Durham Local Guide City Tour

1 hour 45 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English

Whenever I arrive in a new city, the most useful thing is always the same: talking to someone who lives there. That’s exactly what this tour offers: a walk through the most historic parts of Durham’s city centre and World Heritage Site, guided by stories from the past and insights from someone who knows the place inside out.

As well as the history of this beautiful city, I’ll show you my favourite spots to eat, drink, and explore, and share tips on how to make the most of your time here, whether you’re staying for a weekend or just passing through. The tour is updated daily with current events and goings-on, so you’ll always know what’s happening in the city right now.

We’ll also look beyond Durham to the wider North East: where to go, what to see, and how to get there, whether you’re driving or using public transport.

It’s the kind of guide I wish I had every time I stepped off a train in a new place!

What's Included

Gratuities

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

The Journey Statue, Millennium Place, Durham DH1 1WA

End point

Itinerary

Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes (approximately)
  • 1

    This lively square has been Durham’s civic heart for centuries, home to the historic Market Hall, the ever-busy outdoor stalls, and the beautiful St Nicholas’ Church watching over it all.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2

    Once the ceremonial heart of civic life, this elegant Georgian street and its former council chamber (now a hotel) come alive each July as the Miners’ Gala marches past in a proud, colourful celebration of Durham’s mining heritage.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    A striking piece of modern architecture, this bridge offers one of the best views of the Cathedral rising above the Wear

    Admission ticket free
  • 3

    From Palace Green, we’ll admire the breathtaking exterior of one of Europe’s greatest Norman buildings — but save a half day later in your visit to explore inside properly; it’s worth every minute.

    15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4

    We’ll admire the Castle from the outside here on Palace Green, but it’s well worth booking a guided tour later in your stay to explore its Norman origins, grand halls, and current life as a college for lucky undergraduates — and I’ll explain exactly how to book it.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 5

    Built for beauty as much as function, this elegant stone bridge gives you that postcard-perfect view of Durham’s World Heritage site

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 6

    A gentle walk along the River Wear reveals wildlife, reflections of the Cathedral, and the rhythm of the city at its most serene. We then reach Framwellgate Bridge,One of Durham’s oldest crossings, this bridge connects the medieval and the modern, with cafés and river views all around.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 7

    A steep, cobbled climb packed with shops and stories, Silver Street is where Durham’s past meets its present-day buzz

    10 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Supplied by North East Spirit Tours

Tags

Historical Tours
Walking Tours

Cancellation Policy

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

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