Durham City
Private Walking Tour
Durham City Private Walking Tour
Enjoy a leisurely walking tour of Durham – home to England’s third oldest university & one of the most stunning cathedrals in Northern Europe. This captivating city with winding cobbled streets frequently draws rave reviews for its cultural and historical attractions. None is more iconic than Durham Cathedral, arguably the finest example of Romanesque (Norman) architecture in the country.
Your 2 hour tour will begin in the heart of Durham on Millennium Square. Here you can enjoy views of new developments in the city whilst your tour guide introduces the story of St. Cuthbert (the reason the city stands) and the beautiful Fenwick Lawson statue in the square itself.
The tour continues into the heart of the commercial city – the Market Place. Here you will find an array of different architecture and fascinating stories around the market place’s statues, the Town hall as well as the history of the place you are standing in. Have a peak into the traditional Victorian Market Hall before heading up the hills into medieval Durham.
As you walk up Saddler Street (named after leather makers in the city), your guide will point out significant buildings and stories surrounding these – you can also venture up one of the famous vennels (alleyways) that take you into tiny areas of the city littered with independent shops, cafés and quirky stores.
Enjoy breath-taking views of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Durham Castle & Cathedral. Admire Palace Green in all its glory as your guide brings history to life – the castle, now part of the university, has its own story and the views onto the cathedral from here are simply stunning! During a tour of the cathedral you will discover St. Cuthberts Shrine, the beautiful nave, fantastic stained glass windows, powerful stories of Prince Bishops, the wonderful outdoor space of the Cloisters and a tale or two about a famous wizard, as well as other movies filmed in the city and cathedral.
The rear of the cathedral boasts views of the rose Window and The College, leading you to a totally different atmosphere in the city by the riverside. Walk over one of the many bridges spanning the river Wear and stroll along the river, ( you may even see rowers training and wildlife). The views onto the cathedral from here are some of the best – even one of England’s famous painters. William Turner, knew the spot and painted the view.
