What to do and see in County Durham, England: The Best Historical & Heritage Tours

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

A day tour to one of the most beautiful and historic small cities in Britain. Famous for its magnificent cathedral, castle, winding streets and old market places and with wonderful views of the river far below. Durham is not to be missed!

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Local guide, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private tour

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Hadrian’s Wall, the UNESCO world heritage site and the frontier of the Roman Hadrian’s Wall. Discover the varied lives of the troops stationed on the wall. Starting at Steel Rig we will walk the 2 1/2 miles to the Roman fort of Housesteads. This walk will enable you to see the wall, discover its milecastles and see the wild geography of the frontier. Housesteads is the most complete of Roman forts in Britain and gives you a fantastic view of Roman life on Hadrian’s wall. After visiting the fort we stop for lunch twice brewed where you will be able to enjoy fantastic local food. We will then proceed to Vindolanda. Vindolanda was a Roman supply base and has been extensively excavated providing us with in-depth information on the people who lived on the wall. This tour is great for those who love history, wish to discover more about the Romans and enjoy country walks. Please contact us for small groups and solo travelers' options.

Inclusions: Local guide, Professional guide

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Drinks at Lunch time, Lunch

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

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

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

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

Starting as a Roman fort and growing to become one of the major cities of the Industrial Revolution, Newcastle has a fantastic story to tell. You’ll hear all the best bits on this three-hour guided walk of Newcastle, while visiting many of the city’s most significant sites. We’ll take you inside the Cathedral Church of St. Nicholas and then Newcastle’s Castle – both parts of the historic core of the city. Built in 1080 by one of the sons of William the Conqueror, Newcastle’s castle has defended against Scottish attacks, including a failed assault by William Wallace (of Braveheart fame). St. Nicholas Cathedral church is first mentioned in 1092 and developed as the primary parish in Newcastle. This tour is a great way to immerse yourself in the history and sights of Newcastle, to discover how the city has changed the world. Please contact us for details of solo traveler bookings. What 3 Words starting location: ///rotate.angel.monks

Inclusions: Local guide, Professional guide

Exclusions: Food and drinks

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