Durham City Walking Tour
Description
Ken Bradshaw is a professionally trained tour guide holding the Blue Badge for North East England and will bring your tour alive as I will tailor it to fit your personal interests. We will walk through the medieval historical streets and along the River Wear showing you the highlights of this beautiful historic city. Quirky backstreets, canny views and topical points of interest will be available to view. We will see the colleges of one of the greatest learning institutions in the world: Durham University and discover the lives of countless characters such as the little Count of Poland who played his fiddle in the Victorian theatre, some of the powerful Prince Bishops and the notorious coal baron, 3rd Marquis of Londonderry whose statue dominates Durham market place. Check out my website and view my videos of the beautiful landscape of County Durham and north east England
Tour Options
Itinerary
A 900 year old Norman-Romanesque cathedral that pioneered stone vaulted ceiling. The story of the monks carrying the coffin of the legendary miracle working monk, St.Cuthbert.
Built on the orders of William the Conqueror, the Durham Fortress quelled the Anglo-Saxons and resisted Scottish attack. Changed over the course of many centuries as successive Prince Bishops of Durham left their own mark.
Created by the flamboyant Prince Bishop Ranuf Flambard in the 11th century, the Market Place is a centre of activity and full of interesting buildings, sculptures and historical characters.
A 12th century bridge commissioned by Prince Bishop Hugh de Puiset to open up the lands to the East of Durham. See the remnants of the St.Andrew chantry, hear about the infamous bagpipe player Jimmy Allen and find out what Dominic Cummings did when he was a student at the second worst night club of Europe.
See the magnificent Georgian street full of lovely independent shops and inns/restaurants and some interesting facts quirky street views including the last remaining parts of enormous North Gate of Durham fortress.
Built in1776 this bridge affords a fantastic view of Durham Cathedral across the majestic river Wear.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(47)
Ken is an excellent tour guide. Very good knowledge and company. Would highly recommend. This was done at very short notice 👌
Thanks so much, I enjoyed very much showing you my home city, it’s stories and buildings.
Excellent Durham City Tour led by very well informed, enthusiastic and friendly guide Ken. He took into account places we’d already explored and adjusted the walk accordingly. A thoroughly enjoyable and informative couple of hours.
Thank you so much, it was lovely to meet you both.
Spent a great two hours with Ken. There were just two of us on the tour. He is warm and friendly and knowledgeable. Nice easy tour of beautiful Durham. Not a strenuous walking tour as Durham is not big, suitable for most people. Great tour guide. Thanks for making it fun Ken! Sarah and Tom from New Zealand.
Thanks , it was great to meet you both and show you my adopted city
Ken was a friendly and knowleadgable guide - providing local history and stories with connections to other parts of Britain. We learned a few new things about William the Conqueror and his superstitions as well as an unlikely friendship between a near-giant man and a poetic Polish dwarf. This 2 hour walk also gives some good exercise.
Thanks , I’m so glad you enjoyed it
Ken's in-depth knowledge of Durham's history, including the city, surrounding area, and the magnificent cathedral; along with his excellent presentation skills, provided for a very memorable experience.
Thanks so much, it was a real pleasure
An excellent walking tour of Durham with many interesting stories along the way. I would highly recommend Ken if you’re wanting to know more about this beautiful place.
Thanks so much , it was delightful to meet you and share some Durham stories
Ken was really helpful in setting up the tour and being flexible around timings and locations. On the day he brought each place to life with interesting stories, and is a font of knowledge on all things Durham. There were lots of places we would have missed if not for the tour. Highly recommended!
Aww, thanks so much Helen, it was great to meet you and your group. Newcastle next time?
Ken provided a great private walking tour for our group of 8 book club friends who had read the wonderful novel ‘Cuddy’ He had lots of interesting information about characters & buildings in the city & he delivered the tour at an appropriate walking /talking pace. We all really enjoyed the 2 hours we spent together & would recommend Ken if you are looking for some accessible history! Thanks Ken.
Aww thanks Claire, I think I need to read Cuddy again , what an inspiration! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
We all really enjoyed this walking tour around Durham and would recommend Ken for the interesting and engaging stories he shared. We visited parts of medieval Durham we would never have discovered on our own. Worth every penny
Thanks so much, it was great to show you my adopted home of Durham (over 30 years here now!)
Great knowledgeable guide visiting interesting places that you wouldn’t know to look at . 2hour tour walking from cathedral , river side and central Durham
