Middlesbrough is a surprisingly lively hub for exploring beyond its industrial roots. While the town itself offers plenty to see, it’s also a great base for discovering nearby historic cities like Durham and Whitby. These tours highlight the diversity of experiences available—from immersive guided walks of Durham’s medieval streets to self-guided audio tours of Whitby’s legends. Many of the tours, such as the Guided Walking Tour of Durham & its Infamous Characters, are highly rated, family-friendly, and accessible, making them perfect for travelers wanting authentic stories and local flavor. Whether you want to learn about Durham’s architecture, sample local cuisine, or explore dark tales from Durham’s past, there’s something here for everyone.
This list features a wide variety of tours in Middlesbrough, including walking tours, food tastings, self-guided audio walks, pub and history crawls, and even scavenger hunts. Notably, many tours are rated 5-star, reflecting a strong reputation among previous travelers. For those planning a trip, these options provide a mix of cultural insights, fun activities, and flexible formats—some with in-depth guides and others with self-paced explorations. Below, you’ll find detailed reviews of each experience to help you decide which adventure best matches your interests.
1. Guided Walking Tour of Durham & its Infamous Characters
At number 1, this 1.5-hour walking tour of Durham offers a lively dive into the city’s most compelling stories, from dragons and saints to a notorious serial killer. Led by a passionate guide who is a Durham University graduate, you’ll wander cobbled streets and see landmarks like the Market Place, Elvet Bridge, Durham Castle, and Durham Cathedral. The tour’s focus on intriguing characters and local legends makes it stand out—especially with reviews praising the guide’s knowledge and engaging storytelling. It’s family-friendly, wheelchair accessible, and suited for both first-time visitors and locals eager to hear fresh tales. The tour costs just $13.77 per person, making it an excellent value for such a rich experience.
Key highlights include hearing about Britain’s first female serial killer, Jimmy Allen, and exploring historic sites with stunning views of the cathedral and the river. Many reviewers note how the stories add a lively dimension to their sightseeing. If you enjoy history mixed with colorful tales, this tour will keep you captivated.
Bottom Line: Affordable, engaging, and full of local lore, this tour is perfect for those wanting a quick, entertaining introduction to Durham’s past.
2. Durham Food Tour
Number 2 on the list, the Durham Food Tour, is a three-and-a-half-hour culinary journey through the city’s vibrant food scene. Meeting at Durham’s Market Place at 11:30 am, you’ll explore four top bars and restaurants, sampling both local and international dishes. You’ll visit the indoor market to taste local produce and enjoy drinks at every stop—alcoholic or non-alcoholic—making this a relaxed, fun way to combine culture and cuisine. This tour is rated 5 stars from 81 reviews and costs $110.20, which reflects its premium experience and multiple tastings.
The tour’s key highlights are visits to Durham Castle and Durham Cathedral, and a deep dive into the city’s independent food scene. The chance to sample a variety of foods while learning about the city’s history makes it ideal for food lovers and curious travelers. Guests frequently comment on the quality and variety of dishes, with one reviewer noting, “Great selection of dishes and very yummy.”
Bottom Line: It’s an excellent choice if you want to combine sightseeing with a curated tasting experience. The price may be higher, but the diverse sampling and expert guidance make it worthwhile.
3. Walkabout Durham History Tour
Number 3, this 1.5-hour walk emphasizes history and local stories. Led by a passionate guide, the tour covers sites like Durham Market Place, Framwellgate Bridge, and Prebends Bridge, offering a balanced mix of landmark sights and storytelling. The guide shares insights into Durham’s mills, riverbanks, and the cathedral, giving you not just facts but a sense of the city’s character. With an average rating of 5/5 from 72 reviews, guests praise the guide’s engaging approach and the beautiful views.
The tour is family-friendly and suitable for all ages, even dogs—so you can bring the furry family members along. At just $22.03 per person, it offers a good balance of depth and affordability. Reviewers call it “very informative and interesting,” especially appreciating the guide’s knowledge and the opportunity to get their bearings in the city.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a relaxed, informative walk with a local expert, especially if you’re new to Durham or want a quick yet rundown.
4. Essential Whitby: Discover the town’s legends on a self-guided audio tour
Number 4 is a self-guided tour of Whitby, rated 5 stars from 43 reviews. For just $9.99, you get lifetime access to an audio tour that takes you through the town’s legends and landmarks like Whitby Abbey and Captain Cook Museum. This GPS-enabled experience allows you to explore at your own pace, ideal for those who prefer flexibility and independent discovery.
Beginning near the Captain Cook Memorial, the tour moves past Pannett Park, the church of Saint John, and Tate Hill Pier, ending outside Whitby Abbey. Reviewers love that they could stop and explore on their own, with one saying, “It was very easy to follow and very enjoyable.” The tour combines quirky facts with scenic views, making it fun and educational.
Bottom Line: A budget-friendly, flexible way to learn about Whitby’s stories and history, perfect for independent travelers and families wanting a personalized experience.
5. Durham City Walking Tour
Number 5 offers a private guided experience with a Blue Badge guide for around $54.86 per person. Over two hours, you’ll explore Durham’s landmarks, including Durham Cathedral, Durham Castle, and the Market Place, with a customized itinerary tailored to your interests.
