Walkabout Durham History Tour

5.0 (115 reviews) 1 h 30 min Free cancellation

out of 5

115 reviews

5.0

Walkabout Durham History Tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

An early evening tour from the Market Place- our starting point. — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

While strolling along cobbled streets and riverside footpaths, you will view some of the world's best architecture and encounter gripping tales of the kings, Prince Bishops and local people who have made Durham one of England's most fascinating, and historically significant, cities. Our History Tour will take you from the bustling heart of the Market Place to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the castle.

Walkabout Durham is a small family run business of two guides (Peter and Annmarie). We both grew up in Durham, trained as teachers and have been running tours in Durham since 2019. This was our first tour and is still the most popular of our range of tours.

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At a glance

Duration: 1 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 20 people
People per booking: 1–10
Guide: English
Operated by: Walkabout Durham

Ages: Children (0–12 years) · Adults (13–100 years)

What is included

Included

Included: We do not enter any buildings on the tour. We provide recommendations for food and attractions.

Itinerary

Durham Market Place

20 min

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.
Framwellgate Bridge

15 min

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.
Prebends Bridge

5 min

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.
Stop 4

15 min

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.
Stop 5

10 min

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.
Stop 6

10 min

We arrive at the eastern side of the Cathedral and explore some early medieval history and stories of St. Cuthbert as well as learning about some of the colleges of Durham University. The walk along The Bailey takes us to the top of Saddler Street.
Palace Green Library

15 min

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.