Palace Green Durham
Historic heart of Durham, home to UNESCO World Heritage Cathedral & Castle. A vibrant academic and cultural hub.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Palace Green Durham
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic heart of Durham, home to UNESCO World Heritage Cathedral & Castle. A vibrant academic and cultural hub.
"A divine cathedral and fascinating castle, this World Heritage Site is one of my 7 best places on the planet."
🎯 Free Entry to Many Areas
Palace Green Library and its exhibitions, including Cosin's Library, often have free entry! :ticket:
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on cobbled streets and potentially stairs. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Durham Cathedral
Palace Green
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this magnificent Norman cathedral boasts stunning architecture and rich history.
Durham Castle
Palace Green
Once home to Prince-Bishops, this historic castle is now part of Durham University and offers fascinating guided tours.
Cosin's Library
Palace Green Library
A beautiful and peaceful study space within Palace Green Library, often praised for its ambiance.
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Access and Tickets
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Entry to Many Areas
Palace Green Library and its exhibitions, including Cosin's Library, often have free entry! :ticket:
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on cobbled streets and potentially stairs. :athletic_shoe:
🏰 Book Castle Tours Ahead
Guided tours of Durham Castle are highly recommended and can sell out. Book in advance! :calendar:
📸 Capture the Views
The views from Palace Green are stunning, especially of the cathedral and castle. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Entry to Many Areas
Palace Green Library and its exhibitions, including Cosin's Library, often have free entry! :ticket:
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on cobbled streets and potentially stairs. :athletic_shoe:
🏰 Book Castle Tours Ahead
Guided tours of Durham Castle are highly recommended and can sell out. Book in advance! :calendar:
📸 Capture the Views
The views from Palace Green are stunning, especially of the cathedral and castle. :camerawithflash:
📚 Explore Palace Green Library
Discover unique exhibitions and study spaces like Barker Research Library. :books:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Palace Green for its breathtaking historical architecture, particularly the Durham Cathedral and Castle, and its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The free access to many areas and the informative guided tours are highly valued. Some find the cobbled streets and inclines challenging, and occasional crowds can detract from the experience.
"Even on a very rainy day, it was worth the walk from the Market Square up the steep and cobbled Saddler Street to this ancient green in the heart of Durham's historic centre. Dominated at opposite ends by the great Norman cathedral and the castle, it's surrounded by beautiful old buildings housing university faculties, libraries and museums. There's enough to see here to fill a whole day. The cathedral is a must-see, but I also recommend the guided tour of the castle if you want to know more about the fascinating history of this World Heritage Site. You can buy tickets at the Visitor Centre in the Palace Green Library next to the castle entrance."
Valerie Hinchliffe
"Had a guided tour today, it was really good, the guide was very knowledgeable & friendly & spoke clearly & loudly so everyone could hear her.
Highly recommend a tour & for only £5 it definitely worth it."
Tracy S
"A tiny but comfortable place for holding a concert. The audience can be so close to the musician that I could see the rich expressions of the singer. Really nice performance!"
QY X
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Palace Green is centrally located in Durham, easily accessible on foot from the Market Square. You can walk up Saddler Street, which is steep and cobbled. If arriving by train, it's a pleasant walk from Durham Station to the historic centre. :train:
Parking in the immediate vicinity of Palace Green is limited. It's best to use city center car parks like the Prince Bishops Shopping Centre or Walkergate, and then walk to Palace Green. :car:
Yes, Palace Green is accessible on Sundays. While some specific attractions might have reduced hours, the green itself and the exterior views are always available. :sunwithface:
Walking is the best way to explore Palace Green and its surrounding historic buildings. Wear comfortable shoes as the area is hilly and cobbled. :walking:
The main green is relatively flat, but the approach roads like Saddler Street are steep and cobbled. Access to some buildings may be challenging. It's advisable to check with individual attractions for specific accessibility information. :wheelchair:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Palace Green itself is a public space and free to access. However, entry to Durham Castle for tours and certain exhibitions within the Palace Green Library may require tickets. :ticket:
Guided tours of Durham Castle are very reasonably priced, often around £5, making them a worthwhile experience for understanding the site's history. :pound:
Tickets for Durham Castle tours can typically be purchased at the Visitor Centre located in the Palace Green Library, next to the castle entrance. :computer:
Palace Green Library is generally open 7 days a week from 10 am to 5 pm. Cosin's Library has more specific hours, often open Wednesday to Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm. Always check their official website for the most up-to-date information. :clock:
Yes, many parts of Palace Green, including the exterior views of the Cathedral and Castle, and often exhibitions within the Palace Green Library, are free to visit. :moneywithwings:
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Palace Green is home to the magnificent Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can also explore the Palace Green Library, which houses Cosin's Library and various exhibitions. :magnifyingglasstilted_left:
Absolutely! Durham Cathedral is a breathtaking example of Norman architecture and a must-see for its history, beauty, and significance. It's often cited as one of the best places on the planet. :star:
Palace Green is the historic heart of Durham, dominated by the powerful Prince-Bishops' residences (Cathedral and Castle) and the university. It's a key part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. :scroll:
Palace Green offers numerous stunning photo opportunities, with the Cathedral and Castle providing dramatic backdrops. The views across the city are also spectacular. :camerawithflash:
Yes, Palace Green and its venues, like Divinity House, host various events, including concerts, theatre, and comedy, especially during festivals like Lumiere Durham. :microphone: 
📸 📸 Photography
The entire Palace Green offers incredible photographic potential. Key spots include the views looking up at the Cathedral and Castle from the green, and the panoramic vistas from the edges of the green overlooking the River Wear. :bridgeatnight:
Photography rules can vary. Generally, photography is allowed in Durham Cathedral but may be restricted in certain areas or during services. Inside Durham Castle, especially during tours, it's best to ask your guide. :iphone:
Early mornings offer soft light and fewer people, ideal for capturing the serene beauty. Late afternoons provide warm, golden hour light. Evenings can be magical, especially if there are events or illuminations. :sunriseovermountains:
Experiment with different angles to capture the scale of the Cathedral and Castle. Consider using a wide-angle lens to fit more into your shots. Look for reflections in puddles after rain for unique perspectives. :camera:
Drone usage is generally restricted in historic and populated areas like Palace Green due to safety and privacy concerns. It's essential to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone. :noentrysign:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs
📸 Photographers
Look for unique perspectives, especially from the edges of the green overlooking the River Wear. Be mindful of potential restrictions on photography inside certain areas. :camerawithflash:Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Palace Green
The area around Palace Green has been shaped by its religious and academic importance. The Palace Green Library, which now houses university collections and exhibition spaces, is itself a historic building. It was here that important historical documents, such as those relating to marriage and family law in the North of England, have been studied and displayed.
The presence of Durham University has further cemented Palace Green's role as a vibrant academic hub, with students and faculty contributing to the ongoing life of this historic precinct.Visitors can delve into this rich history through guided tours of the Castle, exploring the Cathedral's ancient crypts and chapels, and discovering artifacts in the Palace Green Library. The blend of medieval grandeur and academic life makes Palace Green a unique and captivating destination. The sheer weight of history is palpable here, offering a glimpse into England's past.
Exploring the Palace Green Library
Beyond Cosin's Library, the Palace Green Library also houses other significant collections and study areas, such as the Barker Research Library. These spaces are not only vital for academic research but are also often open to the public, providing a chance to see unique historical documents and enjoy the tranquil environment.
The library frequently hosts exhibitions that showcase aspects of Durham's history, archaeology, and culture, making it a dynamic part of the Palace Green experience. Visiting the Palace Green Library offers a different perspective on the site, moving beyond the grand structures of the Cathedral and Castle to explore the scholarly pursuits that have long been associated with Durham. It’s a place where history is not just observed but also studied and preserved. The quiet reverence of the library spaces is a welcome contrast to the bustling city outside.
Palace Green as a Venue
The Durham Fringe Festival has utilized venues within Palace Green, such as Divinity House, transforming historic spaces into vibrant performance hubs for music, theatre, and comedy.
+1 This demonstrates how the precinct can adapt to host contemporary arts, blending the old with the new. Furthermore, Palace Green has been a focal point for significant public events, including royal visits like the King and Queen's arrival for the Royal Maundy Service, drawing large crowds eager to witness history in the making. During festivals like Lumiere Durham, Palace Green becomes a canvas for stunning light installations, transforming the historic architecture into breathtaking art pieces.
These events highlight Palace Green's versatility, showcasing its ability to host everything from intimate performances to large-scale public spectacles, making it a continuously evolving and engaging destination. The transformation of the green during Lumiere is truly magical. 
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