Middlesbrough might be best known for its industrial roots and football, but this lively town and surrounding area offer some surprisingly rich options for guided tours. Whether you’re after a quick history fix, a culinary adventure, or a spooky night out, you’ll find tours that fit your style. Our favorites include the Guided Walking Tour of Durham, which combines history and storytelling, and the Dark Durham Tour, perfect for those wanting a side of mystery and ghost stories. Plus, the Durham City Walking Tour is a fantastic way to explore at your own pace with a knowledgeable guide. Middlesbrough makes a great base to explore Durham and nearby towns, with a variety of tours tailored for different interests and energy levels.
Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll find in this list: from interactive food tours that showcase Durham’s culinary scene (Durham Food Tour), to self-guided audio walks revealing legends and landmarks (Durham’s Landmarks and Legends), and specialty themed walks like the Pub and History Tour. Whether you prefer private guides or self-guided explorations, there’s something here for every traveler.
1. Guided Walking Tour of Durham & its Infamous Characters
At number 1, this 1.5-hour walking tour offers a lively way to learn about Durham’s past through stories about dragons, saints, and even a notorious serial killer. Led by a Durham University graduate, the tour covers key sights like the Market Place, Elvet Bridge, and Durham Castle, all while sharing intriguing tales that bring the city’s history to life. Reviews emphasize the engaging narration and local knowledge, with one reviewer noting, “Tom was knowledgeable, and we got a good tour of much of the city.”
What makes this tour stand out is its accessibility and family-friendly approach, making it suitable for a wide range of visitors. You’ll see the city’s highlights from a local perspective, with plenty of stories and historical nuggets that you wouldn’t find in a guidebook. The tour is perfect for first-time visitors who want a comprehensive yet informal introduction. The price is very reasonable at just around $13.77 per person, making it an excellent value for an immersive experience.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a well-rounded, entertaining introduction to Durham’s sights and secrets, ideal for anyone wanting a quick but memorable overview.
2. Durham Food Tour
At number 2, the Durham Food Tour takes you on a three-and-a-half-hour culinary journey across the city’s best bars and restaurants. Meeting in Durham’s Market Place, you’ll explore the indoor market, sampling local produce, and then visit four carefully selected venues to taste a mix of local and international dishes. Drinks are included at every stop, with options for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
This tour is perfect for food lovers eager to discover Durham’s vibrant dining scene while soaking up the city’s historical atmosphere. Guests praise the variety of dishes and the friendly, knowledgeable guide who makes the experience enjoyable and informative. For around $110.20, you get a substantial taste of Durham’s gastronomy along with insider tips on where to eat next.
What makes this tour unique is its blend of storytelling with food, giving you a real feel for Durham’s local culture through its flavors. It’s best suited for those who want a relaxed, social experience and are prepared to walk and eat for a few hours. The only potential downside is the price—still, the quality and quantity of food make this a worthwhile splurge.
Bottom Line: If you’re keen to combine local history and food exploration, this tour offers a delicious way to get to know Durham’s community and culinary scene.
3. Walkabout Durham History Tour
At number 3, the Walkabout Durham History Tour is a concise, engaging walk that lasts about 1.5 hours. Led by a passionate guide, this tour covers landmarks like Market Place, Framwellgate Bridge, and Prebends Bridge, all while sharing stories about the city’s mills, prince bishops, and notable characters. The tour emphasizes storytelling, making history approachable and fun.
This tour is especially suited for visitors who want a quick, well-rounded introduction without breaking the bank. Guests appreciate the guide’s knowledge and the opportunity to ask questions freely. The route takes in beautiful views of Durham Castle and Cathedral, providing good photo opportunities along the way.
The highlight is its balance—enough detail to satisfy history buffs without feeling overwhelming. The tour is suitable for all ages, even dogs, making it an easy choice for families or travelers with pets. At just $22.03 per person, it’s an affordable way to get oriented in Durham.
Bottom Line: A friendly, accessible tour that’s perfect if you want to learn about Durham’s past in a relaxed, informal setting.
4. Essential Whitby: Discover the town’s legends on a self-guided audio tour
Number 4 on our list is this self-guided audio tour of Whitby, which lasts about an hour and a quarter. Using your phone and the VoiceMap app, you’ll explore the seaside town’s iconic sites like Whitby Abbey, Captain Cook Memorial Museum, and Pannett Park. Along the way, you’ll hear stories about Whitby’s legendary figures and maritime history.
This flexible tour is ideal for travelers who prefer to explore at their own pace, with the convenience of offline maps and lifetime access. Reviewers love how easy it is to follow and the insightful commentary that adds layers to the sights. It’s a cost-effective option at just $9.99 per person, perfect for a quick yet meaningful visit.
The audio guide’s strength lies in its ability to personalize your experience—stop when you want, linger over stories, and enjoy the town’s unique character. It’s best suited for those comfortable with smartphones and looking for independence in their sightseeing.
Bottom Line: For a budget-friendly, customizable tour that enhances your visit with stories and local legends, this self-guided option hits the mark.
5. Durham City Walking Tour
Number 5, the Durham City Walking Tour, offers a private, tailored experience led by a Blue Badge guide. Over two hours, you’ll explore not just the main sights like Durham Cathedral and Castle, but also uncover hidden gems and vantage points unique to your interests.
This tour stands out for its flexibility and personal attention. The guide’s deep knowledge means you’ll hear stories about the River Wear, the university, and characters like the Count of Poland. Guests report that the guide makes history come alive and shares tips for exploring beyond the tour, enhancing your overall visit.
