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Things are getting spookier in Durham as Halloween approaches, says Andrew Ross, of Walking with the Ghosts of Durham. Andrew tells Spooky Isles about his love of ghost stories and why he started doing ghost tours in Durham.
A city built on seven hills, Durham is rich in history and eerie folklore. As Halloween approaches, the atmosphere seems to thicken with the whispers of ghost legends that have long captured the imagination of residents.
At the heart of this spooky fun is Andrew Ross, the man behind “Walking with the ghosts of Durham“, a guided walk that has attracted a lot of interest over the past 18 months. We recently spoke with Andrew to delve into what makes his tours so compelling.
Andrew’s love for the paranormal is not recent; it has always been an area of fascination for him. “After some personal events and the COVID-19 situation, I decided to give the walking tours a try. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, and I really enjoy it,” says Andrew.
Andrew was born in a village just outside Durham and has been closely associated with the city since adolescence. “I have always loved the city. My interest in the paranormal led me to investigate the ghost stories of Durham,” he says.
For those unfamiliar with Durham’s historic tapestry, Andrew outlines its significance. “Durham’s settlement largely revolves around St Cuthbert, whose body was moved there for safety.” The town has a rich history and you can see statues commemorating St Cuthbert’s journey, he explains.
When it comes to the existence of ghosts, Andrew is open to possibilities. “There’s definitely something out there, whether it’s a spirit or a residual energy, but it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what it is,” he says.
How do you collect such thought-provoking stories like this? Andrew’s sources range from local legends and old books to news archives and direct reports from residents. “I always ask people about their ghost stories; I enjoy hearing and sharing them,” he adds.
Andrew has two favorite stories that he likes to share during his tours. One is about Jimmy Allen, a Northumberland musician whose fascinating life saw him travel across continents and enlist in the army five times. He died in a prison in Durham, and legend has it that the sound of bagpipes can still be heard near Elvet Bridge, where he was imprisoned.
The second story dates from the 1630s and concerns a man who dares to jump from the top of Durham Cathedral. He survived his first attempt, but tragically missed his landing spot during a second jump, thanks to his wife’s ‘help’. Now a ghost falls from the tower, presumably disappointed in his wife for moving the landing site.
When asked if certain areas in Durham are more haunted than others, Andrew reveals that the market is a hotbed of ghostly activity. As for sharing these stories in a future book, Andrew sees this as a possibility, but cites lack of time as a current obstacle.
How do you go on one of Andrew’s tours?
The tours currently take place on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, with additional walks leading up to Halloween. “I also offer private tours for groups, but I try to keep the group size to a maximum of twenty people so that everyone can hear the stories clearly,” says Andrew. The tours usually start at Crook Hall, part of the National Trust, which Andrew recommends as a perfect location to explore Durham’s haunted past.
So whether you’re a resident or visitor, Walking with the Ghosts of Durham offers a captivating experience not to be missed, especially given the city’s atmospheric surroundings, including the iconic cathedral. With Andrew Ross as guide, it promises to be a hauntingly memorable walk.
You can watch the video below.
More information about the excursions and how to book can be found here.
Have you seen a ghost in Durham? Tell us in the comments below!
