What to do and see in County Durham, England: The Best Sightseeing Tours

May 7, 2022 Elouise Mccaul

Discover the best top things to do in County Durham, United Kingdom including Durham History Tour, Durham City Half Day Tour, Newcastle Roman Fort Tour, Hello Newcastle! Private Walking Tour , Newcastle History Tour, Guided City Walking Tour of Newcastle, Newcastle Gory Tour , A Taste Of Newcastle Food Tour, Tailor-made Walking Tour: Discover Newcastle, Private Newcastle Pub Tour.
Restaurants in County Durham

1. Durham History Tour

Railway Station bus, Durham DH1 4RB, UK Iles Tours Durham
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5.0 based on 13 reviews

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

Reviewed By OtavaloHerewecome

We absolutely loved Durham. From the minute we got off the train, Alex pointed out interesting sites and gave us all of the history. We enjoyed every moment of it. The cathedral was incredible. Highly recommended.

2. Durham City Half Day Tour

Railway Station bus, Durham DH1 4RB, UK Iles Tours Durham
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Durham is one of the most famous cities in Northern England, set among the magnificent Cathedral of Blessed Mary the Virgin and St. Cuthbert of Durham and the city’s imposing Castle. This tour gives you an in-depth introduction to Durham, which has grown around the shrine of its Anglo-Saxon saint, St. Cuthbert, and the influence of the mighty Prince Bishops. We’ll guide you through the city and then take you to the grand Romanesque cathedral – often described as the greatest Cathedral in England – explaining the architecture and history of the building. Then, you’ll behold the Open Treasures of the Bishop of Durham, which has been gathered and curated for you to discover. Please contact us for details of solo traveler bookings. What 3 Words starting location: ///shed.librarian.when

Inclusions: Local guide, Professional guide

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified

Reviewed By PhysicalDave

This was the perfect socially distanced way to see Durham and learn loads about the City, on our first ever visit. Jan and I were the only two in the Group and Alex, our excellent guide, from Iles Tours, made sure that he kept his distance from us and avoided being close to others in the streets. Alex’s Knowledge was so broad yet in depth too. Ranging from the geological history of the north to the warring factions of Northumbria, right up to the Victorian architecture of Durham’s buildings. The tour explored the narrow chares, crossed over the Wear three times and gave us fab views of the magnificent cathedral. Recommended to anyone. Don’t wait, book it now!

3. Newcastle Roman Fort Tour

Segedunum Roman Fort & Museum, Buddle St, Wallsend, Newcastle upon Tyne NE28 6HR, UK Iles Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO world heritage site, marks the frontier of the Roman Empire. The frontier extended for 80 Roman miles and covered many landscapes. On this half-day tour, we’ll focus on the fort at the east end of the wall: Segedunum. The fort is home to fantastic reconstructions of the Roman way of life, allowing you to learn up-close about this fantastic, ruthless yet creative culture that conquered much of the known world. We will start the tour at the fort of Segedunum - now called Wallsend. Following this we’ll go to the Great North Museum in Newcastle, which has one of the largest collections of Roman artefacts in the North of Britain. This tour is great for those who love history and wish to discover more about the Romans in urban Newcastle and Tyneside. Please contact us for details of solo traveler bookings. What 3 Words starting location: ///rocky.move.wide

Inclusions: Local guide, Professional guide, Local Forts and museums

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Reviewed By emilyrB8249BD

Alex was enthusiastic from start to finish and had some fantastic gory stories. He was very knowledgable and able to answer specific questions whilst encouraging participation. Friendly and accommodating. We were honoured to be on his first tour back since lockdown and look forward to trying one of his others very soon. Couldn't fault him, 10/10

4. Hello Newcastle! Private Walking Tour

Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5DB, UK Newcastle Tour Company
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

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

Reviewed By Inspiration282510

We thoroughly enjoyed our walk in York! We had very little time in the city and it was then great when Alex booked us in on a tour where Dudley then took us on an "exploration" of the city as he called it. We saw a huge amount of sights and heard lots about the history of the city! Really awesome two hours! Thanks!

