Near Durham, Brancepeth Castle is a medieval castle. It was built in the mid-12th century and has had a tumultuous history, changing hands and uses frequently.

It is now a family residence that is open to tourists on select days throughout the year and for public activities.

The Bulmers built the first castle on this site, which was a Norman stronghold. The Neville family, who also controlled Raby Castle, expanded the castle in the 14th century.

The majority of the existing visible components of the castle were constructed in the 19th century as part of a vast rebuilding effort led by the Russell family with the assistance of renowned architects John Patterson and Anthony Salvin.

During the First World War, the castle served as a military hospital, and during the Second World War, it served as the regimental headquarters for the Durham Light Infantry.

Take a tour of the castle with one of their guides!

All tours are led by a member of the family and cover the main rooms on the ground floor and basement levels of the building in the medieval and Regency periods. A tour lasts about 60-75 minutes on average.