The price is $54.86 per person, which is excellent value considering the personalized approach and private setting. It’s best for travelers who want an in-depth, customizable experience, especially if they prefer engaging discussions over a standard group walk.
While it’s pricier than some options, the tailored nature and expert guide make this a worthwhile investment for history lovers who want a detailed, personal look at Durham.
Bottom Line: A private, customizable tour that’s ideal for those who want to dive deep into Durham’s stories with an expert.
6. Pub and History Tour of Durham with Alcohol Tasting
Number 6 combines two passions: history and pubs. This 2.5-hour tour visits historic pubs in Durham, sharing stories of conquest, miracles, and tragedies along the way, ending with tastings of local cask ales. The tour stops at notable sites like Durham Market Place, Palace Green, and Kingsgate Footbridge, with four pub visits in atmospheric settings.
It’s perfect for those who enjoy storytelling paired with a drink in hand. Guests mention the guide Peter’s expertise and the lively atmosphere created by the pub stops. At $41.13 per person, the experience offers good value, especially considering the combination of cultural history and social fun.
The tour’s appeal is its immersive nature—both historical and social. Its main drawback might be the pace, which can be lively, especially if you’re not a pub person or prefer a quieter experience. Still, for those wanting a fun and sociable way to learn about Durham, this tour hits the spot.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers who love history, local beer, and lively storytelling in cozy pub settings.
7. Durham Full City Tour
Number 7 is a comprehensive 2.5-hour guided tour that covers Durham’s main sights and some hidden corners. Led by an experienced guide, it includes visits to Durham Cathedral, Durham Castle, and the Market Place, with insights into the city’s legendary figures like Saint Oswald and dark tales of prisons and hauntings.
Guests appreciate the guide’s lively storytelling and the opportunity to see both the highlights and lesser-known parts of Durham. The tour balances history, architecture, and local legends, making it ideal for visitors who want an in-depth overview.
At $31.68, it’s an affordable, well-rounded way to get a detailed introduction. This tour is suited for curious travelers who prefer guided routes over self-exploration and want to maximize limited time.
Bottom Line: A solid, detailed city tour perfect for first-timers who want a structured, engaging look at Durham’s key sites.
8. Dark Durham Tour
Number 8, the Dark Durham Tour, is an hour and a half of spooky storytelling about Durham’s grisly past. It explores medieval prisons, haunted sites, and tales of ghosts, crimes, and executions, including stories from Durham Castle and the cathedral area.
Guests describe the guide as well-informed, with one saying, “Peter was so knowledgeable, and the tales really brought the city to life in a different way.” This tour is ideal for those interested in ghost stories, crime history, and the mysterious side of Durham.
The tour costs $21.95 per person, making it a fun, inexpensive evening activity. The main potential downside is that it’s themed for a specific taste—if you’re not into ghost stories or spooky history, it might not be your thing.
Bottom Line: Perfect for thrill-seekers and fans of ghost stories, this tour adds a darker, more mysterious layer to Durham’s character.
9. Durham’s Landmarks and Legends: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
Number 9 offers an offline audio walking tour that takes about an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes. It’s designed for independent explorers who want to see Durham’s key landmarks like Palace Green and the Cathedral while hearing stories about the city’s legends.
Reviewers praise its ease of use and the wealth of insights it offers, with one calling it “an easily understood and affordable way to explore.” The app provides lifetime access, so you can pause and resume whenever suits you.
This tour is great for travelers who prefer to control their own pace and enjoy a narrative that enhances their sightseeing. Its price of just $9.99 makes it a budget-friendly option, especially for seasoned explorers comfortable with smartphone apps.
Bottom Line: An economical, flexible way to learn about Durham’s stories while exploring at your own pace.
10. Durham – The Cathedral and Old City
Number 10 is a private full-day trip from York that combines guided visits to Durham Castle, the cathedral, and the historic streets. For about $356.37, this tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making it ideal for travelers who want a hassle-free, in-depth experience.
This private tour is tailored for those who want to see everything without the hassle of planning logistics themselves. The guide provides detailed insights into the Norman architecture and the city’s legends like Saint Cuthbert and King Oswald, giving a comprehensive picture of Durham’s significance.
Guests appreciate the ease of transport and the chance to explore at a relaxed pace. It’s perfect for history and architecture enthusiasts who prefer a guided, all-inclusive experience that covers the main sites thoroughly.
Bottom Line: An all-in-one, private day trip suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, guided exploration of Durham without worries over logistics.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When deciding which tour to book in Middlesbrough and Durham, consider your budget, time availability, and interest level. If you prefer a quick overview, the Guided Walking Tour or the Self-Guided Audio Tour are excellent options. For food lovers, the Durham Food Tour provides a delicious deep dive into local cuisine.
History enthusiasts and those wanting a personalized experience should consider the Durham City Walking Tour or the Full City Tour. Ghost fans or thrill seekers might enjoy the Dark Durham Tour, while those seeking a comprehensive day trip from York should look at the private Cathedral and Old City Tour.
Booking early is recommended, especially for popular options during peak seasons. Think about your walking energy, interest in local stories or food, and whether you prefer guided or self-guided adventures.
Middlesbrough and its surroundings offer a surprising variety of tours that suit different tastes and schedules. Whether you’re after a quick history fix, a food crawl, or a ghost story, there’s a tour for you. For those who want a deep dive, the private Full City Tour provides a thorough experience, while the Self-Guided Tours give maximum flexibility at a low price. No matter your preference, booking early and planning according to your interests will ensure a memorable trip — so go ahead and secure your spot now.