North East Festival of Blossom 2026: History walk - Crook Hall Gardens to Durham Uni Botanic Garden
A walk through the city to appreciate its riverside location, history and architectural heritage, enjoying blossom along the way.
- Booking essential
- Free event
Join local historian David Butler for a guided walk through Durham, linking Crook Hall Gardens with Durham University Botanic Garden via the Oriental Museum. The walk will take you along the River Wear, looking at the historic bridges of the city and learning how the river was made to work for the city’s inhabitants.
You'll stop at the Oriental Museum for a short presentation before heading to the Botanic Garden to enjoy lunch (bring a picnic or visit the café onsite), bask in blossom and learn about the gardens. Return to Crook Hall by a different route, taking in spring scenery and spotting blossom along the way.
The walk starts and finishes at Crook Hall Gardens, approximately 4 miles/6.4km, and will take about 6 hours, including a stop for lunch. There are refreshments and toilet facilities available at both Crook Hall Gardens and the Botanic Garden.
Free - donations welcome.
Times
The basics
- Booking details
Call 0344 249 1895
- Suitability
Children welcome, must be accompanied by an adult.
- Meeting point
Meet at the admissions hut by the entrance.
- What to bring and wear
Please wear sensible footwear and weather appropriate clothing.
- Accessibility
Some slopes, steps and uneven ground. 4 miles/6.4km with plenty of stops.
- Other
Parking at Crook Hall Gardens is usually limited to 3 hours. If you'd like to park for the duration of the event, please leave your registration number at the admissions desk.
Upcoming events
Crook Hall Gardens tour: horticulture
Join our gardening guru volunteers for a horticultural tour of Crook Hall Gardens.
Live music at Crook Hall Gardens
Local musicians make a visit extra special.
History of Durham city walk
A guided walk from Crook Hall Gardens delving into the history of Durham.
Crook Hall Gardens tour: history and literary links
Step into Crook Hall Gardens' past on a guided tour.