Skip to content
Skip to content

History of Durham city walk

A guided walk from Crook Hall Gardens delving into the history of Durham.

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event

Join local history buff David Butler to explore Durham's captivating history, from its Anglo-Saxon origins onwards. The walk will take you around the city centre, before returning to Crook Hall Gardens. Approximately 2 miles/3.2km.

Free - donations welcome. There's no need to book, but places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Please note: Tours are run by a small volunteer team, so occasional dates need to be cancelled each month. If you are visiting to attend a tour, please confirm it is going ahead by calling in advance on 0191 383 1832.

Times

The basics

Suitability

Children welcome, must be accompanied by an adult.

Meeting point

Meet at the admissions hut by the entrance to Crook Hall Gardens.

What to bring and wear

Please wear sensible footwear and weather-appropriate clothing.

Accessibility

The route includes four flights of steps and a steep slope, plus five road crossings.

Other

This walk lasts approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. Maximum stay in our car park is usually 3 hours. If you'd like to stay longer to visit the gardens or café before or after the walk, please leave your registration number at the admissions desk.

Upcoming events

Gardens trail: Summer of Play at Crook Hall Gardens 

Explore the gardens on a self-led trail.

Event summary

on
23 Aug to 3 Sep 2025
at
10:00 to 16:00
+ 11 other dates or times

Family yoga with Kalma Life: Summer of Play at Crook Hall Gardens 

Yoga with a twist! Dance, pretend and stretch with an imaginative yoga class.

Event summary

on
23 Aug to 30 Aug 2025
at
12:30 to 13:30
+ 1 other date or time

Nature crafts: Summer of Play at Crook Hall Gardens 

Be inspired by nature and create some wild art.

Event summary

on
26 Aug 2025
at
11:00 to 13:00
+ 1 other date or time

Crook Hall Gardens tour: history and literary links 

Step into Crook Hall Gardens' past on a guided tour.

Event summary

on
27 Aug to 29 Oct 2025
at
11:00 to 12:00
+ 9 other dates or times