County Durham is a North Eastern county based around the ancient city of Durham. It’s just above Yorkshire, but below the better known county of Northumberland.
It’s a tough place and has in recent years suffered from the decline of the mining industry.
Here are what we reckon to be the best County Durham villages, many with a link to a former coal mine.
Gainford
Gainford on the bank of the Tees River and located half-way between Darlington and Barnard Castle.
Prepare to be met with beautiful Georgian-style houses as well as Victorian-origin architecture.
Some notable residents include Charles Bunagy Fawcet, noted as one of the founders of British Academic Geography Modern.
West Auckland
The historical buildings in West Auckland were built as early as the 17th century.
West Auckland has one of the largest green spaces compared to other villages in Durham County.
It’s home to the famous Auckland Castle, an incredibly well-preserved palace, one of the most well-preserved in Europe to date.
West Auckland holds one of the largest Chapels in Europe, St.Peter’s.
Castle Eden
One of the most scenic villages in County Durham, Castle Eden is home to a nature reserve with approximately 450 different species of birds, plants, deer, and foxes.
Visitors can book a tour to see Castle Eden, which was built in the 1700’s.
What’s even better is booking a stay in one of Castle Eden’s historic rooms for a lovely bed and breakfast.
Beamish
Beamish has become one of the more popular places to visit, known for its open-air museum, The Beamish Museum.
Travel back in time to everyday life in rural north-east England at the height of Industrialisation.
You can go just south of Beamish to a village called No Place, and visit a real-ale, award-winning pub, The Beamish Mary Inn.
Staindrop
England is full of history and Staindrop in County Durham is no exception.
The village of Staindrop is quite large and is situated about 6 miles north-east of Barnard Castle.
The village has two schools, one academy, and a secondary school for young children.
Several amenities include a tea house, the famous SPAR food and retail shop, hairdressers, and several getaway cottages for your next holiday.
Teesdale
Great for the budget traveler and still not short on historical sites and beautiful scenery.
You can gaze in wonder at the largest waterfall in England, known as The HIgh Force, derived from the Nordic word “foss”, or waterfall.
For the art lovers, Teesdale is home to The Bowes Museum, full of artwork, design, and fashion.
You can take a peaceful stroll around the surrounding gardens and green space.
Aycliffe Village
Located immediately south of Newton Aycliffe, Aycliffe added ‘village’ to its name in 1948 to easily distinguish it from the new town, or Newton Aycliffe.
The village amenities include a primary school, a hair salon, and two local pubs.
Several houses date back a few hundred years.
Deaf Hill
In this village you will find modest cottages, and a mixture of new and old buildings.
While the origin of the name Deaf Hill is mostly unknown, its alternative name is Trimdon Station.
The name is thought to have once been Death Hill, which dates back to local legend.
The story is a grim one, but like many old legends, it probably changes with each generation.