Middlesbrough’s best guided tours focus on practicality and authentic local experiences. The standout walking tours connect visitors with genuine local stories and characters while making regular stops at historic pubs – perfect for learning about the city’s industrial heritage over a proper English pint. For independent travelers, well-produced audio tours offer the freedom to explore at your own schedule, with clear directions to architectural highlights and cultural landmarks. Our favorite options combine knowledgeable guides, small groups, and thoughtful routes through the city’s most interesting neighborhoods. Check out these top-rated tours that showcase the best of Middlesbrough.
Key Points
- Middlesbrough offers a variety of guided walking tours, including historical tours, pub tours, and family-friendly options, with highly-rated experiences and expert local guides.
- The tours feature accessible meeting points near major attractions, tailored experiences based on participants’ interests, and adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols.
- Pricing for the tours varies, with options for private tours, group tours, and self-guided audio tours, catering to different budgets and preferences.
- The tours maintain small group sizes, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience for participants, especially for the pub history tours.
- Booking flexibility, with free cancellation and reserve now, pay later options, as well as convenient start times, particularly for evening tours, make the tours accessible and hassle-free.
Guided Walking Tour of Durham & Its Infamous Characters
The Guided Walking Tour of Durham & Its Infamous Characters provides visitors with a captivating exploration of the city’s rich history and its most intriguing personalities. Boasting 100% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence, this guided walking tour offers an engaging and informative experience.
Led by an expert Durham University graduate, the tour takes guests on a journey through Durham’s past, unveiling stories about dragons, saints, and even a serial killer. Along the way, you will also discover the city’s literary and mining heritage, providing a well-rounded understanding of its multifaceted history.
The tour is easily accessible, with the meeting point conveniently located near the Gala Theatre & Cinema. Wheelchair-friendly and family-friendly, the experience caters to a wide range of visitors.
With a maximum of 50 travelers per tour and free cancellation available, the Guided Walking Tour of Durham & Its Infamous Characters offers excellent value, making it a must-do activity for those exploring the area.
Read our full review: Guided Walking Tour of Durham & Its Infamous Characters Review
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Walkabout Durham History Tour
Walkabout Durham History Tour offers visitors a captivating 1.5-hour guided walk through the city’s historic sites. Earning a 100% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence, this tour takes guests to the iconic Market Place and UNESCO World Heritage Site Palace Green.
Led by knowledgeable guides like Peter, who impress with their depth of historical knowledge and engaging storytelling, the experience provides fascinating insights into Durham’s past.
Though the tour doesn’t include building entrances, the guides offer recommendations for the best local food and attractions. Dog-friendly and suitable for all ages, the tour welcomes up to 20 travelers per group.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and confirmation provided at booking, the logistics are hassle-free. Whether encountering favorable or inclement weather, reviewers consistently praise the tour’s quality, highlighting the guides’ ability to deliver an enjoyable experience.
For those seeking an immersive look at Durham’s history, the Walkabout Durham History Tour is an excellent choice.
Read our full review: Walkabout Durham History Tour Review
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Durham City Walking Tour
Conveniently located in the heart of Durham, the Durham City Walking Tour offers visitors an immersive exploration of the city’s captivating history and architectural wonders.
Led by a private Blue Badge Guide, the tour provides a tailored experience based on guests’ interests, showcasing iconic landmarks like the River Wear, Durham University, and the stunning Durham Cathedral and Castle.
With a 5.0-star rating and 100% recommendation from travelers, this tour is a must-do for anyone seeking an in-depth understanding of Durham’s rich heritage.
Participants can enjoy included amenities such as admission fees, coffee/tea, and the expertise of a knowledgeable guide who brings the city’s stories to life.
Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking to discover the charm of this picturesque English town, the Durham City Walking Tour is an excellent choice for a memorable and enriching experience.
Read our full review: Durham City Walking Tour Review
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Whitbys Historic East Side: an Audio Tour Uncovering the East Sides Tales
Whitbys Historic East Side: a self-guided audio tour transports visitors through the captivating tales of this seaside town. Powered by the VoiceMap app, the tour allows you to explore at your own pace and discover the area’s rich history, from Charles Dickens’ iconic characters to the intriguing Penny Hedge tradition and local vampire lore.
The downloadable app provides offline access to the audio, maps, and geodata, ensuring a seamless experience. The tour is suitable for those with moderate fitness levels, though it’s not wheelchair accessible.
Starting at Abbey Wharf and ending at Whitby Harbour East Lighthouse, the tour covers the historic east side of Whitby.
With a 5.0-star rating based on 2 reviews, this audio tour is praised for its informative and engaging content, particularly when experienced during the evening.
However, it’s important to note that the tour is non-refundable, and any cancellations will result in no refund.
