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Durham History and Pub Tour: Sightseeing with Cask Ale Tasting
5.0
17 Ratings
County Durham
Experience the rich history of Durham while enjoying a pub tour with cask ale tasting. Explore the city’s stunning architecture and hear captivating tales of conquest and tragedy. Don’t miss this unique walking tour!
Experience the rich history of Durham while enjoying a pub tour with cask ale tasting. Explore the city’s stunning architecture and hear captivating tales of conquest and tragedy. Don’t miss this unique walking tour!
Duration:
2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Durham Market Place - We will explore the stories behind the buildings and people that have shaped our city’s history in the Market Place. From here, we will walk a short distance to our first pub stop.
- The Shakespeare - Whist tasting some ale, we will share stories of history and folklore in and around Saddler Street, including this historic…
- Durham Market Place - We will explore the stories behind the buildings and people that have shaped our city’s history in the Market Place. From here, we will walk a short distance to our first pub stop.
- The Shakespeare - Whist tasting some ale, we will share stories of history and folklore in and around Saddler Street, including this historic pub.
- Palace Green - Whilst strolling around Palace Green and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, we will learn about the founding of the city and the legendary Prince Bishops of Durham.
- Kingsgate Footbridge - We will walk across the iconic Kingsgate Bridge whilst on our way to our next pub stop in the borough of Elvet.
- The Victoria - A drink and tales in a classic historic pub in Elvet whilst learning about some of the borough’s history.
- Durham County Court - We will discover tales from the darker side of Durham’s history including infamous criminals, executions and prison history.
- The Dun Cow - We will walk to and explore out third pub on the historic street of Old Elvet. Stories and folklore as we enjoy a drink of local ale.
- Elvet Bridge - We will encounter out third bridge on route to our final pub stop in Elvet.
- Half Moon Inn - The tour finishes with a final drink in a popular city centre bar with access to plenty of food and drink options in the vicinity and only a short walk back to the Market Place.
What's Included
- Alcoholic beverages
- Alcoholic beverages
Additional Information
Experience a blend of Durham’s captivating past and lively pub scene in one journey. Marvel at the exceptional structures dotting the ancient city’s core and learn the sagas of victory, wonders, and calamity that make Durham distinctly special. With four visits to authentic, history-steeped pubs added to savor the real cask ale, this sums up to be the ultimate strolling expedition.
- Over 18’s only
Experience a blend of Durham’s captivating past and lively pub scene in one journey. Marvel at the exceptional structures dotting the ancient city’s core and learn the sagas of victory, wonders, and calamity that make Durham distinctly special. With four visits to authentic, history-steeped pubs added to savor the real cask ale, this sums up to be the ultimate strolling expedition.
- Over 18’s only
Location
Market place
Please meet at 'The Man on the Horse' statue in the centre of the Market Place.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(17 Ratings)
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Daydream64689155311
Jun 19, 2025
A great evening around Durham - A great way to spend an evening in Durham.
Peter was a great tour guide.
My husband and I booked this tour as we prefer a more casual approach to hearing a bit about where we are staying, and this was exactly that.
Interesting stories, and facts about Durham, along with visits to four of the oldest pubs in the town.
A perfect way to spend a few hours before we went to dinner.
We would definitely recommend for anyone.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Leec0usins
May 25, 2025
Evening of delight - Excellent tour because of likability knowledge and professionalism of guide. Guide made a particular effort to shape the tour to our party. His presentation of both history and beers was exemplary.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Matthew_h
Apr 8, 2025
Great way to see Durham - Peter is full of knowledge and a fantastic tour guide.
The historic pubs add to the stories and the experience of the tour. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Smhodgson12
Oct 19, 2024
A must for history and beer fans - Gona keep this simple and breif, it was fantastic.
Out guide who is a teacher full time clearly loves his history and is very passionate about the town and the stories it has to tell.
The tours are in small groups, which make it very personal, and it was interesting speaking to the other people in the group who were a lovely middle-aged couple coming back from Scotland.
The pub selection was great and I revisted all the pubs we went to. A half pint of beer and a sit-down chat about the history was really nice and again made the experience very personal. Being a solo traveller, it was a nice touch to speak to other people who love their history.
The tour probably lasted about 3 hours. However, this flew by and I could have spent hours chatting away.
30 quid is a steal really for three hours of history and some lovely beer to go with it. Perfect for this time of year when it's getting colder.
A must when in Durham , will happily do it again when I'm back.
10/10 literally flawless
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Andrewsu8194ef
Sep 26, 2024
Durham according to Peter and pints. - Peter knew his stuff, and was a delightful companion. If you like history, walking, and beer, then this tour is for you! Highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jill
Aug 9, 2024
Interesting and enjoyable- must do! - What a fabulous introduction the history of Durham - and its pubs. Peter was super knowledgeable and made it really interesting-real insights into so many things we would have otherwise missed. And combining history and beer - what’s not to like. 100% recommend. Great value and definitely got more from our few days here as a result.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Maryhi5674ud
Jul 30, 2024
Pub & history tour - Peter was v knowledgeable. If you want to learn the history of Durham his tour is not to be missed. Peter clearly enjoys what he does and that clearly shows in his tour v enjoyable thanks so much Peter - Ian &Mary
Review provided by Tripadvisor
David_b
May 16, 2024
First visit to Durham - https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g190832-d26833889-r951076983-Pub_and_History_Tour_of_Durham_with_Alcohol_Tasting-Durham_County_Durham_Englan.html
Review provided by Viator
David
May 16, 2024
First time visitor to Durham - This was my first visit to Durham so I was keen to see all the city had to offer. Peter was a great guide, very knowledgeable and his love for his city shone throughout. He showed me many hidden gems that I would otherwise have missed had I opted to wander aimlessly around on my own. The tour was great value for money and of course the historic pub stops were a bonus. I would recommend Peters’ tour without hesitation to anyone with an interest of this fine City.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
F6030hnneilf
May 10, 2024
A very enjoyable couple of hours. - The host was informal and informative and very easy to speak with. Learned lots about Durham and its landmarks which enhanced our 3 day stay. I'm a real ale fan so tried 4 great brews in 4 great traditional pubs. Thanks
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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