England Guide
The Northeast
Durham Castle
Opening time: Easter & July– Sept daily 10am–12.30pm & 2–4.30pm; rest of the year Mon, Wed, Sat & Sun 2–4pm
Price: £5
Telephone: 0191/334 3800
Website: www.durhamcastle.com
Durham Castle lost its medieval appearance long ago, and the university subsequently renovated the old keep as a hall of residence (available as tourist accommodation during university holidays). It's only possible to visit the castle on a 45-minute guided tour, highlights of which include visits to the fifteenth-century kitchen, a climb up the enormous hanging staircase and the jog down to the Norman chapel, notable for its lively Romanesque carved capitals.