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Heritage and renewal at Durham Castle: step into history this autumn

10 September 2025
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Find out about the latest at Durham Castle, including celebrations for this year’s Heritage Open Days, and an update on the revitalisation of the historic Fellows’ Garden.

Free self-guided day at Durham Castle

Durham Castle is one of the City’s most iconic landmarks, nestled in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage site on Palace Green. From its beginnings in the Norman period in the 11th century, the Castle has transformed from a fortress, to a ceremonial palace and power-base for the Bishops of Durham, to a University College lived in by students to this day.

On Saturday 13 September, the Castle throws its doors open as part of this year’s Heritage Open Days celebrations. This year’s theme is ‘architecture’. We’re proud that the Castle boasts the best Anglo-Norman architecture in the country, with many internal and external gems to appreciate. A couple of examples include the atmospheric Norman Chapel, and an unexpected 17th century representation of a pineapple.

Everyone is welcome to come along for a free self-guided visit and experience history and tales from the past 1,000 years.

Other Heritage Open Days events in Durham in September include a free talk at Durham Cathedral on Saturday 13 September on the life and work of draughtsman W G Footitt.

Find out more using the links at the bottom of this article.

Fellows’ Garden revitalisation continues

After a pause during the Summer Congregation period, progress continues apace on the revitalisation of the Fellows’ Garden within University College. Work began earlier this year, with the aim of enhancing the Garden’s value as an accessible outdoor space to enable student and community wellbeing and enrichment. The £800,000 project is supported solely by University College alumni and friends, for which we remain very thankful.

We are pleased to report that works are on track for completion in October, with the heavy machinery aspect of the project having wrapped up over the summer. Scaffolding has also been removed from the Castle Barbican.

Ongoing works signal a shift in the Garden’s continuing metamorphosis, moving into its final stages:

  • Stonework and terrace are being installed.
  • Work on the accessible toilet facility has begun.
  • The walkways have been laid.
  • A steel support for the portable canopy is now in place, and the fabric section is currently being manufactured.
  • Installation of the lift from the Barbican to the Garden is in progress.
  • Interpretation and wayfinding signs are being developed.  
  • A team of landscapers has also moved in, to prepare the Garden for improved planting to reflect its 17th century heritage.

A grand opening is being planned for October to celebrate the culmination of the project, and to launch the Garden as a vibrant, accessible outdoor space open to members of the University and local communities alike.

An image showing construction work in an outdoor space.The revitalisation of the Fellows' Garden continues apace. Photo taken August 2025.

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