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
/ 5
259 traveller ratings
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Tom was a fantastic...
Sam_K, May 2026
Tom was a fantastic guide. He was engaging, funny and extremely knowledgeable. He always had answers to our questions and encouraging our participation in the tour.
Replace man on the horse with Tom!
Emma_D, May 2026
Tom is such an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide. Enjoyed hearing about the history and folklore of Durham, as first time visitors. Enjoyed crossing the Ove Arup bridge, taking a different route and perspective we would never have discovered on our short trip. We were puzzled as to why our fellow Scots kept trying to take the Castle and Durham over the centuries until unification....definitely would have been in my 'too hard' box! Highly recommend this tour and worth way more than £11 per person 😊
Great and interesting tour
R7971FMmartina, Apr 2026
Really enjoyed the walk around Durham on what was a lovely sunny day. Our guide was a really friendly person who was very knowledgeable and had a good store of interesting (from a historical and character point of view) and at times amusing stories. A great way to spend 90 mins in Durham
Brilliant tour.
Jbtrip123, Apr 2026
Excellent tour. Tom was brilliant. Held our interest by being informative, amusing, and entertaining. Using his impressive knowledge of Durham city history linked to infamous characters.
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.