5. Newcastle History Tour

150 Grainger St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5AF, UK Iles Tours
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5.0 based on 48 reviews

Immerse yourself in Newcastle’s rich past and handsome architecture on a two-hour walking tour of its historical highlights. Learn about the city’s Roman, Norman and mercantile history. Admire Grey’s Monument, Grey Street and the Castle Keep. Hear about the Victorian entrepreneurs who made Newcastle a powerhouse of the Industrial Revolution. And take in the revamped Quayside, where cutting-edge venues overlook the River Tyne. Every step of the way, you’ll absorb the city’s vibrant atmosphere, rooted in the famously friendly natures of the ‘Geordie’ locals. What 3 Words starting location: ///rotate.angel.monks

Inclusions: Local guide, Professional guide, Tour escort/host

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Food and drinks

Reviewed By emilyrB8249BD

Alex was enthusiastic from start to finish and had some fantastic gory stories. He was very knowledgable and able to answer specific questions whilst encouraging participation. Friendly and accommodating. We were honoured to be on his first tour back since lockdown and look forward to trying one of his others very soon. Couldn't fault him, 10/10

6. Guided City Walking Tour of Newcastle

Grey's Monument, 150 Grainger St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5AF, UK Red Beard Tours
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4.9 based on 112 reviews

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

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Reviewed By Horse91dancer

Rob was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. We had a wonderful two hours with him, seeing many interesting quirky things. He made history come alive. His recommendation to have coffee and a toasted sandwich at the Canny Goat was much appreciated. It was a great ending to a great morning.

7. Newcastle Gory Tour

150 Grainger St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5AF, UK Iles Tours
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4.8 based on 21 reviews

This is one 90-minute walking tour you’ll never forget. Hear tales of Newcastle’s ghosts, criminals and gangsters as you walk along Dean Street, Quayside and High Bridge Street. See sights including Earl Grey's Monument, Castle Keep and Bigg Market, while learning the mysterious stories that surround them. Please note: this is not a ghost tour. There will be no paranormal activity on this tour. What 3 Words starting location: ///rotate.angel.monks

Inclusions: Professional guide

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By SasJackson

Having never spent more than half a day in the city previously, we thought a walking tour would be a great introduction to this wonderful place. We read the reviews of the tour beforehand and were really pleased that we chose it. Alex is a brilliant guide, very knowledgeable and passionate about the lovely city of Newcastle and generally an all round nice guy. I inadvertently booked the wrong date for the tour originally and Alex was very accommodating in changing it to the right day. If we ever come back we would definitely book one of his tours, he does about 12 different ones. Thanks again Alex

8. A Taste Of Newcastle Food Tour

Grey's Monument, 150 Grainger St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5AF, UK Triple A Food Tours
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4.8 based on 25 reviews

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

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Reviewed By wineandfoodontour

Had a fantastic afternoon yesterday visiting some excellent restaurants and sampling their cheese and wine selections. What's not to like! Throw in a walking tour of Newcastle, led by the lovely and very knowledgeable Amy, en route to each eatery and you have a perfect afternoon I'd say. What are you waiting for?

9. Tailor-made Walking Tour: Discover Newcastle

Northern Secrets Ltd

This tour is completely customizable - let us know your ideal starting / end points, time, duration, inclusions you wish to add (museums, galleries, foodie places etc.). We look forward to building the tour to suit you and your fellow travellers. Enjoy a personal and inspirational walk through the great city of Newcastle and discover how the city has transformed itself in the past 20-30 years to become one of the most culturally active and stunning architectural cities in the country. The tour will tell the story of 2,000 years of city history and will give you a rounded story of how the city has become this cultural hub. We will focus on today's highlights and what the future holds for a city moving at pace. We can offer private transfers from/to port or airport at an additional fee.

Inclusions: Private, tailored tour and professional tourist guide, Optional further languages if required

Exclusions: Private transfers - these can be added though.

10. Private Newcastle Pub Tour

Central Station, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK Newcastle Tour Company

This is the ORIGINAL NEWCASTLE PUB TOUR! Enjoy a tour of discover & taste, as we cherry-pick some of the oldest and most iconic pubs in Newcastle! We look forward to sharing their fascinating tales from amusing anecdotes to serious chat... We’ll also find out about the rise and fall of local brewers like the iconic Newcastle Brown Ale and the recent resurgence of dozens of micro-breweries making Newcastle the go-to place for independent brewers and beer lovers. Even today, the Geordies are famed for knowing how to have a good night out and the tour will include some more recent favourites.

Inclusions: Professional, local tourist guide, We will include at least 4 locations with drink tastings during your tour. This can include half-pints of beer or a small rack of local beers to taste etc., A small bar snack is included (this will only be something similar to crisps / pork scratchings or similar)

Exclusions: No further food or drinks is included in the tour price but can be purchased during your tour.

Reviewed By Inspiration282510

We thoroughly enjoyed our walk in York! We had very little time in the city and it was then great when Alex booked us in on a tour where Dudley then took us on an "exploration" of the city as he called it. We saw a huge amount of sights and heard lots about the history of the city! Really awesome two hours! Thanks!

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