Guests praise the guide’s deep knowledge and engaging storytelling, especially noting how personal attention enhances the experience. The tour allows you to ask questions freely and discover hidden details most visitors miss. It’s suitable for those wanting a more personalized, in-depth exploration of Durham, especially with limited time.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who value a tailor-made tour with expert insights and a flexible pace. It’s a pricier but more intimate experience.
6. Pub and History Tour of Durham with Alcohol Tasting
Number 6 combines Durham’s history and pub culture over 2.5 hours, with four historic pubs included. Starting in the Market Place, the tour visits places like the Shakespeare pub and Kingsgate, sharing stories of conquest, miracles, and tragedy, all while sampling cask ales. The tour costs $41.13, which offers a good value considering the four pub stops and stories.
Guests love Peter’s engaging storytelling and the authentic atmosphere of the pubs, noting the mix of history and drinks makes for a memorable experience. It’s perfect for those wanting to combine a drink with some local storytelling and meet fellow travelers.
Bottom Line: Great for social travelers and those interested in Durham’s pub scene combined with local history, with a relaxed pace and lively atmosphere.
7. Durham Full City Tour
Number 7 extends the basic history walk to a comprehensive 2.5-hour tour. Led by a knowledgeable guide, it covers Durham’s main sights, plus the legend of St. Oswald and the city’s darker side—prisons, hauntings, and secret stories. The tour is praised for its depth and engaging narration, with many comments about how it brought Durham’s stories alive.
Costing $31.68, it’s ideal for travelers wanting an expanded experience with more storytelling and sightseeing. It’s suitable if you want a good balance of historical facts and intriguing tales, including some lesser-known legends.
Bottom Line: Perfect for curious travelers who want a richer, more detailed exploration of Durham’s sights and stories.
8. Dark Durham Tour
Number 8 focuses on the spooky side of Durham, lasting 1.5 hours. For $21.95, you’ll explore haunted sites like Durham Cathedral and the castle, learn about ghostly legends, secret executions, and grisly tales of medieval punishment. The guide’s storytelling style has been praised for its engaging and chilling details.
Reviewers mention that Ken, the guide, is very knowledgeable, and the tales add a fun twist to the city’s architecture. It’s particularly suited to those interested in hauntings, murder stories, and ghost legends.
Bottom Line: Ideal for thrill-seekers and fans of ghost stories who want a different perspective on Durham’s historic sites.
9. Durham’s Landmarks and Legends: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
Number 9 offers a flexible self-guided tour for $9.99, covering iconic sites like Market Place, Framwellgate Bridge, and Palace Green. This audio guide uses GPS technology for a seamless experience, providing stories and background as you walk. It has a 4.5-star rating from 34 reviews, with many praising its clarity and ease of use.
It’s ideal for independent travelers who want to explore at their own pace without a guide, especially if they enjoy learning stories about Durham’s landmarks while wandering freely.
Bottom Line: A cost-effective option for self-directed explorers who want insightful narration without a fixed schedule.
10. Durham Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour
Number 10 offers a fun, interactive experience at just $6.43 per person. This scavenger hunt combines sightseeing with solving puzzles, making it perfect for families or groups who want a more playful way to see Durham. It takes about two hours to complete and offers a different perspective by encouraging discovery through clues.
Rated 3.5 stars from 3 reviews, some users enjoyed the challenge and the unique approach, though it’s less polished than other tours. It’s best suited for active families or groups willing to embrace a playful challenge.
Bottom Line: Great for a casual, fun way to explore Durham, especially if you’re traveling with kids or want a break from traditional tours.
11. Whitby Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass)
Finally, the Whitby experience offers a self-guided treasure hunt and quiz designed to explore the town’s landmarks and secrets. With a pass costing $20.55, you get access to over 100 destinations and challenges, making it a fun, interactive way to spend four hours. It’s suitable for families and anyone who enjoys puzzles and outdoor exploration.
Rated 3.5 stars, some reviewers highlight the variety of challenges, while others note that some locations may require updates. It’s good for those who prefer gamified sightseeing and want to avoid crowds.
Bottom Line: Perfect for families and puzzle lovers who want to discover Whitby in a relaxed, playful manner.
How to Choose
When selecting a tour in Middlesbrough or nearby Durham and Whitby, consider your budget, interests, and how much time you want to spend. For a quick and affordable intro, the Guided Walking Tour of Durham offers great value. Food lovers will enjoy the Durham Food Tour, while history enthusiasts might prefer the Durham Full City Tour or the deeper dive of the Durham City Walking Tour. For those seeking a more playful experience, the Whitby scavenger hunt or self-guided audio tours provide flexibility and fun.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak season, and always check if tours have any suitability concerns—like accessibility or physical activity levels. Pick what fits your style and start exploring!
Final Thoughts
Middlesbrough sits at a crossroads of history, culture, and fun. Whether you’re after a quick guided walk, a deep dive into Durham’s legends, or a playful scavenger hunt in Whitby, there’s something for every traveler. For those craving immersive storytelling, the Guided Walking Tour of Durham is a standout, while food lovers will enjoy the Durham Food Tour. Budget travelers and families alike can find engaging options, like self-guided audio tours or scavenger hunts, that make exploring easy and fun.
Our top recommendations? Book early if you’re visiting during busy times, and choose excursions that match your pace and interests. Durham’s historic streets, legends, and lively pubs await you—so get planning and enjoy your adventure!
