Durham Castle
Durham Castle crowns a peninsula above the River Wear, directly facing Durham Cathedral. Construction began in 1072 on William the Conqueror's orders. For centuries it served as the power base of the prince-bishops of Durham, who held extraordinary quasi-regal authority — raising armies, levying taxes, and minting their own coinage — until the Durham (County Palatine) Act 1836.
Since 1837 it has housed Durham University students in University College. Jointly inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the cathedral in 1986, it is accessible only via guided tours. The Norman Chapel, dating to around 1075, is the oldest accessible part of the castle.
Visitor information
- Location
- United Kingdom
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Tier
- B (Great castles)
- Coordinates
- 54.7749, -1.5756
- Official site
- https://www.dur.ac.uk/durham.castle/
Frequently asked questions
- Where is Durham Castle?
- Durham Castle is in United Kingdom, United Kingdom (approximately 54.7749, -1.5756).
- Can you visit Durham Castle?
- Yes — Durham Castle is open to visitors; see the official site at https://www.dur.ac.uk/durham.castle/ for hours and tickets.
- What tier is Durham Castle on the Castle Atlas?
- Durham Castle is rated B tier on the Castle Atlas — Great castles.
- What can you see at Durham Castle?
- Durham Castle crowns a peninsula above the River Wear, directly facing Durham Cathedral. Construction began in 1072 on William the Conqueror's orders. For centuries it served as the power base of the prince-bishops of Durham, who held extraordinary quasi-regal authority — raising armies, levying taxes, and minting their own coinage — until the Durham (County Palatine) Act 1836.
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