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Durham Castle

Castle & Historic Landmark · County Durham, England · Palace Green, Durham, DH1 3RW

Durham Castle is a castle & historic landmark in County Durham, England. See prices, opening times, the best days to avoid the crowds, parking and food, with every detail dated so you know how fresh it is.

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PriceAdult £7.50 · Child £0 · Family £15
Checked on Durham University's site: guided tours only (it's a working college), about 50-60 minutes with a light and sound projection. Adults £7.50; 16-18s £6; children under 16 free. Book on Eventbrite; tours often sell out in school holidays and can close at short notice (0191 334 2932). Self-guided days on selected dates in July-September.
Opening timesTours on selected days; times released about a month ahead.
Best time to goWeekdays in term time; guided tours only.
School holiday tipEarly July is the sweet spot for Scottish families: English/Welsh schools stay in until about 20-23 July. Late August is the English/Welsh peak, so choose Tue-Thu and arrive at opening.
Best agesAll ages for the grounds; house rooms suit about 6+ (prams may need to stay at the door)
Under-16s free. Many steps and uneven stairs: not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs.
If it rainsMixed: house rooms are indoors, gardens and grounds are outdoors
ParkingNo castle parking; use Durham city-centre car parks or Park and Ride.
FoodCafés across Durham's Market Place and Palace Green.
Money saverCheck National Trust, Historic Houses or English Heritage membership value; family tickets usually beat singles.
Top tipsBook the guided tour in advance; check university closure days.
What to packComfortable shoes, layers, picnic for the grounds, carrier for toddlers

Details checked against the official website on 23 Oct 2026. Venue website or source

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