10 Tours in County Durham That You Shouldn't Miss

Explore the hidden gems and iconic sites of beautiful Northumberland on this 2-hour guided walking tour. Learn about the rise and fall of one of Rome’s most famous constructions at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hadrian’s Wall. Discover why Northumberland has more castles than any other county in England. See romantic moorland, sweeping coastlines and medieval villages. This tour brings the places you visit to life, by telling you the secrets tales and anecdotes that archaeologists usually keep to themselves. The tour is perfect for visitors who want to get off the beaten track to explore the history and culture of rugged Northumberland.

Inclusions: Local guide, Professional guide

Exclusions: Transportation to/from attractions

From the Ice Age to the modern day, Durham has a fantastic story to tell. The city has resisted both the Scots and the Normans throughout its history, developed into a regional capital and been shaped by its stunning Romanesque Cathedral in the city centre. On this tour, you’ll hear many of the city’s amazing stories as you walk its picturesque streets. This tour is one of the best ways to see Durham during a visit to the North East of England. What 3 Words starting location: ///shed.librarian.when Available start times: 10am | 2pm

Inclusions: Local guide, Professional guide

Exclusions: Food and drinks

2000 years ago Hadrians Wall was a frontier, a place where two cultures collided. Your guide will weave a narrative from both the Roman perspective and the native perspective, thereby providing both viewpoints. The Northumberland National Park makes a magnificent backdrop. Your guide will make visible a wealth of archaeology, thereby helping you discover a land with multiple layers. You will be in awe of the landscape as you walk the gentle slopes of the Whin Sill, a geological feature underpinning Hadrian’s Wall. After your walk you will visit two museums on Hadrians Wall to enhance your visit even further. This is the complete Hadrian’s Wall experience. • Full Day guided tour of Hadrian's Wall  • Discover the purpose of Hadrian's Wall • Visit Hadrians wall and two of the best preserved Roman forts in Britain • Understand the men of Hadrian's Wall • View the beautiful landscape of Northumberland National Park • Booking is essential (Alternative tours are available)

Inclusions: Local guide, Professional guide

Exclusions: Transportation to/from attractions

South Shields and Jarrow contain fantastic history from before the Romans and, today, are vibrant towns in the North East of England. On this tour, you’ll hear the story of the Roman Fort of Arbeia and the Anglo-Saxon story of the North East at Jarrow Hall. At Arbeia, you’ll discover the stories of soldiers and civilians alike – with dedications to Middle-Eastern traders, slaves and native Britons, all living together at this frontier. At Jarrow Hall, you’ll explore the story of the Germanic Anglo-Saxons through the museum dedicated to the Venerable Bede. Bede is arguably the greatest scholar of the Dark Ages, not only a monk, but also a teacher, scientist and historian in a time most believe to be violent, uneducated and unrecorded. Both sites have fantastic reconstructions of buildings from their periods, including a Roman gatehouse, barracks block and commanding officers’ house. What 3 Words starting location: ///rocky.move.wide

Inclusions: Private transportation

Exclusions: Lunch, Snacks

Experience the city of Newcastle (and Gateshead) in a new light - gone are the days of industry & depression - the city today is one of the most fascinating, culturally active and inspiring cities in the UK. Discover its past, present and future on this discovery walking tour with your local expert!

Inclusions: Professional, local tourist guide, Tailor-made: choose your start/end points within the city

Exclusions: Private transportation, Entry fees, Gratuities

This tour informs in a light hearted and entertaining way about Newcastle's fascinating 2000 year history. Newcastle is often overlooked and misunderstood and booking a tour with us is the best way to discover for yourself what Newcastle has to offer.

Inclusions: Guide

Exclusions:

A very unique activity set in the heart of the North Pennines. Armed with your specialist white water tube and accompanied by some of the most experience guides, you and your team will take on the rapids. Not just any rapids, these rapids are grade 4 and full of excitement. Don't worry, that's not just it, you will finish your day with a spectacular waterfall jump. You can expect a thorough safety briefing and progressive start to your session. This will hopefully help your confidence and maximise your experience. Our equipment is top of the range and have mobile changing facilities are available for your comfort and convenience. We will also provide you with hundreds of photos taken on waterproof cameras. Booking for a group of 6 or more? Contact us to arrange a private booking at a time and date that is convenient for you. We'll even provide your transport.

Inclusions: Wetsuit, buoyancy aid, helmet, wetsuit socks

Exclusions: Trainers, towel and swimwear is not provided. Beach shoes are not suitable. Trainers must lace up and have a sturdy sole

The tour offers more sights than some other tours of the beautiful city of Newcastle. On it you will hear about the history of the city from the Iron Age to present day, and also about some of the city's more interesting characters. The tour is less than 4km, does include some steps, and some uneven pavement. Please come prepared according to the weather forecast for that day. In the event of bad weather, please contact me through the message option here on TripAdvisor to see if the tour is still going ahead. Weather cancellations will be very rare.

Inclusions: English-speaking tour guide

Exclusions:

Follow in the footsteps of Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope as you explore the filming locations of the hit TV show, Vera. Take a 4-hour guided coach tour through shooting locations such as Newcastle, Gateshead, North Shields and Whitley Bay. This tour is the only one of its kind and is designed for Vera fans who want to explore the filming locations and scenery from this classic crime show.

Inclusions: Live commentary on board, Local guide, Local Expert Guide

Exclusions: Gratuities

Meeting at Greys Monument at 1pm, this tour offers travellers the chance to take in Newcastle’s rich culture and amazing scenery whilst sampling some of the cities finest food provided by some of the best independent eateries in town! Along the way you will visit a diverse culture scene from the hustle and bustle of the famous Grainger Market where traders still shout their wares right to The Baltic Centre For Contemporary art where you will take in some of THE best views of the city

Inclusions: Licensed tour guide, Newcastle food tasting

Exclusions: