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Durham Dark History Tour: Hauntings and Tragic Tales
5.0
14 Ratings
County Durham
Delve into the darker side of Durham’s past as we discover the gruesome, shocking and tragic tales of our city’s rich history.
From the medieval prisons, castle and cathedral to the city’s historic pubs, we explore the hauntings, crimes, deadly battles and saintly miracles that add mystery and character to our beautiful little city.
Delve into the darker side of Durham’s past as we discover the gruesome, shocking and tragic tales of our city’s rich history.
From the medieval prisons, castle and cathedral to the city’s historic pubs, we explore the hauntings, crimes, deadly battles and saintly miracles that add mystery and character to our beautiful little city.
Duration:
1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Durham Market Place - The darker side of the social history of Durham. From coal mining to hidden cemeteries.
- Framwellgate Bridge - Tales of escaped prisoners and Prince Bishops in the brutal early Norman period.
- Durham Cathedral - Learn about saintly miracles and tales of the dungeon that lay beneath the cathedral.
- **Palace Green…
- Durham Market Place - The darker side of the social history of Durham. From coal mining to hidden cemeteries.
- Framwellgate Bridge - Tales of escaped prisoners and Prince Bishops in the brutal early Norman period.
- Durham Cathedral - Learn about saintly miracles and tales of the dungeon that lay beneath the cathedral.
- Palace Green Library - Hear stories of ghosts from the castle, medieval burial grounds, deadly rebellion and modern miracles, all whilst witnessing magnificent views of the UNESCO World Heritage site of the castle and cathedral.
- Kingsgate Footbridge - Learn the gruesome story behind this site’s namesake whilst enjoying some divisive 20th century architecture.
- Durham - Durham’s 200 year old prison has been ‘home’ to some of England’s most infamous criminals. Learn about how prisoners exercised, escaped and were executed.
- The Dun Cow - The oldest pub in the city. The perfect location for locals to have a good old day out and enjoy a hanging from the gallows.
- Elvet Bridge - The tour reaches it’s finale beneath Elvet Bridge. Hear the tragic tales of some of the city’s previous occupants…some of whom are still believed to be around today.
What's Included
- Provide City center recommendations.
- Provide City center recommendations.
Location
Market place
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(14 Ratings)
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1 star
Lynn
Sep 9, 2025
Dark tour of Durham is a must! - The guide, was absolutely fantastic. He was very engaging, answered all our questions with great knowledge and humour.I have less mobility and use a walking aide, and he checked in with me often. His background in geography was an added bonus. This is an absolute must when in Durham.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Suzannecw9852pn
Sep 7, 2025
Loved it! - 5 of us went along. Family from Belgium & 3 locals Teens to seniors. We all enjoyed it equally!
So informative and the sights were lovely
Lived local most my life but found out so many new things
I’d happily do it again :)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Allison_a
Jul 14, 2025
The guide was great,... - The guide was great, friendly and knowledgeable. I would really recommend doing this to find out about the interesting facts of Durham.
Review provided by Viator
Liz
Apr 26, 2025
A must do tour when in Durham - We thoroughly enjoyed this tour. Full of interesting facts and myths about the people that lived and died here. Our guide was superb and clearly knew his stuff making the tour really interesting and engaging. It lasted about one hour 20 mins which was perfect. Would thoroughly recommend if you’re in Durham.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Matthewmr397vy
Apr 12, 2025
Interesting historical tour of DH1 - Interesting tour of durham. I have lived there for 4 years and still learnt so much about the area and its history. The guide was really friendly. Overall would recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kissel999
Apr 9, 2025
Highly recommend - This was a great way to explore a stunning city with such a historical, dark and lengthy history.
The tour guide was super friendly, accommodating and educated on the extensive history of the city, it's surrounding areas and even wider afield. He even answered questions that were completely of topic and casually chatted about his own history, personal experience and hobbies
We would highly recommend this to everyone!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stephanie_f
Apr 5, 2025
A very well informed tour... - A very well informed tour guide and lots of things to see! We really enjoyed the history of the courthouse and the cathedral.
Review provided by Viator
537lillc
Dec 21, 2024
Brilliant evening tour - Really interesting tour of the city, went in the winter in the evening which really added to the atmosphere and was a good opportunity to see the city lit up in the dark.
Peter had an extensive knowledge of the city and told it well, it was a smaller tour group that night but he was still able to fill up a full 90 minute tour and answer all questions.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
7sidd
Nov 12, 2024
Brilliant walking tour round Durham - This walking tour around Durham was excellent, our guide was very knowledgeable and brought the history of Durham alive for us.
The tour lasted 90min starting in the market square and included the cathedral, university and prison.
The pace of the tour was easy with only one steep path to negotiate and ending under Elvet bridge meant we were in the middle of town ideal for a bite to eat or a couple of pints.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Daydream21379002609
Nov 10, 2024
Excellent tour - As a group of friends who regularly go to Durham we were absolutely intrigued by the history and tales our tour guide Peter presented us with. Loads of stories we knew nothing about which made it more interesting. An excellent way of getting to know more about Durhams secret dark past highly recommend the tour and the tour guide Peter
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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