Brancepeth Castle Christmas Craft Fair
Friday 27 November – Sunday 29 November 2026
Brancepeth Castle, Brancepeth, County Durham(DH7 8DF)
Brancepeth Castle, a medieval castle some five miles out of Durham to the south-west, whose first stone walls went up around 1140, has played host to craft fairs since 1987. Its Christmas Craft Fair runs over three days, with most of the stalls set out in the castle's ground-floor rooms and more in the grassy courtyard. The makers come from across the North East and further afield, chosen for the quality and range of their work, and every one sells pieces they made or designed themselves and is glad to talk about them. The owners, whose family still live in the castle, run the fair and staff it in person. Two cafés serve the fair, with coffee and German cakes in the Gatehouse café too, cars park on the grass right beside the castle, and children under 14 go free with an adult.
Get the full visitor guide
When this market goes live, you'll get an interactive map, live schedule with reminders, real-time announcements, stall listings, and offline access — all on your phone, no app download needed.
What to expect
Date & times
Friday 27 November – Sunday 29 November 2026
Getting there
Brancepeth Castle, Brancepeth, County Durham (DH7 8DF for sat nav)
Dogs
Assistance dogs only
Accessibility
Available: Wheelchair accessible, Step-free access, Accessible toilets, Accessible parking / blue badge parking. Not confirmed: Accessible viewing areas.
Stalls
Stall list coming soon
Live schedule
Full timetable available when market goes live
Interactive map
Site map with GPS location available when market goes live
Live announcements
Real-time updates available when market goes live
Accessibility
Confirmed:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Step-free access
- Accessible toilets
- Accessible parking / blue badge parking
Not confirmed:
- Accessible viewing areas
Notes
Inside the castle everything is on one level and wheelchair friendly, with disabled toilets. A manual lift gives entry to the building and visitors can ask for assistance with it; a short flight of steps with a handrail is beside it. Disabled parking is available but limited, and staff direct you on arrival. Parking is on grass, which can be a bit muddy in very wet weather.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Brancepeth Castle Christmas Craft Fair in 2026?
Friday 27 to Sunday 29 November 2026. The fair is held on the last Friday to Sunday of November.
What time does the Brancepeth Castle Christmas Craft Fair open?
The fair is open to the public from 10am to 5pm on Friday and Saturday, and from 12 noon to 5pm on Sunday.
Are children free at the Brancepeth Castle Christmas Craft Fair?
Yes, children under 14 are free when accompanied by an adult.
What makes the Brancepeth Castle Christmas Craft Fair special?
Craft fairs have run at Brancepeth Castle since 1987, bringing together makers from the North East and beyond. The fair is organised and staffed by the castle's owners, and most of the stalls are in the lovely ground-floor rooms of the castle.
How do I get to Brancepeth Castle for the craft fair?
Brancepeth is about 5 miles south-west of Durham on the A690, roughly a 15-minute drive. From the south leave the A1(M) at junction 60 or 61, and from the north at junction 62. In Brancepeth village turn at the crossroads off the A690 and drive through the gates, and the castle is on your right. By bus, the Arriva 46 (Crook) links Brancepeth with Durham City bus station, and a Hopper service links the bus station and the rail station.
Is there parking at the Brancepeth Castle Christmas Craft Fair?
Yes, there is ample parking on the grass around the castle, a short walk from the fair. It can be a bit muddy in very wet weather, and car park staff will direct you. Disabled parking is available but limited, and staff direct you on arrival.
Can I bring my dog to the Brancepeth Castle Christmas Craft Fair?
Service dogs only.
Is the Brancepeth Castle Christmas Craft Fair wheelchair accessible?
Inside, everything is on one level and wheelchair friendly, with disabled toilets. A manual lift gives entry to the building, and visitors can ask for assistance with it; a short flight of steps with a handrail is beside it. Disabled parking is available but limited.
What food and drink is there at the Brancepeth Castle Christmas Craft Fair?
There are two cafés open during the fair. Café Express offers quick service and a shorter menu, opening onto the courtyard lawns. The Castle Café has more seating and a wider choice, at the opposite end of the fair. Before entering or after leaving the fair, Café Burgschneider in the Gatehouse is also available, with coffee and German cakes.
Are the stalls at the Brancepeth Castle Christmas Craft Fair indoors?
Most of the stalls are indoors, in the ground-floor rooms of the castle. Others are outdoors in the castle's enclosed, grassy courtyard.
Where is the Brancepeth Castle Christmas Craft Fair?
At Brancepeth Castle in the village of Brancepeth, County Durham, postcode DH7 8DF, about 5 miles south-west of Durham.
Is this your market?
This is a basic listing we've put together so visitors can find Brancepeth Castle Christmas Craft Fair. If you're one of its organisers, you can claim it — take control of the page, add your schedule, map and more.
Loading…
Powered by ShowDayGuide®