Read our full review: Whitbys Historic East Side: an Audio Tour Uncovering the East Sides Tales Review
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Whitby Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK
The Whitby Tour App, Hidden Gems Game, and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) offer visitors a unique and flexible way to explore the historic town of Whitby, UK.
This self-guided tour and treasure hunt can be accessed through the Loquiz app on a single device, allowing groups or families to share one ticket. The experience includes a walking adventure set across Whitby, guided by GPS, with the freedom to choose a starting point, route, and pace.
Participants can take breaks and finish at their convenience. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly, and service animals are allowed.
With a total of 3 reviews and an overall rating of 3.7 stars, the 1 Day Pass is priced at $18.81 per group of up to 10 people, ensuring a budget-friendly option.
Visitors can enjoy the Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz, as well as the Lowest Price Guarantee and the option to reserve now and pay later.
Read our full review: Whitby Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK Review
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Dark Durham Tour
As darkness falls over the historic city of Durham, the Dark Durham Tour offers visitors a captivating exploration of the area’s eerie past.
Operated by Walkabout Durham, this 2-hour walking tour takes participants on a journey through the city’s shadowy streets, revealing tales of hauntings, mysteries, and the macabre.
For just $20.07 per person, up to 20 travelers can join the tour, which departs from the Durham Market Place at 6:00 PM.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the experience promises engaging and informative insights not available through self-guided exploration.
With a 5-star rating based on 7 reviews, the Dark Durham Tour is a must-try for those seeking a unique perspective on the city’s history.
The tour concludes at Elvet Bridge, conveniently located near public transportation.
While not wheelchair accessible, the experience offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, as well as a reserve now, pay later option.
Don’t miss the opportunity to uncover Durham’s darkest secrets on this captivating tour.
Read our full review: Dark Durham Tour Review
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Wonderful Durham – Family Walking Tour
Offering a delightful contrast to the Dark Durham Tour, the Wonderful Durham – Family Walking Tour invites visitors to uncover the city’s captivating history through a family-friendly lens.
Priced at $199.42 per person, this private tour, operated by Opatrip England, promises an engaging and accessible experience for all. Beginning at the National Trust – Crook Hall Gardens, the tour guides participants through Durham’s landmarks, culminating at the Durham Market Hall.
Led by a professional local guide, the tour features a range of attractions, catering to both children and adults. Although not wheelchair accessible, the tour is conveniently located near public transportation options.
Secure your spot with a Reserve Now and Pay Later option, and enjoy the Lowest Price Guarantee. Most travelers can participate, making this tour an excellent choice for families seeking to explore the rich heritage of Durham.
Read our full review: Wonderful Durham – Family Walking Tour Review
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Durham Private Walking Tour
A private walking tour of Durham allows visitors to explore the city’s captivating cathedral quarter, historic university, and medieval heritage.
Led by a local expert, the tour provides insights into Durham’s industrial development and is designed for smaller groups to avoid crowds. Participants can expect tailored commentary based on their personal interests, stops at less crowded attractions and local viewpoints, and the inclusion of a professional local tourist guide and private transportation.
The tour is accessible, with service animals allowed, proximity to public transportation, and stroller and wheelchair accessibility.
With a high overall rating of 4.9 from 7 reviews, the tour is priced at $244.70 per group (up to 10 people) and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
The tour operator adheres to Covid-19 policies, and the stops are designed to minimize foot traffic at key locations, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
Read our full review: Durham Private Walking Tour Review
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Pub and History Tour of Durham With Alcohol Tasting
This pub and history tour of Durham allows visitors to discover the city’s rich past while enjoying a sampling of its local ales and ciders.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour takes travelers to four historic pubs, where they can savor a half-pint of cask ale or draught beer/cider at each stop.
With a maximum of 10 participants, the tour offers an intimate and personalized experience, beginning at the iconic Man on the Horse statue and ending at the picturesque Elvet Bridge.
Highly recommended by previous travelers, the tour has a perfect 5-star rating across 14 reviews.
Whether you’re interested in Durham’s history or simply want to enjoy a taste of the local pub scene, this tour is an excellent option, conveniently located in nearby Middlesbrough.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours prior and a start time of 5:00 PM, it’s a flexible and accessible way to explore the city.
Read our full review: Pub and History Tour of Durham With Alcohol Tasting Review
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Sum Up
Middlesbrough offers a variety of engaging tours for visitors. From guided walking tours uncovering the city’s history and characters to audio-guided explorations of Whitby’s East Side, there’s something for all. For those seeking a more immersive experience, the Whitby Tour App and Durham’s Dark Durham Tour provide unique, interactive ways to discover the region’s hidden gems and rich heritage.