Dark Durham Tour

The Dark Durham Tour offers a fascinating journey through the shadowy side of this historic city. Priced at $21.95 per person, it lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it an engaging option for those interested in history with a twist. Starting at Durham Market Place, the tour guides visitors through medieval prisons, the cathedral, and old pubs, revealing hauntings, crimes, and miraculous stories that add a layer of mystery to Durham’s charming streets. With a highly positive rating of 5.0 based on 11 reviews, the tour is recommended by 100% of participants, highlighting its popularity and quality. A typical booking is made about 17 days in advance, so early planning ensures a spot.

This tour is suitable for most travelers, including those with easy access to public transportation and service animals. It’s a great choice for history buffs and fans of spooky stories, especially considering its affordable price and well-structured itinerary. The only consideration might be the outdoor stops, which could require comfortable footwear or weather preparedness. Overall, Dark Durham offers a rich, entertaining insight into the city’s more sinister past.

Key Points

• Affordable and well-rated at $21.95, with a 1 hour 30-minute duration
• Begins at Durham Market Place at 6:00 pm and ends beneath Elvet Bridge
• Focus on dark stories: prisons, hauntings, murders, and miracles
• Guided by knowledgeable guides, with reviews praising their storytelling skills
• Stops include iconic sites like Durham Cathedral, Palace Green Library, and historic pubs
• Perfect for history lovers and those interested in ghost stories or medieval tales

Durham Market Place: The Starting Point of Dark Secrets

The tour kicks off at Durham Market Place, where you’ll hear about the social history of Durham with a focus on coal mining, hidden cemeteries, and the darker aspects of the city’s past. In just 10 minutes, the guide shares stories that connect the city’s lively history with its more macabre side, setting a compelling tone for the rest of the tour. This stop is free of charge and offers a brief but insightful introduction.

Framwellgate Bridge: Tales of Prison Breaks and Norman Bishops

Next, the group visits Framwellgate Bridge for another 10-minute stop. Here, stories about escaped prisoners and Prince Bishops from the early Norman period come to life. The tales highlight the brutality and political intrigue of Durham’s medieval era, giving visitors a glimpse of the city’s historical conflicts. The free admission makes it accessible as part of this dark history walk.

Durham Cathedral: Miracles and Hidden Dungeon Stories

A key highlight is the visit to Durham Cathedral, where stories of saintly miracles intertwine with tales of the dungeon underground. This 10-minute stop offers an intriguing look into the spiritual and sinister stories associated with one of England’s most iconic religious sites. The free access allows visitors to imagine the medieval secrets that the guide recounts, adding a mysterious layer to the majestic architecture.

Palace Green Library: Ghosts, Rebellion, and Modern Miracles

At Palace Green Library, visitors spend 15 minutes immersed in ghost stories linked to medieval burial grounds, historic rebellions, and modern miracles. This spot provides stunning views of the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the castle and cathedral, creating a dramatic backdrop for narratives of hauntings and supernatural events. The free admission makes this a highlight for those interested in supernatural tales and historic intrigue.

Kingsgate Footbridge: The Gruesome Origin and 20th-century Architecture

The 10-minute stop at Kingsgate Footbridge uncovers the grisly story behind the site’s name, along with the divisive architecture of the 20th century. This area offers a mix of history and design, with the guide explaining why it’s called Kingsgate and the stories of violence or death associated with it, making it a thought-provoking part of the tour.

Durham Prison: Tales of Crime and Escape

Durham’s 200-year-old prison features prominently in the 10-minute stop. Known for holding some of England’s most infamous criminals, this site reveals how prisoners exercised, escaped, and were executed. The guide shares gruesome stories that bring to life prison life in historic Durham, providing insights into the harsh penal system of the past. The free entry allows visitors to envision the dark world of medieval incarceration.

The Dun Cow: Old Pub with a Dark Reputation

The oldest pub in the city, The Dun Cow, is a lively stop for 10 minutes. It’s historically a place where locals enjoyed drinks and, notably, a hanging from the gallows once took place here. The pub’s long history as a social gathering spot and dark tale makes it a memorable part of the tour, adding a local flavor to the darker stories of Durham.

Elvet Bridge: The Tragedy and Ghosts Beneath

The tour concludes beneath Elvet Bridge with a 15-minute stop. Here, the guide shares tragic stories involving former occupants of the area, some of whom are believed to still linger. The stories evoke a sense of haunting and mystery, making the end of the tour a fitting wrap-up to a journey through Durham’s most evocative stories.

Practical Details: Meeting Point and Group Size

The tour starts at Durham Market Place at 6:00 pm and ends at Elvet Bridge, both key city locations. It accommodates a maximum of 20 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience. The tour is near public transportation, and service animals are allowed, making it accessible for most visitors.

The Experience with Walkabout Durham

Operated by Walkabout Durham, the tour benefits from knowledgeable guides praised for their storytelling ability. Reviews highlight their capacity to answer questions with both facts and engaging tales, enriching the experience beyond just sightseeing. The free cancellation policy offers peace of mind, allowing cancellations up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This Dark Durham Tour is ideal for history enthusiasts, fans of ghost stories, and anyone interested in the more gruesome aspects of Durham’s past. It’s particularly appealing for those who appreciate well-informed guides and stunning city views, especially at sunset. The compact group size and walkable route make this a comfortable and engaging way to explore Durham’s hidden stories.

Final Thoughts on the Dark Durham Tour

The $21.95 price offers excellent value considering the length, content, and guide expertise. The tour’s focus on medieval, ghostly, and criminal stories provides a unique perspective on Durham’s history, making it more than just a typical city walk. While it’s mainly outdoors and involves walking, the pacing is manageable, and the stories keep the experience lively and engaging.

The Dark Durham Tour stands out as a well-organized, captivating experience that appeals to those wanting to explore Durham’s less-visited, shadowy corners. It strikes a good balance between education and entertainment, with rave reviews for the guides’ storytelling skills. If you’re seeking a darkly charming way to discover this historic city, this tour is a strong choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Dark Durham Tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Durham Market Place and ends beneath Elvet Bridge.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and the tour is accessible for those with service animals. However, the stories involve dark themes that might be intense for very young children.

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $21.95 per person.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, bookings are typically made 17 days in advance, and early reservations are recommended due to limited group sizes.

Are there any physical requirements?
The tour involves walking and standing at multiple outdoor stops. Comfortable footwear is advised.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour start.

What makes this tour different from other ghost or history walks?
The focus on dark, gruesome, and mysterious stories combined with highly praised guides makes this tour particularly engaging and authentic.