Top North East England Historical Tours

Go deeper into Newcastle’s rich history than on many other tours when you join this guided walk—although you’ll still stroll less than 2.5 miles (4 kilometers). Learn about the city’s history from the Iron Age to the present, alongside colorful characters such as Bessie Surtees. See bridges, monuments, religious buildings, a historic market, the old town wall and, of course, the castle, with plenty of photo opps too.

Immerse yourself in Newcastle’s rich past and handsome architecture on a walking tour around its historical highlights. As you stroll, learn about the city’s Roman, Norman, and mercantile history. Admire Grey’s Monument, Grey Street, the Castle Keep, the Tyne River, and hear about the Victorian entrepreneurs who made Newcastle an Industrial Revolution powerhouse, and discover churches, hidden stairways, and a medieval monastery.

Immerse in one of the Roman Empire’s last frontiers when you join this fascinating walking tour led by a “Roman” guide, along the Cawfields stretch of the Roman wall. Learn about the rise and fall of this UNESCO World Heritage–listed engineering wonder, why Northumberland has so many castles, and soak up glorious views of moorland, coastline and medieval villages. Numbers are capped at just 12 for an intimate and memorable experience.

Exploring Northumberland’s Hadrian’s Wall without a guide risks you missing out on the UNESCO-listed site’s hidden details and role in the region’s history. Delve deeper into the wall’s purpose and past, and view the surrounding Northumberland National Park on this guided walk, all with a historically costumed guide who’ll share facts, secrets, and stories that many visitors never get to hear.

The industrial Newcastle of old has turned into a vibrant metropolis that’s still deeply proud of its history. On this private walking tour, delve deeper into Newcastle and Gateshead—south of the Tyne—and their heritage with a guide for insight you’d miss out on if exploring alone. Pass St. James’ Park football stadium and Grey’s Monument; and admire the futuristic Sage, Baltic, and bridges overlooking the legendary Tyne River.

This tour informs in a light hearted and entertaining way about Newcastle's fascinating 2000 year history. Newcastle is often overlooked and misunderstood and booking a tour with us is the best way to discover for yourself what Newcastle has to offer.

2000 years ago this was a frontier, a place where two cultures collided. Your guide can happily weave a narrative from both the Roman perspective and the native perspective, providing both viewpoints. The Romans always intended to conquer Britain. Julius Caesar wrote about the riches of the British Isles... and also of giants and monsters. While Caesar made initial contact with the peoples of Britain, a full scale invasion would take another 90 years. Political turmoil in Rome was the catalyst for the new emperor, Claudius to bring his forces to the shores of Britain, changing the country forever. Transport is not included, contact us for taxi details if needed.

This tour is one of a kind - it is not a ghost tour. It takes you on a true crimes journey of Newcastle and explores some of the gruesome dark times in the city's history (all brought to life by your local expert). Your tour also takes you past some of the best-known places in the city but diverts to take you through some of the most hidden streets full of wonderful stories to tell!

Better understand the history and culture of Newcastle on this walking tour along the river that has long been an intractable feature of the city. As you walk along the River Tyne, your guide recounts tales of the people associated with the locations along the way and answers any questions you may have. This is a great introduction to the city and how it has changed over the years.

Explore Newcastle on foot to discover small details that you might otherwise miss if traveling in a traditional tour vehicle. Get your bearings in the sprawling city with ease and get the inside scoop on local culture and history, as you travel between top city attractions—such as Pink Land, Chinatown, the historic Town Wall, and Grey’s Monument—without having to navigate.

Once the Roman Empire’s northernmost frontier, Hadrian’s Wall comprises stretches of walls, forts, and barracks. Tap deeper into its history than if alone on this full-day walking tour. Explore parts of the wall, and the remains of the Housesteads fort and Vindolanda supply station, as a guide explains the lives of the soldiers once based here. The tour includes lunch, with the option of transfers from Newcastle for added convenience.

Forget hours of independent research and explore Newcastle-upon-Tyne in an easier and more rewarding way: on a small-group guided walk. Follow a time-efficient route that reveals all the must-sees; admiring everything from the handsome Georgian architecture of Grainger Town to the China Garden, Castle Keep, and Quayside. As you walk and talk, learn history and personal insights into Newcastle’s past and present culture you’d likely miss if exploring alone.

Get the ideal insider’s introduction to history-packed Newcastle on this half-day walking tour of the bustling northeastern city. Learn about the city’s early history and enjoy guided interior visits of both Newcastle Castle and the cathedral church of St. Nicholas. Upgrade to a private tour to include door-to-door pickup from your hotel.

Visit World Heritage–listed Hadrian’s Wall during a 3-hour walking tour of Arbeia and Segedunum (aka Wallsend), two of the Roman forts at the east end of the wall. Both settlements are excellent reconstructions, and with a guide on hand you’ll gain specialized insight. This tour is ideal for history buffs who want to learn more about the frontier of the Roman Empire, all within close proximity to urban Newcastle.

