Guided Walking Tour of Durham & its Infamous Characters
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Expert in Local History & Folklore
Gratuities
What To Expect
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.
Elvet 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.
Options
Guided Walking Tour of Durham & its Infamous Characters
Reviews
239 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Informative, entertaining tour exploring Durham's history.
mbU7703VV,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very interesting, amusing and enlightening experience. I had personal service as the only participant. That's dedication from Tom!
Durham Dun Right
Tom H,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The guide Tom was fun, knowledgeable and engaging. A fun tour of Durham, learning about this ancient city.
I will never see Durham the same way
DanielFrancisco P,
Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00I came all the way from London just to hear the story about the man on the horse, and it was absolutely worth it! The tour went beyond my expectations, full of fascinating stories, and delivered with passion. Every stop brought history to life in such a way that kept me captivated. I’ll definitely be recommending this to friends visiting Durham. I will never see this city the same way again! And by the way, I got the magnet! Thanks a lot… also, chips, gravy, and cheese didn’t look very appetizing at first, but I loved every bite. I’ll definitely be recommending this tour to my friends.
Well worth doing. A must do activity
Steve T,
Oct 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent guided tour. Tom was very knowledgeable and it was an informative tour. He really brought the city to life with his humour and dramatic approach to storytelling. The 90mins flew by. Would highly recommend. The tour is too cheap in our opinion for what you get and so we gave more in a tip!
Excellent
JanetSmith95,
Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An excellent walking tour led by Tom. Lots of fascinating information delivered in an amusing and engaging way. I would recommend it as a bit more than the usual ' and on the left is the cathedral'.
Amazing tour !
Allison D,
Oct 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was so good .Tom was extremely knowledgeable and made everything so interesting and fun .You can see he has a real passion about history . It's definitely one to book if you're in Durham .One of the best tours I've ever had .
👌 👏 NOT To Be Missed 👌 👏
Kaye B,
Sep 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Incredible tour guide, passionate, animated and engaging throughout., The tour was both full of details and humour. Although he hadn't packed a brolly (so we would know who he was), and had forgotten his reward stickers, all is forgiven as we had such a great time !! I would recommend 100% and would definitely book again as apparently he has another 3 hours of interesting information. For reference he looks like Kieth Lemon so you'll know who he is, and please give him our love - he was brilliantly entertaining!
History walking Tour
Z8556RFpeterm,
Sep 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A very informative historical tour. Well worth a walk with Tom he certainly new the History and Character of Durham. Tom interacts with his groups with warmth and humour.
Great tour of Durham
Richard L,
Sep 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Myself and my son went on this tour today, absolutely brilliant, highly recommend. Great knowledge and covered much of Durham centre at an easy pace. Thank you
3 Cows and Mustard!!
Kaz Z,
Sep 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide Tom was brilliant, giving us lots of information and love the way he tells the stories of the infamous characters of durham. He also draws the group together to join in with some Q&A as we meander through different parts of the city. The walk is a definite must do if visiting Durham
From £10.00
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Operated by Characterful Durham Tour