Welcome to Brancepeth Castle.

Brancepeth Castle is a medieval castle near Durham. First constructed in the mid-12th century, it has a dynamic history, constantly changing hands and use.

Now a family home, it is open to visitors on a number of days each year and for public events.

We aim to re-open for tours this summer, and will publish a list of opening times shortly.
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Brancepeth castle Summer Craft Fair 2021

Friday 23rd July 10:00 - 17:00
Saturday 24th July 10:00 - 17:00
Sunday 25th July 12:00 - 17:00
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We are very pleased to announce the return of the much-loved Summer Craft Fair this year.

In keeping with the current advice, we will need to avoid overcrowding in the fair at one time and operate a one-way system around the fair. Therefore, pre-booking timed entry slots is strongly recommended.
 
However, with around 50 stalls already signed up to exhibit this year will still delivery the range and quality we have maintained over 34 years.
 
In order to help us avoid overcrowding and any queuing time please book your arrival time below.

Please arrive within your timed entry slot (30 minutes during peak time), you are then welcome to continue to browse the fair until closing time.
  • Tours
  • Craft Fairs
  • Events
  • Weddings and Functions
  • Holiday Lets
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We aim to re-open for tours this summer, and will publish a list of opening times shortly.
The castle hosts two major craft fairs in July and November.

All items are handmade, so expect unique jewellery and upholstery, artisan cheeses and baking, local art and more.

Two family-run cafés serve homemade food adding to the fair's uniquely welcoming feel.
A range of other events take place across the year.

These range from art shows to historic talks and open-air Shakespeare performances.

Follow us on social media or join our mailing list here to keep up to date.
The castle is an ideal venue for your wedding if you are looking for a beautiful setting with the opportunity to do something that is really personal.

We offer you the use of up to six reception rooms of which the largest are the Ballroom and Armour Gallery each seating 150/170 guests, or nearly 200 with a compact table layout. 
Our sunny Quartermaster's holiday flat sits between the medieval Constable Tower and the Regency Russell Tower.

Sleeping three, in a single and double room, it is available all year round.

Guests get discounts to local attractions including Beamish and Brancepeth Castle Golf Course.
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The first castle built on this site was a Norman castle built by the Bulmers. The castle was then expanded in the 14th century by the Neville family who also owned Raby Castle.

Most of the currently visible parts of the castle were build in the 19th century in a large reconstruction project done by the Russell family with help from renowned architects John Patterson and Anthony Salvin.

In modern times the castle has also seen use a millitary hospital during the First World War and the regimental headquarters for the Durham Light Infantry during the Second World War.
Read More About the History
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