5 of the most impressive castles in Durham

Who doesn't love a castle? In County Durham, you're spoilt for choice. Explore 5 of the best in our guide.



Like many castles, Barnard Castle was built for a specific purpose. It was founded in the 12th century by Bernard de Balliol as a way to control the River Tees crossing between two territories in the aftermath of the Norman Conquest.

It passed from owner to owner, ending up in the hands of County Durham legends the Neville family. By the 16th century, it was a ruin and is now managed by English Heritage.

Today, it serves no military purpose. However, it attracts visitors each year with its imposing presence on a huge rock overlooking the market town of Barnard. The views are magnificent, especially across the 16th-century bridge.

Once you've visited the castle, head to Barnard itself. The town is a quiet gem – the perfect place to while away an afternoon rummaging in antique shops or cooling your boots in one of the many pubs.

Brancepeth Castle

Brancepeth Castle was built in the mid-12th century and served as a stronghold for the Neville family. It was here in the castle's Barons' Hall that the Battle of Neville's Cross between England and Scotland was planned.

When their Rising of the North failed, the Nevilles were forced to give up their estates. The castle changed hands several times before winding up in the possession of the Russells in the 18th century.

Legend has it that the castle's name comes from "Brawn's Path" and the legend of an ominous wild boar named Brancepeth Brawn.

Brancepeth Castle is still in private hands, but the owners open their doors to visitors from January to March and October to December. Tours take in the spectacular Barons' Hall, cellars and more. The castle is also available for weddings and holiday digs.

Durham Castle

Durham Castle sits on a hilltop overlooking the city, right in the centre of its World Heritage Site.

Many castles have periods of disrepair and disuse. Durham Castle, however, has been occupied continuously since construction began in the 11th century.

For centuries, it was the seat of the Prince Bishops of Durham. Today, it's home to more than 100 students from University College. Now that's some accommodation…

This impressive building can be visited but only through guided tours. These take in the underground chapel, black staircase and great hall. Tourists often combine a tour of the castle with a trip to the nearby cathedral – one of the finest in the United Kingdom.

Visitors can follow in the footsteps of many historical figures. These include Princess Margaret Tudor, who stopped off at the castle in 1503 on her way to marry King James IV of Scotland.

Raby Castle

Seven miles northeast from Barnard Castle, in the village of Staindrop, stands Raby Castle. Widely considered one of the finest medieval castles in England, Raby is the jewel in a 200-acre crown of walled gardens, parkland and wild deer.

Founded by King Cnut (yes, that one), its current structure was built by the Neville family (yes, them again) in the 14th century.

Both Raby Castle and Barnard Castle figured heavily in the War of the Roses, the series of civil wars fought over the English crown in the 15th century.

The castle is filled with glorious paintings by old masters, textiles and furniture – and there's a treetop adventure playground called "Plotter's Forest" for the little ones. Meanwhile, lovers of poetry may be intrigued by the castle's connection to English poet Christopher Smart.

Like Brancepeth, Raby Castle is still a private home belonging to the Vane family, the Barons Barnard. It's open to the public between March and October.

Walworth Castle

Walworth Castle is the only County Durham castle on our list that isn't primarily a historical site. Since 1981, it's been a hotel as well as a venue for business meetings, conferences and wedding receptions.

Nevertheless, Walworth Castle, cocooned in 18 acres of greenery, has a rich and fascinating past. Its story begins in the 12th century when it was either a manor house or a castle. This was redeveloped in the 16th century.

In World War II, Walworth became a prisoner of war camp, holding more than 200 Italian and German soldiers. After the war, it was repurposed as a girls' boarding school before finally becoming the hotel you can visit today.

Like many of the county's castles, there are rumours the hotel is haunted – but don't let that stop you from staying overnight.

Final thoughts

So there you have it – five of the finest castles in County Durham. We hope one or more of them catches your eye.

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