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 to be able to run tours and other events again soon and 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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Due to the Coronavirus outbreak we have suspended our programme of tours.

We hope it may be possible to start the programme again soon and will keep the situation under review and update this page when we have further information.
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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VIRTUAL SUMMER CRAFT FAIR 2020


24 JULY - 31 AUGUST 2020

Brancepeth Castle is proud to open its virtual gates to our first ever Virtual Craft Fair.

For over 30 years Brancepeth Castle has had the great pleasure to host an annual Summer Craft Fair featuring the best Northern Craftspeople at one of the North’s most beautiful castles.

However due to the current restrictions our gates have remained closed so far this year denying us the pleasure of welcoming thousands of visitors.  Therefore please virtually come on in and take a tour of the rooms and the wide variety of crafts on offer in each.
Visit The Fair
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