Annual highlights include the St Cuthbert’s Day procession in March, World Heritage celebrations in the Spring, Durham University Congregations and the Durham Miners’ Gala in July, Heritage Open Days in September and the Lumiere Festival in November (every two years).  

Please check before you visit.  If you are organising an event, please tell us about it.

Forthcoming Events

Castle Guided Tours

Due to the residential nature of the Castle, entrance is via guided tour only. Tours have limited spaces. The tour times shown are a general guide as it is sometimes necessary to cancel tours at short notice due to student and commercial activities.

Check tour times online

Durham Castle is a working building and tours maybe cancelled last minute so check with Palace Green Library on 0191 334 2932 or the World Heritage Site Visitor Centre on 0191 334 3805, or by email castle.tours@durham.ac.uk.

Please note that the Castle is closed for fresher's week at the beginning of October, congregation in the middle of January and at the end of June and the festive season from late December till early January each year.

At the Cathedral

Every day there are at least three services at the Cathedral, as well as a full programme of concerts and recitals. Full details of regular service times and special events can be found on the Cathedral's website.

Please note that there is limited public access to the Cathedral during Congregation.

There is a range of Public tours available

Other Venues...

These World Heritage Site venues frequently host events:

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