With a history going back to the Romans, an ancient castle, its own special national anthem, a connection to the slave trade, and the first gruesome murder solved by forensics, Lancaster has a lot to offer.
We'll begin at Lancaster Castle. We'll learn about the trials of the Pendle Witches and prominent Quakers. We'll understand how Lancaster became so prosperous through the slave trade in the 18th century. We'll become acquainted with Lancaster's Black and White Canal. We'll understand how the first use of forensic science solved a murder committed in the centre of Lancaster.
We'll visit:
Lancaster Castle
The Priory
The Quayside
Almshouses
Prosperous houses associated with the slave trade
Other notable buildings of architects and industrialists
I'm Barrie - I've lived in Lancaster for eight years. Originally from London I'm well travelled and lived in SE Asia for a number of years. Now I've grown to be fascinated by the history of Lancaster - my adopted home. It has a tremendous past which I'd like to share with you. An ancient castle, a special national anthem, a prison which was second only to the Tower of London in executions, religious persecutions, slavery and industry - I'll show you the different sides of the City.
Meeting point:Castle Approach, Lancaster LA1 1YN, UKOn Castle Hill on the slope leading to the main gate of Lancaster Castle. Look out for the RED umbrella. Reserve if you are going to come. This tour has limited places! When booking, put a Whatsapp phone number to be able to send you the location in real time in case of late arrival.Open in Google Maps →
1
Outside visit
Lancaster CastleMeet on the slope leading to the main entrance
2
Outside visit
Lancaster Priory Church of Saint MaryNorman Benedictine Priory
3
Outside visit
St George's QuayFrom slavery to an industrial powerhouse
Meeting point:Castle Approach, Lancaster LA1 1YN, UKOn Castle Hill on the slope leading to the main gate of Lancaster Castle. Look out for the RED umbrella. Reserve if you are going to come. This tour has limited places! When booking, put a Whatsapp phone number to be able to send you the location in real time in case of late arrival.Open in Google Maps →
1
Outside visit
Lancaster CastleMeet on the slope leading to the main entrance
2
Outside visit
Lancaster Priory Church of Saint MaryNorman Benedictine Priory
3
Outside visit
St George's QuayFrom slavery to an industrial powerhouse
4.93
58 reviews
Professionalism
4.91
Entertainment
4.61
Communication
4.86
Quality
4.95
Route
4.92
Free tours don't have a fixed price. At the end, each person contributes to the guide the amount they consider fair based on their satisfaction. As a guideline, Guruwalk recommends between €15 and €50 per participant.
Accessibility
Not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Groups
Does not accept large group bookings.
Pets
Suitable for bringing pets.
Minimum attendees
Requires a minimum of 2 people to conduct the tour.
Additional costs
The tour does not require payment for entries or additional expenses.
Free cancellation
If you cannot attend the tour, please cancel the reservation, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.
We booked the tour with Barrie just the night before, and he showed up the next morning right on time, full of energy and ready to go. Even though it was just the two of us —two curious Argentinians— he gave us a fantastic 3-hour tour that felt like a masterclass in history, humor, and hidden gems.
Barrie is simply brilliant: passionate, extremely knowledgeable, and super engaging. He didn’t just stick to the classic spots —he took us to amazing, unexpected places with fascinating stories behind them. He has a real gift for connecting with people and making you feel welcomed in the city.
We wholeheartedly recommend this tour. If you can, don’t miss the chance to experience Lancaster with Barrie. Truly one of the highlights of our trip.
Geoff
6 Reviews
Booking verified
R
Rose_Marie
1 Review
Booking verified
alejandro
6 Reviews
Maca
4 Reviews
Booking verified
Traveled as couple
July 2025
We booked the tour with Barrie just the night before, and he showed up the next morning right on time, full of energy and ready to go. Even though it was just the two of us —two curious Argentinians— he gave us a fantastic 3-hour tour that felt like a masterclass in history, humor, and hidden gems.
