Durham Castle | Durham

Information

Landmark: Durham Castle
City: Durham
Country: United Kingdom
Continent: Europe

Durham Castle, Durham, United Kingdom, Europe

Durham Castle is an 11th-century Norman fortress in Durham, United Kingdom. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (paired with Durham Cathedral) and serves as the primary residence for University College, the oldest college of Durham University.

Visual Characteristics

The castle exhibits a "motte-and-bailey" layout. Its architecture is a composite of Norman, Gothic, and Victorian styles. Notable features include the Keep (rebuilt in 1840), the massive stone Barbican, and the Great Hall, which features a high-density oak roof. The interior contains rare examples of Romanesque carving, particularly in the Norman Chapel.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is located at Palace Green (DH1 3RW).

Public Transport: Durham Railway Station is 1km northwest. The Cathedral Bus (Service 40) connects the station to the castle entrance.

Road: Access to the peninsula is restricted by the Durham congestion charge.

Parking: No on-site parking. Visitors must use Prince Bishops Shopping Centre (0.4km) or city Park & Ride facilities.

Access: Entrance is strictly by guided tour only, as it is a working university building. Due to the historic architecture, access involves steep stairs and uneven stone flooring; limited accessibility arrangements are available.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction began in 1072 under the orders of William the Conqueror to project Norman power into the north. For over 750 years, it was the palace of the Prince Bishops of Durham. In 1837, the castle was donated to the newly founded Durham University. The castle walls overlook the River Wear, where the wooded banks provide a habitat for kingfishers and rare bat species.

Key Highlights & Activities

Norman Chapel: The oldest part of the castle (c. 1078), featuring unique carved capitals with early Norman motifs.

The Great Hall: A 14th-century hall utilized daily as the dining room for university students.

The Tunstall Gallery: Features 16th-century Flemish tapestries and the Tunstall Chapel.

The Black Stairs: A 17th-century cantilevered oak staircase, one of the first of its kind in England.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The castle operates as a museum and a residential college. It includes the University College Shop. Public restrooms are available for tour participants. 5G cellular signal is strong on Palace Green but inhibited within the thick stone walls. The castle also functions as a Bed & Breakfast during university vacations.

Best Time to Visit

Tours operate daily but must be pre-booked online due to high demand and university operations. For photography, the exterior is best captured from Framwellgate Bridge or Palace Green at midday.

Facts & Legends

A verified historical oddity is that the castle is the only one in the UK that has never been out of continuous use since its construction. A prominent legend is that of the "Grey Lady," the spirit of a former Bishop's wife who reportedly haunts the Black Stairs.