2 hours
E-voucher
English
Overview
Get to know Durham inside and out with the help of a passionate guide who knows about this beautiful city’s history. Walk the cobbled streets with a tour leader who really knows their stuff, from dragons and saints to a serial killer. You’ll also hear all about the city’s literary and mining past, all while you take in views of the cathedral and city center.
Operated by
Characterful Durham Tour
Ratings & Reviews
Average Rating
4.97
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252 traveller ratings
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One of the best city walking tours ever.
NJA64, Apr 2026
We struck lucky with this one. When we met Thomas our guide he told us we were the only two people on the tour. What followed was a really personal, funny, entertaining and very informative tour of the city. Amazing guide, great value and very highly recommended.
Fun and engaging tour
jamestA4544OE, Mar 2026
Brilliant tour! Tom is incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. Tour is very well thought out and informative. Would heavily recommend to anyone, well worth the money :)
Amazing Tour guide!
H9855WVmelissah, Mar 2026
My teen son and I went on this tour and it was absolutely amazing. We come to the area regularly to visit family so know the area a bit but this tour brought Durham to life with the stories and history. My 13 year old still talks about this tour so thank you. It was so engaging and interesting. The tour guide was friendly, knowledgeable and kept us entertained with stories of Durham and its historic people. The tour guide was so good he should be hosting his own history show on TV!!!
A fascinating introduction and look into Durham's storied history
th0mas_brand, Feb 2026
My guide was very informative and insightful. He provided a stellar introduction to the history of Durham and many of the curious inhabitants who've walked its cobbled streets. Absolutely a must do if, like me, you're new not just to Durham but the whole region. I did an evening tour in February so some areas got a little dark but that made it atmospheric for me.
Itinerary
Durham Market Place
At the heart of Durham's historic old town, your guide will tell the story of Lord Londonderry, whose statue dominates the scenery, and Durham's mining heritage.
10 minutesElvet Bridge
Situated on the winding River Wear, above the former dungeons of Durham, Elvet Bridge sets the scene for the story of Jimmy Allen, the People's Piper, who had a nightclub named after him.
7 minutesOld Elvet
Home to the stunning Hotel Indigo and Prison Green, where convicts were executed in Durham, the historic street of Old Elvet is where travellers will hear about Britain's first (and most notorious) female serial killer.
5 minutesDurham Castle
Part of the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, Durham's impressive Norman castle is now home to students, but also allegedly to two mysterious ghosts...
7 minutesDurham Cathedral
Durham's UNESCO World Heritage Site landmark is located opposite the castle. The Cathedral IS Durham's skyline and your guide will tell you about one peculiar saint, who is buried there, and had a college named after him.
10 minutesPrebends Bridge
With a view once painted by none other than William Turner himself, Prebends Bridge leads the travellers to an inconspicuous object, which might have inspired a certain C.S. Lewis one cold winter...
5 minutesRiver Wear
Along the banks of the River Wear, a famous local legend was spun, involving a knight, a dragon, a witch and a curse. Here travellers can enjoy one of the postcard views of Durham Cathedral and the Old Corn Mill by the Riverside.
7 minutesFramwellgate Bridge
Leading up to Silver Street, your guide will tell the story of Durham's own Dick Whittington and his shiny fortune. Just mind the seagulls!
7 minutes
Experience
Highlights
Inclusions
- Expert in Local History & Folklore
Exclusions
- Gratuities
Additional Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Guide Languages
English
Cancellation Policy
A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.