Skip to content
Skip to content

Guided walk: Durham and the River Wear

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

  • Booking essential
  • Free event

Join walk leaders Janet and Steven to explore the countryside on Durham's doorstep. You'll follow the River Wear through peaceful green space to Old Durham Gardens. Approximately 4 miles/6.5km.

Free, booking required. Walk-ins will be accepted on the day if capacity allows.

If you wish to visit Crook Hall Gardens before or after the walk admission applies (free for National Trust members).

Times

The basics

Booking number

Call 0344 249 1895

Accessibility

Little incline overall, but please expect some slopes and uneven terrain. Some paths may be muddy due to wet weather.

Meeting point

Meet in Crook Hall Gardens car park. Parking £3.30 up to 3 hours, free for National Trust members. Please leave your reg no. at admissions if you'd like to stay longer to visit the gardens or café.

Suitability for children

Suitable for children aged 10+. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.

What to bring and wear

Sturdy walking shoes/boots, waterproofs and layers to suit changeable weather advised. Please bring a drink, plus a snack if needed.

Other

Dogs are welcome, but must be on a lead please.

Contact info

Central Box Office

Upcoming events

May half term: Pollinator trail 

Explore the gardens on a self-led trail to discover buzzing bees and fluttering butterflies.

Event summary

on
17 Jun to 18 Jun 2026
at 10:00 to 17:00+ 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
17 Jun to 28 Oct 2026
at 11:00 to 12:00+ 19 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
19 Jun to 30 Oct 2026
at 11:00 to 12:30+ 39 other dates or times

Crook Hall Gardens poetry walk 

From springtime stanzas and summer sonnets to autumn anthologies and wintery works, experience a seasonal poetry walk at Crook Hall Gardens.

Event summary

on
21 Jun to 14 Nov 2026
at 13:00 to 14:00+ 2 other dates or times