Barrie is simply brilliant: passionate, extremely knowledgeable, and super engaging. He didn’t just stick to the classic spots —he took us to amazing, unexpected places with fascinating stories behind them. He has a real gift for connecting with people and making you feel welcomed in the city.
We wholeheartedly recommend this tour. If you can, don’t miss the chance to experience Lancaster with Barrie. Truly one of the highlights of our trip.
Geoff
6 Reviews
Booking verified
R
Rose_Marie
1 Review
Booking verified
alejandro
6 Reviews
Traveled as couple
June 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed Barry's tour. He was incredibly knowledgeable and full of local stories that always provide insight to the city. The route was quite manageable and did a good mix of the city highlights.
Traveled in group
May 2025
Really interesting tour. Saw lots of places I hadn’t been to before and the stories were very good. Thanks
Booking verified
Traveled as couple
May 2025
Aprendimos sobre la historia de Lancaster, su arquitectura, si castillo, súper entrete y util el tour.
Gracias y felicidades
Booking verified
Traveled as couple
July 2025
We booked the tour with Barrie just the night before, and he showed up the next morning right on time, full of energy and ready to go. Even though it was just the two of us —two curious Argentinians— he gave us a fantastic 3-hour tour that felt like a masterclass in history, humor, and hidden gems.
Barrie is simply brilliant: passionate, extremely knowledgeable, and super engaging. He didn’t just stick to the classic spots —he took us to amazing, unexpected places with fascinating stories behind them. He has a real gift for connecting with people and making you feel welcomed in the city.
We wholeheartedly recommend this tour. If you can, don’t miss the chance to experience Lancaster with Barrie. Truly one of the highlights of our trip.
Booking verified
Traveled as couple
June 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed Barry's tour. He was incredibly knowledgeable and full of local stories that always provide insight to the city. The route was quite manageable and did a good mix of the city highlights.
Booking verified
Traveled in group
May 2025
Really interesting tour. Saw lots of places I hadn’t been to before and the stories were very good. Thanks
Booking verified
Traveled as couple
May 2025
Aprendimos sobre la historia de Lancaster, su arquitectura, si castillo, súper entrete y util el tour.
Gracias y felicidades
Booking verified
Traveled as couple
March 2025
The tour was very informative and Barrie was a very pleasant guide.
Traveled as couple
June 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed Barry's tour. He was incredibly knowledgeable and full of local stories that always provide insight to the city. The route was quite manageable and did a good mix of the city highlights.
Traveled in group
May 2025
Really interesting tour. Saw lots of places I hadn’t been to before and the stories were very good. Thanks
Booking verified
Traveled as couple
May 2025
Aprendimos sobre la historia de Lancaster, su arquitectura, si castillo, súper entrete y util el tour.
Gracias y felicidades
Booking verified
Traveled as couple
July 2025
We booked the tour with Barrie just the night before, and he showed up the next morning right on time, full of energy and ready to go. Even though it was just the two of us —two curious Argentinians— he gave us a fantastic 3-hour tour that felt like a masterclass in history, humor, and hidden gems.
Barrie is simply brilliant: passionate, extremely knowledgeable, and super engaging. He didn’t just stick to the classic spots —he took us to amazing, unexpected places with fascinating stories behind them. He has a real gift for connecting with people and making you feel welcomed in the city.
We wholeheartedly recommend this tour. If you can, don’t miss the chance to experience Lancaster with Barrie. Truly one of the highlights of our trip.
Booking verified
Traveled as couple
June 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed Barry's tour. He was incredibly knowledgeable and full of local stories that always provide insight to the city. The route was quite manageable and did a good mix of the city highlights.
Booking verified
Traveled in group
May 2025
Really interesting tour. Saw lots of places I hadn’t been to before and the stories were very good. Thanks
Booking verified
Traveled as couple
May 2025
Aprendimos sobre la historia de Lancaster, su arquitectura, si castillo, súper entrete y util el tour.
Gracias y felicidades
Booking verified
Traveled as couple
March 2025
The tour was very informative and Barrie was a very pleasant guide.