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.
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WINTER TOUR HOURS

Brancepeth Castle has extended its opening dates and will continue to be open throughout the winter.

Arrive at the gatehouse at least 10 minutes ahead of your chosen tour to sign in / buy tickets. There will normally be a tour every Thursday morning at 10.30, although tours will not run in the immediate Christmas and New Year weeks, or in the week before the Christmas Craft Fair.

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  • Tours
  • Craft Fairs
  • Events
  • Weddings and Functions
  • Holiday Lets
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The castle will continue to be open throughout the winter. Click More Information below for the list of available dates.

All tours are led by a member of the family and visit principal rooms in the medieval and Regency parts of the building on ground floor and basement levels. A tour lasts approximately a hour.
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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