Durham Historical and Folklore Storytelling Tour

This tour is not just about Durham, the place, but its people and the stories behind them. From Durham's Narnia connection to its mining heritage, from dragons & saints to a serial killer, this city is full of stories you won't forget.
Travellers, students and locals alike are guaranteed to discover something new about Durham while enjoying breathtaking views of the cathedral and historic city centre.
The tour is family friendly and offers a fully accessible route.
Your guide is an enthusiastic local resident, Durham University graduate, and expert in all things Durham, past and present.

Meeting Point

Gala Theatre & Cinema

1 Millennium Place, Durham DH1 1WA, UK

Coming from Market Place, cross the bridge towards the Gala Theatre, then turn left onto Millennium Place and you will see your guide wearing a beige coat, standing by the statue of pilgrims carrying St Cuthbert's coffin, in front of Clayport Library.

What's included:

• Expert in Local History & Folklore

What to expect:

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Durham Market Place

Durham Indoor Market Market Place, Durham, DH1 3NJ

At the heart of Durham's historic old town, your guide will tell the story of Lord Londonderry, whose statue dominates the scenery, and Durham's mining heritage.

10 minutes

Elvet Bridge

Elvet Bridge, Durham

Situated on the winding River Wear, above the former dungeons of Durham, Elvet Bridge sets the scene for the story of Jimmy Allen, the People's Piper, who had a nightclub named after him.

7 minutes

Old Elvet

Old Elvet, Durham, DH1 3JN

Home to the stunning Hotel Indigo and Prison Green, where convicts were executed in Durham, the historic street of Old Elvet is where travellers will hear about Britain's first (and most notorious) female serial killer.

5 minutes

Durham Castle

Palace Green, , Durham, DH1 3RW

Part of the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, Durham's impressive Norman castle is now home to students, but also allegedly to two mysterious ghosts...

7 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Durham Cathedral

The College, , Durham, DH1 3EH

Durham's UNESCO World Heritage Site landmark is located opposite the castle. The Cathedral IS Durham's skyline and your guide will tell you about one peculiar saint, who is buried there, and had a college named after him.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Prebends Bridge

Durham

With a view once painted by none other than William Turner himself, Prebends Bridge leads the travellers to an inconspicuous object, which might have inspired a certain C.S. Lewis one cold winter...

5 minutes

River Wear

Elvet Waterside, Durham, DH1 3AF

Along the banks of the River Wear, a famous local legend was spun, involving a knight, a dragon, a witch and a curse. Here travellers can enjoy one of the postcard views of Durham Cathedral and the Old Corn Mill by the Riverside.

7 minutes

Framwellgate Bridge

Silver Street, Durham

Leading up to Silver Street, your guide will tell the story of Durham's own Dick Whittington and his shiny fortune. Just mind the seagulls!

7 minutes