North East Festival of Blossom 2026: History walk - Crook Hall Gardens to Botanic Garden
A walk through the city to appreciate its riverside location, history and architectural heritage, enjoying blossom along the way.
Join local historian David Butler for a guided walk through Durham, linking Crook Hall Gardens with Durham University Botanic Garden via the Oriental Museum. The walk will take you along the River Wear, looking at the historic bridges of the city and learning how the river was made to work for the city’s inhabitants.
You'll stop at the Oriental Museum for a short presentation before heading to the Botanic Garden to enjoy lunch (bring a picnic or visit the café onsite), bask in blossom and learn about the gardens. Return to Crook Hall by a different route, taking in spring scenery and spotting blossom along the way.
The walk starts and finishes at Crook Hall Gardens, approximately 4 miles/6.4km, and will take about 6 hours, including a stop for lunch. There are refreshments and toilet facilities available at both Crook Hall Gardens and the Botanic Garden.
Free - donations welcome.
Please note:
- Meet at the admissions hut by the entrance.
- Please wear sensible footwear and weather appropriate clothing.
- Some slopes, steps and uneven ground. 4 miles/6.4km with plenty of stops.
- Children welcome, must be accompanied by an adult.
- Parking at Crook Hall Gardens is usually limited to 3 hours. If you'd like to park for the duration of the event, please leave your registration number at the admissions desk.
Ticket options
A walk through the city to appreciate its riverside location, history and architectural heritage, enjoying blossom along the way.
Join local historian David Butler for a guided walk through Durham, linking Crook Hall Gardens with Durham University Botanic Garden via the Oriental Museum. The walk will take you along the River Wear, looking at the historic bridges of the city and learning how the river was made to work for the city’s inhabitants.
You'll stop at the Oriental Museum for a short presentation before heading to the Botanic Garden to enjoy lunch (bring a picnic or visit the café onsite), bask in blossom and learn about the gardens. Return to Crook Hall by a different route, taking in spring scenery and spotting blossom along the way.
The walk starts and finishes at Crook Hall Gardens, approximately 4 miles/6.4km, and will take about 6 hours, including a stop for lunch. There are refreshments and toilet facilities available at both Crook Hall Gardens and the Botanic Garden.
Free - donations welcome.
Please note:
- Meet at the admissions hut by the entrance.
- Please wear sensible footwear and weather appropriate clothing.
- Some slopes, steps and uneven ground. 4 miles/6.4km with plenty of stops.
- Children welcome, must be accompanied by an adult.
- Parking at Crook Hall Gardens is usually limited to 3 hours. If you'd like to park for the duration of the event, please leave your registration number at the admissions desk.
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