Durham Castle, towering on a hill above the River Wear, was built in the XI century and is a masterpiece of Norman architecture as Durham Cathedral, located across the street. The castle, in the style of Mott and Bailey, first served protect the northern borders of England and later became the residence of the Bishops of Durham. In 1832, the bishop's residence was moved to the castle of the city of Auckland, which is located nearby, and in 1837 Durham Castle was turned into a university college, operating to this day. Now the castle is home to more than a hundred students.

The castle is famous for its main hall, equipped Bishop Anthony Beck in the XIV century. About a century Beck Hall was the largest in England, but in the XV century it had to be slightly reduced. The size of the hall is 14 meters high and 30 meters long. It is worth noting that this is now used as a dining hall for students and professors of the university college, and in the crypt under the Beck Hall posted a total living college students. Sleep well students dungeon, which has been specially rebuilt for this purpose in 1840. Despite the restructuring, the modern dungeon retained their original shape.

The oldest part of the castle open to visitors - a Norman Chapel, built in 1078 in the Anglo-Saxon style. In the XV century, due to the expansion of the keep, access to the chapel was locked, and her condition declined. In 1841 it was restored just as a passage in the dungeon. During the Second World War, Norman Chapel served as a command and observation post of the Royal Air Force of Great Britain. Shortly after the war the chapel was consecrated again.

Another chapel, which is preserved in the castle - Tunstall Chapel, built in 1540. It is a little more Norman chapel - in this case was more increased at the end of the XVII century - and therefore often used for religious purposes. The Misericordia Chapel survived the XVI century - a small seat for those who are tired of long standing in prayer. Both chapels are now undergoing life and theatrical performances.

During the summer holidays Durham Castle is used as a hotel in it as often scientific conferences and congresses. This castle is open to visitors, but it can only visit during the guided tour.

As Durham Cathedral, Durham Castle entered the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.