Durham History and Pub Tour: Sightseeing with Cask Ale Tasting

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: 1 day learn more
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 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
  • Includes 1/2 pint cask ale or draught beer/cider at each pub (4 pubs total)
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
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.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(12 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
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
Johnws8185bb
Apr 12, 2024
Pub Tour- well worth it - Peter was fantastic. He knew the history of the area and was engaging as he explained the times gone by of the area. My wife and I can highly recommend this tour. Besides the excellent beer, we learned a lot about the history and stories from that area.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Eg77777
Mar 5, 2024
Great tour, would highly recommend - We had the beer / pub tour last Friday and had an awesome time. Peter is a great guy to have a few beers with. He showed us around all the main attractions and some great pubs. He has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the history of Durham and shared some great stories / info. The pubs were all fantastic historic pubs, keeping great cask ales. Would highly recommend this tour, thanks again Peter for a great evening!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tjbabes
Feb 12, 2024
Highly recommended - Absolutely fantastic full of information. Would highly recommend. Peter was brilliant. The drinks were just an added bonus and would consider going again
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ange48
Dec 30, 2023
Excellent Pub and History Tour - The pub and history tour was absolutely fantastic. We met up with Peter at 5pm and he took us around the historical sites in Durham including the Cathedral and Castle and to 4 historic local pubs which were fabulous as they were real local pubs with open fires - just lovely. Peter was really professional and knowledgeable about Durham he had done extensive historical research so gave us lots of stories about the history of Durham and it was so interesting to see the city of a night with all the lamps and main sites lit up. The tour was a totally different take on seeing the city in daylight and was very educational and enjoyable. The tour lasted nearly 3 hours and we cannot praise and thank Peter enough for really making this the best walking tour we have done and we have done lots all over the world ! Peter is very pleasant and amiable person so we really enjoyed spending time with him. If you are visiting Durham do not hesitate to book this tour you will not be disappointed.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
I2370olellenk
Dec 27, 2023
Great way to see Durham for tourists and locals - Amazing tour! Peter certainly had a deep knowledge of local history as well as lots of stories to tell and he chose great historical pubs. This is a great walking tour if you want to get to know Durham and would like to get some local beer recommendations too! The walk is not hard and it’s good conversation in the pubs! Would 100% recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 10 guests
1
Adult
September 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today