Gardens & historic places / DURHAM

Crook Hall Gardens

Follow connected gardens with different planting and enclosed spaces, using the medieval hall as their historic backdrop. A maze, orchard and places to sit make this a slower counterpoint to Durham’s hilltop buildings. Allow time to linger in the parts you enjoy instead of planning only a quick photograph of the hall.

Before you go

The café is free to enter, but the gardens and medieval hall require admission. Check each facility’s hours and garden last entry rather than using café opening as your deadline.

The practical details

Where to find it: Frankland Lane, Sidegate, Durham DH1 5SZ.
Directions and arrival information ↗
Tickets and booking: General admission normally needs no booking, except certain events. Check current opening and membership arrangements. The National Trust car park is for garden/café visitors and has its own registration/payment rules.
Access and getting around: The entrance is level from the car park, then the main gardens involve an incline. Narrow, winding or uneven paths exclude some areas for wheelchair users. Accessible toilet and baby-changing facilities are in the café.
Official access information ↗
Visiting with children: The maze can add interest for children, but supervise around the moat pool and keep the route manageable. Bring a picnic or check café service; no promise of staffed children’s activities on ordinary days.

Practical information checked 14 September 2026. Confirm anything essential to your visit with the venue.

Make it part of your day

Allow 1½–2 hours for the visit, plus travel and breaks. This is a suggested planning allowance; opening times, access and availability may affect your plans.

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