Durham castle, towering on a hill above the river wear, was built in the XI century and is a masterpiece of Norman architecture, Durham and the Cathedral opposite. Castle, in the style of Motte-and-Bailey, first served protecting the Northern borders of England, and then became the residence of the bishops of Durham. In 1832 the residence of the bishops was transferred to the castle of the city of Oakland, located nearby, and in 1837 Durham castle was converted into a University College, valid to this day. Now the castle is home to over hundreds of students.

The castle is famous for its main hall, arranged by Bishop Antony Bek in the XIV century. About century Hall Beck was the largest in all of England, but already in the fifteenth century it had a little to reduce. The hall size is 14 meters in height and 30 meters in length. It is worth noting that now the room is used as a dining room for students and professors of University College, and in the crypt under Hall Beck hosted a shared living room of College students. Sleeping students in the donjon, which was specially converted for this purpose in 1840. Despite the restructuring, modern donjon retained its original shape.

The oldest part of the castle open to the public – is a Norman chapel, built in 1078 in the Anglo-Saxon style. In the XV century, due to the expansion of the donjon, access to the chapel was locked, and her condition declined. In 1841 it was restored just as the passage to the dungeon. During the Second world war Norman chapel served as a command and observation post of the Royal air force of great Britain. Soon after the war the chapel was re-consecrated.

Another chapel, preserved in the castle – chapel of Tunstall, built in 1540. It's a little more Norman chapel, was enlarged in the late seventeenth century - and therefore more often used for religious purposes. In the chapel is preserved Misericordia XVI century, a small seat for those who are tired of long standing during prayer. In both chapels have now tested the service and theatrical performances.

During the summer holidays Durham castle is used as a hotel, it also often hosts scientific conferences and congresses. The castle is open to the public but you can visit it only during the sightseeing tour.

As Durham Cathedral, Durham castle became a UNESCO world heritage site in 1986.