Walking tour of Lancaster - Execution Slavery Industry

Overview

Available languages

English

3 hours

Mobile ticket

With a history going back to the Romans, an ancient castle, its own special national anthem, a connection to the slave trade, and the first gruesome murder solved by forensics, Lancaster has a lot to offer.

We'll begin at Lancaster Castle. We'll learn about the trials of the Pendle Witches and prominent Quakers. We'll understand how Lancaster became so prosperous through the slave trade in the 18th century. We'll become acquainted with Lancaster's Black and White Canal. We'll understand how the first use of forensic science solved a murder committed in the centre of Lancaster.

We'll visit:

Lancaster Castle

The Priory

The Quayside

Almshouses

Prosperous houses associated with the slave trade

Other notable buildings of architects and industrialists

Lancaster Canal

The doctor's house that became a crime scene

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

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

Guided walk

What To Expect

Lancaster Castle

An ancient castle - but what else? Learn about the Castle's place in history - its famous and not so famous prisoners, trials and executions.

20 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

An eighteenth century harbour on the River Lune, its connections to the international slave trade, and characters connected with this area.

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Lancaster Walk - 11 October

Start time 14:00

Walking tour of Lancaster - Execution Slavery Industry

Lancaster Walk - 25 July

Start at 10:00

Reviews

4.93

71 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

A History of Lancaster in 4 hours.
Rob S,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Interesting, enjoyable, educational, informative, comprehensive - excellent value and thoroughly recommended.
Fascinating and informative
TimVal81,
Oct 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We learnt a lot about Lancaster and plenty of English and international history, adding worthwhile interest to a rather dull and wet day. It’s a worthwhile thing to do early on during a stay in the area, becsuse it will influence what else you decide to see.
Great experience, intresting srories, fascinating history of the city
mariafZ3569QY,
Oct 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great walk around the wonderful city with an amazing guide Barrie! He made history alive! I would definitely recommend this tour.
Informative and fun
AnnMarie W,
Sep 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Plenty of walking and standing around at the many points of interest. Also pointed out other options so worth doing this at the beginning of any visit.
Great tour with a fantastic guide
Mick J,
Sep 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Barrie’s knowledge of the history of Lancaster was amazing. His passion for the history of the area is infectious. He tells great stories about things that happened at various points of the tour which kept us engaged and wanting to learn more. The walk was easy and suitable for all levels of fitness. 10 out of 10 Barrie thank you. HIGHLY recommend this activity if you visit Lancaster.
What a trip!! Murder and mayhem…and all in Lancaster!
Joyce P,
Jul 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
A really interesting trip. Barrie had amazing knowledge delivered with humour and pzazz. Many amusing anecdotes, interspersed with an astounding array of facts. Great stamina. No concessions to the age of his customers or the weather!!! Absolutely excellent.
Barrie's tour was excellent
Jet255980,
May 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a thoroughly enjoyable tour with our guide Barrie whose knowledge of Lancaster history was extensive. The tour was very well planned and informative. Extremely good value for money.
Interesting tour :)
LouiseB392,
May 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Fascinating insight to Lancaster - Barrie’s knowledge is phenomenal! I hadn’t appreciated how much of a role Lancaster had in the slave trade so it’s pretty humbling at times with various tales that are brought to life outside houses with stories. He’s made a big effort to pull this walking tour together and it was almost three hours long although there’s not tons of walking because of listening to the historical context. I say this as it’s easy for anyone without any fitness to do the trip, aside to a wheelchair user due to a steep downward track at one stage. A toilet/ refreshment stop could be perhaps incorporated to improve the trip. Barrie also sends very helpful tips on eateries ahead of the trip which we appreciated being there for the weekend and used one of them. Barrie, we also popped to the crook of lune on leaving the next day and enjoyed a sarnie from the lovely lady at Woods/ Woodys. Learned she’s been there 37 years :) Thanks for that recommendation and also to help us visit the beautiful Sambo’s Grave at the coast. All the best.
Historic Lancaster
Amanda H,
Apr 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Barrie was an excellent guide: informative and interesting who knew a lot about Lancaster's history. He obviously has a key interest in the city's slavery. We now know a lot more about the people who contributed to the city of Lancaster thanks to him.
Interesting and informative
Clare C,
Apr 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Barrie knew his stuff and told it well. We got a good feel for the city and it's history. A very enjoyable trip and helped us with the geography of the city. He also made recommendations for places to eat, which were very helpful.