Durham’s dark past beckons thrill-seekers and history buffs alike. The Dark Durham Tour takes visitors on a captivating 5-hour journey through the city’s haunting history. From the Market Place to Elvet Bridge, this guided walking experience uncovers chilling tales of the Prince Bishops, the old Durham County Gaol, and an abandoned mental asylum. With a knowledgeable local guide, participants can explore Durham’s eerie secrets, promising an engaging and immersive experience. Whether you’re interested in the macabre or simply seeking to uncover the city’s hidden histories, the Dark Durham Tour is a must-do activity that’s sure to leave you…
Key Points
- A guided 5-6 hour walking tour that explores the dark and haunting history of Durham, England, including tales of the Prince Bishops and the English Civil War.
- Uncovers macabre secrets and paranormal activity, visiting sites like a medieval execution ground, an abandoned asylum, and a historic inn known for reported ghostly encounters.
- Operated by Walkabout Durham, with a maximum of 20 participants and a starting price of €19.63 per person.
- Starts at Durham Market Place and ends at Elvet Bridge, with a focus on the city’s grim past and the fate of its residents.
- Highly rated by previous customers for the knowledgeable guide and captivating storytelling, making it a must-do activity for those interested in the area’s dark history.
Tour Overview
The Dark Durham Tour is a 5(6)-hour guided walking experience operated by Walkabout Durham, offering travelers a maximum of 20 participants an immersive exploration of the city’s dark history and haunting tales.
Priced from €19.63 per person, this tour takes place in Middlesbrough, England, and commences at the Durham Market Place, concluding at the Elvet Bridge.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, service animals are allowed, and it’s conveniently located near public transportation.
Participants can enjoy the convenience of a confirmation received at booking and the flexibility of a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Middlesbrough.
Meeting and Pickup
Travelers meet up for the Dark Durham Tour at the Durham Market Place, located at DH1 3NJ, UK. The tour starts promptly at 6:00 PM.
After the guided walk through the city’s dark history, the tour ends at Elvet Bridge, DH1 3AG, UK.
This tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed. It’s located near public transportation, making it easily accessible for most travelers.
Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts. The "Reserve Now and Pay Later" option is also available for added convenience.
Highlights of the Tour
Guided by a knowledgeable local, the Dark Durham Tour takes participants on a captivating journey through the city’s eerie past.
Visitors will uncover the dark secrets and haunting tales that lurk within Durham’s historic streets and landmarks. From uncovering the gruesome fate of the Prince Bishops to exploring the haunting corridors of the old Durham County Gaol, the tour offers a unique and immersive experience.
Participants will also learn about the city’s connections to the English Civil War and the mysterious disappearance of the Princes in the Tower.
With each chilling story, the guide brings the past to life, leaving tour-goers with a newfound appreciation for Durham’s rich and often macabre history.
Exploring Dark History
On the Dark Durham Tour, participants explore the city’s haunting past, uncovering the grim fates of its former residents.
The tour guide leads the group through the city’s shadowy corners, revealing the dark history that lurks beneath the surface. Guests learn about:
- The medieval execution site where criminals were publicly hanged.
- The abandoned mental asylum with a history of mistreatment and patient deaths.
- The haunted medieval tunnel that was once used for smuggling and other illicit activities.
- The historic inn with reported paranormal activity, including the ghostly sightings of former guests.
The tour offers a chilling yet captivating look into Durham’s past, leaving participants with a newfound appreciation for the city’s complex and often disturbing history.
Engaging Tales and Anecdotes
Beyond the stark historical facts, the Dark Durham Tour captivates participants with its engaging tales and anecdotes. The knowledgeable guide regales the group with stories that go beyond the surface, providing a deeper insight into the city’s dark past.
Travelers are enthralled by the guide’s ability to weave together the threads of history, bringing the events to life through vivid descriptions and captivating narratives.
Whether it’s tales of the city’s medieval executions or the haunting legends of ghostly apparitions, the tour’s engaging approach ensures that participants are left with a lasting impression of Durham’s rich and sometimes unsettling history.
Accessibility and Inclusions
The Dark Durham Tour caters to a wide range of participants, ensuring accessibility and inclusive experiences.
Confirmed at booking, the tour isn’t wheelchair-accessible, but service animals are welcomed. Conveniently located near public transportation, the tour makes it easy for most travelers to participate.
The key inclusions are:
- Confirmation received at booking
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
With these features, the Dark Durham Tour provides an engaging and accessible experience for visitors to explore the dark history of Durham.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Travelers have been raving about the Dark Durham Tour, leaving overwhelmingly positive reviews.
With an impressive overall rating of 5.0 out of 6 reviews, the tour has quickly gained a reputation for its engaging and informative nature.
Reviewers have praised the knowledgeable guide, who expertly weaves captivating tales beyond the basic facts, providing a truly immersive experience.
Participants have highly recommended the tour, describing it as excellent and a must-do activity for those visiting the area.
The reviews highlight the tour’s ability to exceed expectations, making it a popular choice among travelers seeking a unique and memorable exploration of Durham’s dark history.
Since You Asked
What Is the Tour’s Focus on Dark History?
The tour focuses on the dark and unsettling tales of Durham’s history, delving into its spooky legends, grisly crimes, and chilling hauntings. Participants can expect an engaging journey through the city’s macabre past with a knowledgeable guide.
How Does the Guide Engage Participants During the Tour?
The guide engages participants with engaging tales beyond basic facts, bringing the dark history to life through captivating storytelling. Their knowledgeable approach makes the tour an excellent and highly recommended experience.
What Measures Are in Place for Participant Safety?
The tour doesn’t mention specific safety measures, but it’s likely the guide follows standard precautions. Participants should exercise caution on the walking tour and follow the guide’s instructions. The tour seems designed to provide an engaging experience for travelers.
Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?
The tour can be customized for private groups. Walkabout Durham offers this option, allowing groups to tailor the experience to their specific interests and needs. Discounts may be available for larger private group bookings.
Does the Tour Include Any Stops at Local Pubs or Restaurants?
The tour doesn’t include any stops at local pubs or restaurants. It focuses solely on the dark historical sites and stories of the area. However, participants can explore Durham’s dining and nightlife options on their own before or after the tour.
The Sum Up
The Dark Durham Tour offers an immersive exploration of the city’s haunting past, led by knowledgeable guides. From the Market Place to Elvet Bridge, you will uncover chilling tales of the Prince Bishops, the old Durham County Gaol, and an abandoned mental asylum. This captivating 5(6)-hour walking experience is a must-do for history enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike, promising an engaging dive into Durham’s eerie secrets.
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