Ken Bradshaw - North East Guided Tours

About

Hello, and a very warm welcome from Durham. It gives me great pleasure to offer some wonderful guided tours of Durham city and the region.  I am Ken Bradshaw, have lived in Durham for nearly 30 years and in 2021 became a Blue Badge Tour Guide for the North East England.  Choose from the following tours:

1 hour city highlights……………………………Price from £15 per person

This short tour will give you an overview of this medieval city complete with its magnificent 11th century Cathedral and Castle.  This tour highlights why the city is here, the legend of St.Cuthbert and meet some important characters of Durham. Learn about the three saints that are buried in the cathedral, who were the Prince Bishops and why is there a massive man on a horse in the middle of the market place?

2.5 hour Cathedral tour………………………….Price from £25 per person

A walking tour that includes entry into the magnificent Norman-Romanesque Cathedral with an intimate view of this ‘European masterpiece’.  Get to grips with this pioneering building that led the way in architecture when it was built in 1093. We will see and learn of the amazing history, some of its leading Prince Bishops and marvel at its architecture, windows and the importance of the legendary monks St.Cuthbert and the Venerable Bede.

2 hour Crime and Punishment tour…………………Price from £20 per person

A walking tour of this beautiful city highlighting elements that shows the importance of the courts, police and various jails.  See the imposing structure of the North Gate which is still home to its underground cells, hear of the grizzly tale of serial killer Mary Ann Cotton and the King’s pardon that came too late for bagpipe player and horse rustler Jimmy Allen.  We hear of bodged hangings and how the last man in England was pressed to death.

3 hour bike tour of Durham city and its environs…………….Price from £30 per person

Get on your bike and let me show you this beautiful area. Don’t have a bike? I can get one dropped to your accommodation. Choose between Durham City or Durham coalfield villages. Additional charges for bike and helmet hire.  I am a life-long cyclist and a qualified Let’s Ride leader.

I am also able to do guided tours of Seaham, Bishop Auckland, Barnard Castle and Spennymoor. In addition I can offer commentary guided tours for Durham Dales, Newcastle, Northumberland and Hadrian's Wall. Please contact me for more information.

A recent reviewer said:

'Thank you so much for such a pleasurable afternoon. Your insight into the history of the area was really enjoyable and informative.  Nothing was too much trouble and we loved the way you took the time to speak to us beforehand to see what we wanted to get out of our time with you.  We would never have learnt so much about the lovely city of Durham without your knowledge.  
This is the first time we have booked a personal tour guide and we thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.  We felt we had your undivided attention for those few hours we spent together and we would not hesitate to recommend you to family and friends should they visit the area.'

Prices will vary depending on the number of people booked on the tour.