Go Behind the Scenes

Crook Hall Gardens

The National Trust’s Crook Hall Gardens is a tranquil oasis on the edge of historic Durham City. As well as exploring the Grade I listed Medieval Hall and beautiful interlinked gardens, groups can enjoy horticulture tours of the gardens with experts.

The garden experts will share their knowledge about the seasonal flowers, plants and shrubs which give each of Crook Hall’s gardens their unique character. A great way to learn the history of Crook Hall and gain an insight into nature-friendly and sustainable approaches to gardening.

Garden tours take place every week, various dates at 11am and 1.30pm. Small groups of up to 12 can join on the day, larger groups must pre-book in advance.

Durham Cathedral

In addition to Durham Cathedral’s general guided tours for pre-booked groups, more specialist interest tours are also available. Groups can get a behind the scenes glimpse into restricted areas, learn about art within the cathedral, or visit as darkness falls on a private after-hours evening tour.

There’s a theme to suit all interests, including a special tour of the cathedral’s stunning stained glass windows and close up look at the cathedral’s embroidery and textiles collection. An exclusive tour after the 12^th century oak doors are closed to the public, and a very special look behind the scenes in the Refectory Library, which is home to some of the cathedral’s priceless collections of early printed books. Your group could even enjoy a private organ recital!

Bespoke tour packages can include hospitality with lunch or afternoon cream tea served in the medieval cloister against the backdrop of the cathedral.

Lumley Castle Hotel

Is your group brave enough to enjoy a ghostly experience like no other? Take your group stay at Lumley Castle Hotel to the next level as you discover the story behind the hotel’s most famous resident – Lily, the ghost of Lumley!

Lumley Castle offer a ghost tour, complete with historical tour of the famous haunted castle outlining the details of the spiritual presence, delicious dinner in the Knight’s Restaurant, and lots of paranormal activity!

Available for groups of up to 30, £49 per person. 

Raby Castle, Deer Park and Gardens

Uncover the fascinating history behind one of England’s most impressive medieval castles with a private bespoke tour of Raby.

Along with self-guided tours, exclusive group experiences can be booked, including private tours with senior expert guides before the Castle opens to the public. Tours last approximately 90 minutes and can be included in the price of group visits. Plus, if you have a specialist interest group who are inquisitive about a special area of Raby’s past, tailored specific group tours can be arranged, subject to availability.

The Bowes Museum

From private guided tours to specialist talks and private dining, The Bowes Museum has many exclusive group experiences available to book.

Take a tour around the museum’s vast collections of art with dedicated staff and volunteer guides who bring their own interests and preferences to their tour, so no two tours are identical. Learn about the Bowes family history, the museum’s conception and design, and experience the museum’s collection of European paintings which according to art experts, outside of the Victoria and Albert museums, The Bowes Museum houses the most comprehensive collection of European paintings in the UK!

Tours can focus on the museum’s permanent collection or tailored talks for specific artists can be pre-booked. Guided tours start at £15 for groups of 15 or less, £30 for 30 people and £45 for over 30 people. 

Specialist curator talks are available Monday to Friday, from £60 per hour, including a specialist talk within the fashion gallery which involves a Glass Cube where visitors can handle lace and quilts, which are relatively rare, through specialised workshops with the fashion curator.