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Activity Middlesbrough, England

Guided Walking Tour of Durham & its Infamous Characters

5.0 (285 reviews) 1 h 30 min Free cancellation
Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Guided Walking Tour of Durham & its Infamous Characters

About this activity

This tour is not just about Durham, the place, but its people and the stories behind them. From Durham's Narnia connection to its mining heritage, from dragons & saints to a serial killer, this city is full of stories you won't forget.

Travellers, students and locals alike are guaranteed to discover something new about Durham while enjoying breathtaking views of the cathedral and historic city centre.

The tour is family friendly and offers a fully accessible route.

Your guide is an enthusiastic local resident, Durham University graduate, and expert in all things Durham, past and present.

Private and Luxury Historical Tours Walking Tours Ghost Tours Excellent Quality Best Conversion Low Supplier Cancellation Rate Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate

At a glance

Duration
1 h 30 min
Confirmation
Instant confirmation
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group
Up to 50 people
People per booking
1–30
Guide
English
Operated by
Characterful Durham Tour

Ages: Infants (0–4 years) · Children (5–12 years) · Youth (13–17 years) · Adults (18–64 years) · Seniors (65–99 years)

What is included

Included

  • Included: Expert in Local History & Folklore

Not included

  • Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

  1. Durham Market Place

    10 min

    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.

  2. Elvet Bridge

    7 min

    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.

  3. Old Elvet

    5 min

    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.

  4. Durham Castle

    7 min Admission not included

    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...

  5. Durham Cathedral

    10 min Admission not included

    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.

  6. Prebends Bridge

    5 min

    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...

  7. River Wear

    7 min

    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.

  8. Framwellgate Bridge

    7 min

    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!

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

  • Coming from Market Place, cross the bridge towards the Gala Theatre, then turn left onto Millennium Place and you will see your guide, usually equipped with an umbrella , and always with a backpack, standing by the statue of pilgrims carrying St Cuthbert's coffin, in front of Clayport Library.

End point

  • If people with mobility concerns are joining our tour, we also offer a shorter distance route, which ends on Palace Green with a view of the Cathedral and the Castle, the tourist information, access to the shuttle bus for Durham Rail Station, and plenty of pick up space for drivers.

  • The tour will drop you off in the very centre of Durham, close by shops, the Prince Bishops Parking Centre, and bus and rail stations.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel You get back
At least one day before 100%
Less than a day before 0%
  • The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

  • 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

Traveller ratings

5.0 out of 5 · 285 reviews
5
99%
4
1%
3
0%
2
0%
1
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Activities, prices and reviews are from Viator. Booking and payment happen on Viator; Vacantier may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Guided Walking Tour of Durham & its Infamous Characters

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