Self-guided tours in Middlesbrough offer excellent value for independent travelers.
Two standout options deserve attention: The Durham Landmarks and Legends tour masterfully weaves through the city’s rich history, while the Essential Whitby tour connects visitors with must-see sites like the iconic Whitby Abbey.
Both tours cost $9.99 and include permanent access to audio guides and offline maps.
I especially love the Durham tour’s historical storytelling and the Whitby tour’s practical route planning, though occasional GPS hiccups can occur.
Let’s check out the best self-guided tours this historic English city has to offer.
Key Points
- The Essential Whitby Tour is a highly recommended self-guided GPS tour that allows you to explore Whitby’s key attractions at your own pace.
- The Durham’s Landmarks and Legends Tour offers an audio-guided experience to discover Durham’s historic landmarks and legends, accessible year-round.
- Both tours are affordably priced at $9.99 per person and provide lifetime access to the audio guides and offline maps.
- The Essential Whitby Tour starts at the Captain Cook Memorial and ends at Whitby Abbey, while the Durham’s Landmarks and Legends Tour begins in Durham Market Place and concludes at Durham Cathedral.
- Users have praised the tours for their engaging storytelling and navigation, though some have reported GPS accuracy issues with the Durham’s Landmarks and Legends Tour.
Durham’s Landmarks and Legends: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
To begin, Durham’s Landmarks and Legends: A Self-Guided Audio Tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through the historic city of Durham. The tour, which lasts approximately an hour, begins at the Durham Market Place and concludes at the iconic Durham Cathedral.
Along the way, participants can use the VoiceMap app on their smartphones to access the self-guided audio tour, which provides fascinating insights into the city’s landmarks and legends.
The tour is available year-round, with access from June 2021 through October 2025. At $9.99 per person, it offers excellent value for money, with lifetime access to the audio guide, offline maps, and geodata.
While the tour doesn’t include entrance fees to museums or attractions, it provides a rundown of Durham’s rich history and cultural heritage.
With an impressive 4.5-star rating based on 32 reviews, the tour has been praised for its engaging storytelling, knowledgeable audio guide, and easy-to-follow navigation.
However, some users have reported issues with GPS accuracy and outdated content related to COVID-19.
Read our full review: Durham’s Landmarks and Legends: A Self-Guided Audio Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Essential Whitby: Discover the Town’S Legends on a Self-Guided Audio Tour
The Essential Whitby self-guided audio tour invites visitors to uncover the town’s legends and hidden treasures. With a 98% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence from Middlesbrough, England, this tour promises an engaging experience.
The self-guided GPS tour allows you to explore at your own pace, with lifetime access to the Whitby route through the VoiceMap app.
The tour features classic Whitby attractions like the Whitby Abbey and the Captain Cook Memorial Museum. You’ll have offline access to the audio, maps, and geodata, so you can start, pause, or restart the tour anytime.
While the tour doesn’t include tickets or entrance fees, it provides a comprehensive look at Whitby’s history and stories. The meeting point is the Captain Cook Memorial, and the tour ends at the Whitby Abbey, with detailed starting instructions available after downloading the app.
At just $9.99 per person, the Essential Whitby tour offers an affordable and flexible way to discover the town’s legends and hidden gems.
Read our full review: Essential Whitby: Discover the Town’S Legends on a Self-Guided Audio Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
Middlesbrough offers several self-guided tours that provide an immersive experience. Explore the town’s rich history and landmarks at your own pace. Whether you’re interested in Durham’s legends or Whitby’s coastal charm, these audio tours are an excellent way to discover the area’s hidden gems. With clear directions and engaging content, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Middlesbrough’s unique heritage.