around some of the castle. The room was good and although we would have liked a TV, we do understand it is student accommodation. Breakfast in the great hall was a great experience and there was alot of vari...
PeterS

Very happy with my stay at Durham Castle, staff was friendly and helpfull. Breakfast was tasty and plentyfull and noone made a fuss when we stayed in the hall chatting a little longer one morning. Bed was comfortable and room provided everything I needed for a short stay. Thanks!
HaroldD

Really enjoyed my stay. Good en suite room overlooking the cathedral. The steps up to the room( all 87 ! ) certainly got me fit !!!! Excellent breakfast eaten in the most wonderful surroundings. Very helpful and friendly staff.
Anon

Really friendly porters during the day. Allowed to leave luggage although couldn’t lock away. Excellent taxi service to station when departing. Friendly staff at breakfast.
Anon

All staff were excellent and very helpful.. breakfast was excellent with nice surroundings...would recommend it to anyone visiting Durham with the castle experience
BrendanM

Enjoyed my stay, only problem being the ensuite toilet did not flush. Excellent breakfast, location and view, hope to visit Durham and stay here again
DavidH

Staff are friendly and helpful. Accommodation was basic but what we expected, talthough he atmosphere and scenery more than made up for it.
juliew

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Facilities & information

Summary

13th century buildings (or older)

14th century buildings

15th century buildings

16th century buildings

No smoking

Historic property

Facilities

24 hour security

Linen included

Towels included

Central heating

Food

Recreations

Pub (walking distance)

Museums (walking distance)

Historic houses

Recommended restaurants (walking distance)

Theatre (walking distance)

Arrival information & directions

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Address: Durham Castle, Palace Green, Durham, County Durham, DurhamDH1 3RW, United Kingdom

Address: University College, Durham Castle, Palace Green, Durham, DH1 3RW.

Check-In: from 1400.

Check-Out: by 1000.

Luggage can be stored if required.

Reception is manned 0800 to 2000, otherwise guests need to report to the Porters’ Lodge/reception area in the Gatehouse.

Parking is severely restricted on the World Heritage Site. Bed and breakfast guests are welcome to drive up to Palace Green, drop off luggage and then move their vehicle to one of the local parking areas. To drive to the College you have to enter the city’s congestion charge zone for which a £2 charge is levied when you leave, this applies from 10am-4pm Mon-Sat.

Visitors and guests with mobility problems are advised to make contact well in advance so that the best advice and assistance can be provided. The contact number will be noted on your booking receipt.

The entrance to the Castle (the Barbican) is a single track cobbled road with a restricted entrance through the Gatehouse to the Courtyard. The Barbican is approximately 4.2 metres wide and the Gatehouse 2.5 metres wide by 2.6 metres high.

Newcastle Airport is 25 miles away. You can get a Metro from the airport to Newcastle Central Station, then a train from there to Durham.

Durham Tees Valley Airport is 25 miles away. A taxi would be the best option from here.

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