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Durham Museum and its collection

Durham Museum
Source

Durham Castle, located in the city of Durham in Northern England, is a Norman castle that has been occupied by the University College of Durham University since 1840. The castle stands on a peninsula overlooking the River Wear, directly opposite Durham Cathedral. It was originally built in the 11th century as a symbol of the power of the Norman kings in Northern England.

Visiting Durham Castle

Access to Durham Castle is limited to guided tours, which are led by the students themselves. This means that outside of these tours, only residents or guests can visit the castle. This unique arrangement provides a unique perspective on the castle and its history.

Durham Castle as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Durham Castle, along with Durham Cathedral, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. This recognition underscores the historical and architectural significance of these two landmarks in the city of Durham.

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ENDurham Heritage Centre and Museum
ENThe Bow trust

History & Anthropology History & Anthropology Art & Design Art & Design Archaeology Children Garden & Park Industrial heritage Local Miscellaneous Music Person & Artist Photography Profession & Craft Railway Religion Sports War

Durham Museum
St Mary-le-Bow, 40 North Bailey
St Mary-le-Bow
DH1 3ET Durham

Visitor information Durham Museum

Opening hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday
11:00 – 16:30
Thursday
11:00 – 16:30
Friday
11:00 – 16:30
Saturday
11:00 – 16:30
Sunday
11:00 – 16:30

Wednesday to Sunday from April until October, plus Bank Holidays - 11am to 4.30pm

Admission

Adults£5.00
Children (Under 16)Free
Students£2.50

Facilities

Museum shop
Wheelchair accessible
Child-friendly

Location & Map

St Mary-le-Bow, 40 North Bailey, Durham

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Durham Museum Reviews

Durham Museum has 1 rating.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    The Durham Museum offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history of Durham and its surrounding area. Located in a historic building near the cathedral, the museum houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the city's heritage from medieval times to the present day.

    Visitors appreciate the well-organized displays and informative panels that provide context to the exhibits. The museum's strengths lie in its coverage of local history, including the development of Durham as a center of religion and learning. Many reviewers highlight the section on the Prince Bishops and the city's medieval past as particularly interesting.

    The museum's size is modest, which some visitors find charming and others slightly limiting. It can typically be explored thoroughly in about an hour, making it a good option for those with limited time. The staff are generally described as friendly and knowledgeable, enhancing the visitor experience.

    While the museum receives praise for its content, some visitors note that the presentation could benefit from modernization. A few interactive elements are present, but some reviewers suggest that more hands-on exhibits or multimedia displays could make the experience more engaging, especially for younger visitors.

    The museum's location in the heart of Durham is a plus, allowing visitors to easily combine it with other attractions in the city. However, accessibility might be an issue for some, as the historic building has stairs and narrow passages.

    Overall, the Durham Museum provides a solid introduction to the city's history and is generally considered worth a visit, particularly for those interested in local heritage. While it may not be the most cutting-edge museum experience, it offers a concise and informative overview of Durham's past.

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  • Aggregated rating

    This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.

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