Durham Full City Tour
Description
All of the features of the History Tour plus more! Here we explore the wider city and uncover some hidden gems. Learn about the ‘King in the North’ - the legendary St. Oswald - who returned from exile to reclaim his father's Northumbrian lands and establish a legacy that paved the way for Cuthbert and the Durham story. We also take a look at the dark side of Durham as we explore the prisons, executions and hauntings that add to the mystery and intrigue of the city. Finally, a tour of Durham would not be complete without delving into its rich coal mining heritage and the local people who are at the heart of the Durham story.
Tour Options
Itinerary
At our meeting spot in the historic Market Place, in the heart of the city, we will see the 19th Century Town Hall and Guildhall, St. Nicolas' church and the statues that commemorate the city's history. We will learn about the figures who have helped to shape the city and county. From here, we will take a short walk to Framwellgate Bridge.
The oldest of the city's bridges with a magnificent view of Durham Castle and Cathedral. Here we will explore the history of the Castle and famous Prince Bishops of Durham before heading along the picturesque riverside walk to our next stop. The walk from here to the next stop will take approximately 5 minutes.
Along the way to Prebends Bridge we will explore the city's mills and riverbanks before taking in spectacular views of the Cathedral from Prebends Bridge.
On our way to the South Bailey, we will encounter the medieval city wall and explore the historic rivalry with the Scots before heading into the Bailey, which is the home of Durham University.
Now affiliated with St. John's college, St. Mary the Less, has some fascinating connections with Durham legends. We explore their stories here whilst taking in the interesting architecture of the Bailey.
The eastern side of the Cathedral. From here we can explore some dark aspects of Norman history as well as finding out about some of the Bailey colleges.
Learn the gruesome story behind this site’s namesake whilst enjoying some divisive 20th century architecture.
Durham’s 200 year old prison has been ‘home’ to some of England’s most infamous criminals. Learn about how prisoners exercised, escaped and were executed.
Now part of Durham University, the Old Racecourse is a forgotten part of the city.
The oldest pub in the city. The perfect location for locals to have a good old day out and enjoy a hanging from the gallows.
At the historic Elvet Bridge, hear the tragic tales of some of the city’s previous occupants…some of whom are still believed to be around today.
We enter the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage site on Palace Green and explore the various buildings around Palace Green that are steeped in history. Here we will talk about the battles, tragedies and miracles that feature heavily in the Durham story. The climax of the takes us to the doors of Durham Cathedral.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(20)
Me and my partner had a tour with Peter today and he was absolutely brilliant. Was only us two on the tour but the show went on and he smashed it! Really nice and genuine guy and knows his history and we learnt a lot from him! Highly recommend a tour with him and hope he does well in the future too!
We really enjoyed this tour. My son will be attending Durham University in the fall, and we appreciated getting to hear more about the city.
Blessed with a bright sunny day it was the perfect day for a walk. There should have been at least two of us but my husband had to pull out last minute. As it was I was the only attendee so I was treated to a personal tour full of interesting facts, beautiful sights, useful tips and entertaining anecdote by Peter who couldn’t have been more charming. Durham is a glorious city and this walking tour was the perfect way to see it.
This was an amazing tour. We learned so much about Durham. Many interesting stories. This tour has given me interest to come back and stay longer. We walked through the city up and down the stairs. Even our dog enjoyed the day.
My friend and I had the pleasure of being taken around Durham by Peter today. We were fortunate with a sunny day, but even more fortunate with Pete's company. He entertained us with so many stories about Durham ranging from how a cow and a saint made the city happen, to stories of haunted pubs, hangings and the origin of some phrases we use in the language even today! He was patient, kind and don't ever make us feel our questions were silly or rush us. It'd probably one of the nicest and most informative tours I've been on. Also Peter can recommend the cheapest coffee in the city and where to go for a good road (he was right, it was really delicious!). The time just flew by. Highly recommended.
What a fantastic tour, we can't speak highly enough of Peter and the History tour we did this morning, Durham was basking in beautiful autumn sunlilgnt so looked spectacular and the content and delivery of Peters tour, which we were lucky enough to have all to ourselves was fabulous. It was like walking round Durham with an old very knowledgeable and informative friend. Brilliant ! Can't praise him enough.
Excellent Tour. Highly recommend. Included some beautiful historical places and lots of interesting facts and stories.
We met with Peter on Saturday morning, which was a gloriously sunny day. We were the only two on this walk which made it feel very special. Peter was very engaging, knowledgeable and funny. He certainly new his subject and painted a very full picture of Durhams history. He certainly didn't hold back in his description of those terrible and troublesome Scots (we're from Glasgow)! We thoroughly enjoyed our time (over 2 hours and plenty of steps) and would highly recommend Peter's walking tour!
Very informative and interesting tour with a lovely chap who told us all about Durham and its history. He brought the history to life with all his funny engaging stories. We would thoroughly recommend this tour and this tour guide to anyone visiting Durham. Worth every penny and more.
Wonderful tour. Thoroughly recommend! Pete is a lovely guy who is so knowledgeable about the city and history of Durham. We really enjoyed it and learnt a lot.
