• Cong Burn - Flowing through the center of the town, this section explores the Iron Age history of the Congansis settlement, which lends its name to the burn (a Northern English term for stream).
• Church of St Mary and St Cuthbert - Located at the heart of the ancient fort of Congangium, this part of the tour examines the Roman remnants and delves into the Roman history of the town. Inside the church, the tour covers the history of the Minster of Chester-le-Street, the journey of St Cuthbert’s tomb and the Lindisfarne Gospels, as well as the kings who visited to honor Cuthbert in the Church.

Please note that the tour is scheduled to avoid regular church services. In the event of a funeral, another unscheduled service, or if the church is closed, the discussion about the church will take place from the churchyard.

• Riverside Park - This stop offers a view of Lumley Castle and provides insights into the history of the Lumley and Lambton families, as well as how Chester-le-Street became the home of Durham Cricket and the International Cricket Ground.

• Entrance fees

• Gratuities

This 90-minute, relaxed historical tour delves into the fascinating history of this renowned market town, starting with the creation of the Iron Age settlement at Congangis.

The story soon brings in the Romans as we explore the remnants of the fort of Congangium and discuss its importance along the path to Hadrian’s Wall.

We then explore the early Middle Ages, a time when the shrine of St Cuthbert and the Lindisfarne Gospels made the town a crucial and holy site in the North East, hosting nine Bishops and attracting Kings.

As the tour moves to Riverside Park, participants will enjoy views of Lumley Castle and the International Cricket Ground. Upon returning to the town, the tour will emphasize its role in the evolution of the stagecoach and rail networks during the 18th and 19th centuries.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.