See the best of Berwick upon Tweed on a private cycling tour that lets you access parts of the town that traditional tour vehicles can’t reach. Pedal at a gentle pace that’s tailored to your private group, and enjoy the undivided attention of your guide. Plus, you’ll get personalized recommendations to last the rest of your trip.

Meet your local expert & begin your Hadrian's Wall Hiking Tour at The Sill Visitor Centre in the heart of Northumberland. Experience some of the most iconic stretches of Hadrian’s Wall with fantastic panoramic views of this fabulous UNESCO World Heritage Site including the wonderful Sycamore Gap, made famous by the Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves movie. Enjoy an authentic introduction to the construction and life on Hadrian’s Wall with milecastles and turrets to explore along the way. Your local expert will have stories, anecdotes and historical references to keep you fully entertained and enlightened. The tour finishes at the National Trust’s Housesteads Roman Fort car park from where you can either choose to explore the fort or return to The Sill Visitor Centre via the official AD122 Hadrian’s Wall Bus at your leisure.

Get the background history on Housesteads Roman Fort as you walk around Hadrian’s Wall, using a self-guided GPS tour. You’ll download a cellphone App, then set off to get all the info on the impressive Roman remains, where civilians and soldiers once lived. The tour is independent, meaning you have the flexibility to explore at your own pace; just note that entry fees are at your own expense.

South Shields and Jarrow contain fantastic history from before the Romans and, today, are vibrant towns in the North East of England. On this tour, you’ll hear the story of the Roman Fort of Arbeia and the Anglo-Saxon story of the North East at Jarrow Hall. At Arbeia, you’ll discover the stories of soldiers and civilians alike – with dedications to Middle-Eastern traders, slaves and native Britons, all living together at this frontier. At Jarrow Hall, you’ll explore the story of the Germanic Anglo-Saxons through the museum dedicated to the Venerable Bede. Bede is arguably the greatest scholar of the Dark Ages, not only a monk, but also a teacher, scientist and historian in a time most believe to be violent, uneducated and unrecorded. Both sites have fantastic reconstructions of buildings from their periods, including a Roman gatehouse, barracks block and commanding officers’ house. What 3 Words starting location: ///rocky.move.wide

This tour is completely customizable - let us know your ideal starting / end points, time, duration, inclusions you wish to add (museums, galleries, foodie places etc.). We look forward to building the tour to suit you and your fellow travellers. Enjoy a personal and inspirational walk through the great city of Newcastle and discover how the city has transformed itself in the past 20-30 years to become one of the most culturally active and stunning architectural cities in the country. The tour will tell the story of 2,000 years of city history and will give you a rounded story of how the city has become this cultural hub. We will focus on today's highlights and what the future holds for a city moving at pace. We can offer private transfers from/to port or airport at an additional fee.

Hadrian’s Wall, the UNESCO world heritage site is the frontier of the Roman Empire. The frontier extended for 80 roman miles and covers many landscapes. Segedunum was the first fort on the wall, so why not visit it first? The fort is home to fantastic reconstructions of the Roman way of life - such as a section of the wall which can be viewed and walked along and a museum that brings the Roman world to life. You will be able to step into the Roman world and learn about this fantastic, ruthless but creative culture that conquered much of the known world. The fort was home to the mixed cavalry and infantry unit of troops from France- the fourth cohort of Lingones. It was their job to defend the river and to ensure that the frontiers wild Britons were policed. Your guide will explain and share the stories that the fort has and give you an insight into Roman life at the Northern frontier of the Empire. The tour can be booked at 10:00 am or 2 pm.

Walking tour of Northumberland Coast - The area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB), with a population of 12,500, includes small ports such as Seahouses and Alnmouth and some of Britain’s last inshore fleets sail from its harbours. Tourism is an important supplement to the local economy. Although the coast is less intensively used than most, it attracts many peak period visitors, both as a holiday destination and as a day trip from nearby towns and Tyneside. The coast remains relatively undeveloped for tourism which is largely based on caravan and camp sites. There is no continuous coastal road or footpath running the length of the coast which contributes to and protects its remoteness.

We are a genuine wholly-owned small family-run business that has been established for a very long time. Our boat, the Golden Gate, was purpose-built in Seahouses for the Farne Islands and in particular, Trinity House duties to the Lighthouses. George, the skipper and lighthouse attendant, has sailed around these islands for a very long time. You will receive unsurpassable commentary and quirky knowledge from him. Seasonal seabirds such as puffins, guillemots, terns etc can only be guaranteed to be seen may-July. Since Covid-19 broke, we don't aim to pack our boat fully to increase customer experience. We aim for ultimate customer satisfaction and strive to meet all customer's expectations before and after the trip.

The perfect way to feel some spooky vibes this Halloween weekend and explore the real dark side of Newcastle! Uncover some of the city's darkest secrets, gruely mystweries, murders and intrigue! Explore stories of stolen corpses, dark and notorious prisons, grave robbers and witch hunts! There is so much to discover during your Halloween tour of Newcastle.