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.

Because of the Coronavirus outbreak we have sadly decided to suspend our tour programme and temporarily close our holiday let. We hope it may be possible to run tours and other events from June and re-open the holiday let, but will keep the situation under review and publish details on this website. 
  • Tours
  • Craft Fairs
  • Events
  • Weddings and Functions
  • Holiday Lets
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Tours of the castle run on selected dates from April through to December.

They will take you on an hour long journey through the medieval and Regency periods.

All tours are led by a member of the family, so you will get the inside story of the building's colourful history.
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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A Midsummer Night's Dream


CANCELLED

Unfortunately due to the continuing global public health crisis and following Government advice, Heartbreak has taken the decision to cancel the Heartbreak summer tour.

We hope everyone who was considering attending will be able to make it to next year's event.

Summer Craft Fair 2020

Friday 24 July, 10am - 5pm
Saturday 25 July, 10am - 5pm
Sunday 26 July, 12pm - 5pm


​Admission £3.50, Senior citizens £2.50
Children under 14 free when accompanied by an adult.
Pay on entry.

Tickets purchased after 4pm are valid for the next day.

Invitation to View

Thursday 30 July, 3.30pm

A special tour programme offered exclusively by Historic Houses to their members.

The tour takes you to parts of the castle not visited on our regular programme of tours, and focuses on different aspects of the castle's story.

Places on these tours are strictly limited and must be booked in advance through Historic Houses.
Book Now
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