Due to the residential nature of the building entrance is by guided tour only. Our knowledgeable and friendly tour guides will take you through the Gatehouse and into heart of the historic building. Here you will experience history and tales from 1000 years of living history.
Is Durham Castle open to the public?
Facilities and Information. Opening Times: When there are no private events booked, tours are usually available every day at 1.15pm, 2.15pm, 3.15pm and 4.15pm. During University vacations, tours are also normally offered at 10.15am, 11.15am and 12.15 noon.
Do you have to pay to get into Durham Castle?
Knights at Durham Castle: Free Family Day
Hear the sounds of swords clashing at as we celebrate 950 years of Durham Castle. Join us as the Medieval Reenactors Vanguard bring the castle back to life. Explore what life might have been like in a medieval castle. Bring along a picnic to enjoy in the Fellows’ Garden.
Is Durham Castle worth visiting?
It’s kept in great shape, and it’s easy to tour, as there are many opportunities to sit down. It’s also great for children. If you’re visiting Durham, this is definitely a must see!
Does anyone live in Durham Castle?
Today, Durham Castle is home to the 1458 students of University College, including the 300 students who live in and around the Castle, and the Durham Peninsula. It is not a historic castle frozen in time, it is a unique building.
Was Harry Potter filmed in Durham Castle?
The enchanting Durham Cathedral was used as many parts of Hogwarts in the Philosopher’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets. In the cloisters of the cathedral, you will see where Harry flies Hedwig in the snow on his first year, and the spot where Ron vomits slugs in the Chamber of Secrets.
Do you have to pay to enter Durham Cathedral?
Although Durham Cathedral does not charge an admission fee, it depends on donations from visitors to remain open.
Which part of Harry Potter was filmed at Durham Cathedral?
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was originally brought to life at Durham Cathedral. Many pivotal scenes were filmed at various locations throughout the cathedral for the first two movies – The Philosopher’s Stone and The Chamber of Secrets.
Do you have to book to visit Durham Cathedral?
Guided tours of the cathedral last approximately one hour and cost £7.50 per adult, and £3.50 per child. A family ticket is available. Tours can be booked on arrival at the visitor desk, or via the website. Please note, tours may occasionally be cancelled due to events and special services as we are a working church.
Can you drive up to Durham Cathedral?
Durham is situated west of the A1 (M) and east of the A167. The narrow medieval streets of Durham town mean that there is no parking available at the Cathedral itself or nearby. You also need to be aware that there is a congestion charge if you drive onto the Durham City peninsula.
Can you get married at Durham Castle?
Durham Castle is one of the premier venues for wedding receptions in the North East. The magnificent Great Hall, which dates from 1284, can take wedding breakfasts of up to 200, with guests able to enjoy an arrival drinks reception in the Courtyard of the Castle or the Tunstall Gallery.
Who lived at Durham Castle?
University College
The Castle remained the bishop’s palace for the Bishop of Durham until Auckland Castle was made the bishops’ residence in 1832; the current bishop still maintains offices at that castle, roughly ten miles to the south.
Is Durham Cathedral tower open?
Visitors can conquer the 325 steps and enjoy unrivalled views over historic Durham City and surrounding countryside. Visitors can also get a close up look at the recently-completed restoration work after reopening June 2019.
Who owns Durham Castle today?
Sitting at the heart of Durham’s World Heritage Site and occupied continuously since the 11th century, the Castle is now home to the students of University College, part of Durham University.
What is Durham Castle famous for?
In defensive terms, Durham Castle was of strategic importance both to defend the troublesome border with Scotland and to control local English rebellions, which were common in the years immediately following the Norman Conquest, and led to the so-called Harrying of the North by William the Conqueror in 1069.
What was Durham Castle used for?
As well as being a military stronghold, the Castle was the Bishop’s ceremonial palace. The wealth of the Bishop’s estates meant that the Castle could be developed on a grand scale. Original structures were soon superceded by grander buildings. Fire also played it part.
Is the Weasley house real?
Freshwater West, Pembrokeshire. This was the location of Shell Cottage (opens in new tab), the house of Bill Weasley and Fleur Delacour (sadly it’s now been dismantled).
Which Castle is Hogwarts?
Alnwick Castle
Alnwick Castle starred as the magical Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry during the 2001 Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and the 2002 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
Where is the Hogwarts Castle in real life?
Alnwick Castle, Northumberland, England
Alnwick Castle is the location used for Hogwarts Castle in ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ and ‘Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
Do you have to pay to drive into Durham?
There is a daily charge of £2 for entering the zone between 10.00am and 4.00pm, Monday to Saturday. There is no charge on Sundays or bank holidays.
Are dogs allowed in Durham Castle?
Dogs. Unfortunately dogs are not allowed inside the castle apart from assistance dogs.