Middlesbrough isn’t just a point on the map—it’s a lively hub for exploring historic towns, scenic riversides, and local flavors. While Middlesbrough itself offers some great options, nearby Durham steals the show with its mix of medieval architecture, legendary stories, and charming streets. Whether you’re interested in walking tours, food tastings, or self-guided adventures, this list covers the top experiences to help you make the most of your visit. One standout is the Guided Walking Tour of Durham & its Infamous Characters, which combines history and storytelling with engaging local tales—and gets rave reviews for its lively guide and fascinating sights.
If you’re looking for a more immersive taste of Durham, their Food Tour offers a delicious exploration of the city’s culinary scene, perfect for food lovers. For a quick city overview, the Walkabout Durham History Tour provides a relaxed stroll full of insights. And if you want to explore the seaside town of Whitby without the crowds, the Self-Guided Audio Tour lets you discover legends at your own pace. Finally, for those wanting to see the entire city with a bit more depth, the Durham Full City Tour is a longer option that covers more ground and darker tales.
1. Guided Walking Tour of Durham & its Infamous Characters
This tour really hits the mark for anyone interested in Durham’s history told with a lively, engaging guide. It lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes and covers highlights like the Market Place, Elvet Bridge, Old Elvet, Durham Castle, and Durham Cathedral. The guide, a Durham University graduate, peppers the walk with stories about dragons, saints, and even a notorious female serial killer, making history as colorful as it is educational. What sets this tour apart is that it’s family-friendly, wheelchair accessible, and perfect for first-time visitors or locals wanting a new perspective on their city.
Guests consistently praise Tom for his enthusiasm and deep knowledge, with reviews like “Very entertaining insights and tales, highly original.” This tour is free to wander through historic streets while the guide shares stories that bring the city to life. It’s ideal if you’re short on time but want a meaningful introduction, especially since it offers a balanced mix of architecture, legends, and local lore. The tour’s affordability at $13.77 makes it a great value for a memorable cultural experience.
Bottom Line: If you want a lively, engaging introduction to Durham’s stories and sights, this tour offers an excellent mix of history, humor, and local flavor—perfect for all ages.
2. Durham Food Tour
For those who prefer their history served with a side of delicious local cuisine, the Durham Food Tour is a standout. It lasts about 3.5 hours, with a focus on sampling Durham’s best food and drinks across four different bars and restaurants. The tour begins at Durham’s Market Place and includes visits to Durham Castle and Durham Cathedral, as well as the bustling indoor market where you can taste local produce. The highlight is the curated selection of dishes, which blend local and international flavors, and drinks—alcoholic options are always balanced with non-alcoholic choices.
Tour guide Kelly’s background as a food expert makes this experience particularly engaging. One reviewer called it “great, with yummy food and a fantastic selection of dishes.” The tour’s depth allows you to get a real feel of Durham’s culinary scene while soaking in its historic sites. It’s a premium experience at $110.20 per person, but the quality of food and the chance to explore multiple venues make it well worth the price. It’s best suited for foodies, those interested in local produce, or visitors who want a leisurely, taste-focused way to discover Durham.
Bottom Line: For a relaxed, tasty exploration of Durham’s food scene that combines culture and cuisine, this tour is a flavorful choice for an afternoon or early evening.
3. Walkabout Durham History Tour
If you’re after a comprehensive but relaxed overview of the city’s past, the Walkabout Durham History Tour fits the bill. Lasting around 1 hour 30 minutes, it takes you from Market Place to the UNESCO-listed Palace Green, with stops at Framwellgate Bridge, Prebends Bridge, and along the riverbanks. Your guide, a friendly local, shares stories about Durham’s medieval past, its mill history, and the impressive architecture that defines the city. It’s especially good for anyone wanting to get their bearings and learn about Durham’s landmarks in a friendly, no-pressure setting.
Guests note how Peter, the guide, is both knowledgeable and engaging, with remarks like “Thoroughly enjoyed this tour” and “Very informative and interesting.” It’s suitable for all ages and even dogs are welcome, making it family and pet-friendly. The tour’s value is excellent at $22.03, especially since it offers personal insights into Durham’s most iconic sights. It’s an ideal choice for travelers wanting a manageable introduction to Durham’s streets, stories, and scenic views.
Bottom Line: This relaxed, informative walk is perfect for first-timers who want a friendly guide and a solid overview of Durham’s historic highlights.
4. Essential Whitby: Discover the town’s legends on a self-guided audio tour
For travelers heading to the seaside, Whitby offers a charming alternative to the city tours. The Self-Guided Audio Tour allows you to explore at your own pace, with lifetime access to a GPS-guided experience. Starting next to the Captain Cook Memorial Statue, you’ll visit key spots like Pannett Park, Whitby Abbey, the Tate Hill Pier, and the iconic 199 Steps. Along the way, you’ll hear quirky stories about local legends, including Whitby’s haunted past and the famous Captain Cook.
This tour is highly rated, with reviews emphasizing the convenience of walking at their own pace and the engaging narration. It’s designed for casual explorers who enjoy folklore and history in a flexible format, all for just $9.99. The downloadable maps and audio content make it easy to follow even offline, perfect if you want to avoid the crowds or aren’t sure how long you’ll want to linger. This experience suits history fans, families, or anyone interested in a fun, self-directed adventure.
Bottom Line: An affordable, flexible way to discover Whitby’s legends and sights with the comfort of your own schedule—ideal for independent travelers.
5. Durham Full City Tour
If you want a more in-depth exploration of Durham, the Durham Full City Tour offers 2.5 hours of walking through the city’s wider streets and lesser-known spots. It covers all the highlights of the History Tour plus stories of Durham’s dark side—prisons, executions, and hauntings that give the city a mysterious edge. Your guide will take you from Market Place to Framwellgate Bridge and Prebends Bridge, sharing tales of legendary figures like St. Oswald and the darker moments in Durham’s past.
Guests mention how Pete, the guide, is both knowledgeable and personable, customizing the tour to include personal interests. The tour is well-regarded for its storytelling and historical depth, and at $31.68, it’s a good value for those who want a longer, richer experience. It’s best suited for travelers interested in a blend of history, legends, and a few chilling stories—perfect for history lovers or those curious about Durham’s ghostly side.
Bottom Line: For a more detailed, story-rich exploration of Durham that includes both historical facts and ghostly tales, this tour is a compelling choice.
How to Choose
When deciding between these tours, consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. If you prefer a quick, lively introduction, the Guided Walking Tour offers excellent value. For a deeper culinary experience, go for the Food Tour. Want a relaxed city overview? The History Walk is perfect. For independent explorers, the Whitby audio tour is budget-friendly and flexible. And if you’re craving a longer, storytelling-rich city adventure, the Full City Tour covers more ground and darker tales.
Booking in advance is recommended, especially in peak seasons, to secure spots and get the best experience. Each tour offers something unique—whether it’s the storytelling, culinary delights, or scenic sightseeing—so choose based on what excites you most.
Middlesbrough’s proximity to Durham and Whitby makes it a perfect base for exploring some truly memorable experiences. Whether you seek history, food, legends, or a mix of everything, these tours provide authentic, enjoyable ways to deepen your understanding and appreciation of northeast England. For the best trip, plan your tours early, pick those that match your interests, and enjoy discovering these fascinating towns at your own pace.