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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

Event

Crook Hall Gardens tour: horticulture 

Join our gardening guru volunteers for a tour.

Event summary

on
4 Jul to 31 Oct 2025
at
11:00 to 12:30
+ 35 other dates or times
Event

Guided walk: Durham and the River Wear 

Explore the city's green spaces and wander along the River Wear.

Event summary

on
6 Jul 2025
at
13:00 to 15:15
Event

Crook Hall Gardens tour: history and literary links 

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

Event summary

on
9 Jul to 29 Oct 2025
at
11:00 to 12:00
+ 16 other dates or times
Event

Summer of Play at Crook Hall Gardens 

Experience a Summer of Play at Crook Hall Gardens.

Event summary

on
19 Jul to 3 Sep 2025
at
10:00 to 16:00
+ 46 other dates or times