Lancaster Walks - Guided Walking Tours
Description
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
Tour Options
Itinerary
An ancient castle - but what else? Learn about the Castle's place in history - its famous and not so famous prisoners, trials and executions. Please Note: To visit inside the Castle you will have to join a separate tour.
Dating back to the 11th century, step inside to admire its stained glass, medieval carvings, and the atmosphere of a church that has served the city for almost a thousand years.
An eighteenth century harbour on the River Lune, its connections to the international slave trade, and characters connected with this area.
The oldest house in Lancaster. Who it was owned by and its link to witchcraft.
A prince goes missing. Some stories about a potential king of England.
A prince raises the banner and another loses a shoe. Stories about two Royal prices - 300 years apart.
A murder and a government bonus. Learn about the first murder solved by forensic science and the bonus paid to slave owners.
A look at an almshouse - still functioning today. Who founded it and how it was financed.
An educational institute founded by donations - which became the forerunner of the university tradition in the City.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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
- Well-behaved dogs welcomed
Reviews(91)
Excellent, really had great knowledge og stories, buildings, people. Well worth going on this fab walk and tour.
We always try & do a walking tour in a new city particularly to learn about the history of the place. Barry was excellent. We learnt a huge amount about the (good & bad) history of Lancaster in the 2 3/4 hours walk around the city.
Really glad that you enjoyed the tour.
Barrie is a great tour guide - spent 3 hours giving us a detailed ‘pay as you feel’ walking tour of Lancaster. He is very knowledgeable and gave me lots of insight into a city i have already lived in for 4 years. He is informative but also sensitive surrounding difficult topics in Lancasters past. I would recommend this tour to tourists and Lancastrians alike. Thanks again Barrie!
Great to have increased your knowledge of this wonderful city!
Barry was very pleasant and knowledgeable. He gave an excellent overview of the town and England. We didn’t really understand that it was only a walking tour and we were not going to go into the castle or any other historical sites.
Hi thank you for your positive review. I'm sorry that you misunderstood the itinerary but it specifically states regarding the Castle that "Please Note: To visit inside the Castle you will have to join a separate tour."
First time enjoying Lancaster, Barrie is an absolute gem and a credit to the city! Fantastic tour which had plenty of variety, we got our steps in but easy underfoot and didnt feel rushed. Im an HUGE history buff and I was in my element, learnt loads on the tour and confirm the info I did know. We had a fantastic time and we were buzzing afterwards, highly recommend the tour!
Great to have such a wonderful review thank you Claire
Excellent informed history walk around Lancaster. Learnt a lot about this great City which should be visited more. Barrie was very knowledgeable and approachable. We really enjoyed the morning and it was great value.
Yes Lancaster is often ignored! Spread the word that it's a great little City!
Interesting and knowledgeable guide who has a love of history and this city. Nice walk not strenuous.
We enjoyed a fascinating walking tour of Lancaster. Our guide Barrie seamlessly guided us through the history and characters of the city, from Bonnie Prince Charlie to black enslaved domestics, witches to industrialists. Almshouses, castles, warehouses, bridges and of course pubs. Excellent value for money. Clearly and articulately delivered. Highly recommend if you love history.
Very knowledgeable Very organized Very enjoyable
Excellent introduction to Lancaster. Our very knowledgeable guide provided us with a coherent narrative of the city’s history, well illustrated by the buildings which we encountered along with their patrons’ civic roles and economic effects. At the end of our rigorous walk beginning with its remarkable medieval castle, through its 18th century slave-trade funded core of Lancaster and its 19th century extensions, we were both very well exercised and very well informed.
