Durham Castle

Local Attractions — Durham

Durham Castle stands on a hill in the heart of the city, overlooking the River Wear. Built in 1072 on the orders of William the Conqueror, it has served over the centuries as a royal residence, a prison, a palace and a fortress guarding against Viking and Scottish raids. Today it belongs to Durham University, whose students still live and study within its walls, and its Great Hall continues to host formal occasions such as graduations and banquets. The castle's dungeon, dating from the Middle Ages, held prisoners awaiting trial or execution at nearby Durham Cathedral - among them the Scottish freedom fighter William Wallace, executed in 1305. Several of the original towers and turrets survive after nearly 900 years, along with an impressive collection of weapons, furnishings and other artefacts that give visitors a genuine sense of what life inside a working medieval fortress was really like.

Visitors can explore Durham Castle on a guided tour, which is particularly popular with school groups and anyone wanting a more in-depth look at its history and architecture. The interior courtyards are planted with greenery and make a pleasant spot to pause and take in the views over Durham City, and open-air concerts and plays are held here during the summer months. The annual Music at Durham Castle festival brings musicians from around the world for two nights of performances, alongside lectures, literary readings and other events held throughout the year. For a genuinely memorable stay, it's even possible to spend the night at the castle and see parts of the building not normally open to day visitors. Whether you're spending just an afternoon or staying over, Durham Castle offers an easy way to step back into medieval Britain, just a short walk from the city centre's shops, cafés and cathedral green - itself well worth combining into the same visit.