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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 Crook Hall Gardens volunteer and local historian 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

Accessibility

The route includes four flights of steps and a steep slope, plus five road crossings. The route is approximately 2 miles/3.2km, at a gentle pace with lots of stops.

Meeting point

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

Suitability for children

Children welcome, must be accompanied by an adult.

What to bring and wear

Please wear sensible footwear and weather appropriate clothing.

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

Guided walk: Durham and the River Wear 

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

Event summary

on
27 Sep to 10 Oct 2026
at 13:00 to 15:15+ 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
30 Sep to 28 Oct 2026
at 11:00 to 12:00+ 4 other dates or times

Crook Hall Gardens tour: horticulture 

Join our gardening guru volunteers for a horticultural tour of Crook Hall Gardens.

Event summary

on
2 Oct to 30 Oct 2026
at 11:00 to 12:30+ 9 other dates or times

Guided walk: Crook Hall Gardens to the Oriental Museum 

Explore Durham on a guided walk to the Oriental Museum.

Event summary

on
4 Oct to 15 Nov 2026
at 13:00 to 15:15+ 2 other dates or times