Croxdale: Discover history and landscape

Croxdale appeals to travellers interested in listed architecture, historic gardens and the landscape along the River Wear. The destination brings together a country house, a medieval chapel, a 19th-century church, historic mills and paths through Croxdale Woods. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, one question can help with your planning: would you like to focus on architectural history, landscape or a walking route?

Architectural history from the Middle Ages to the 19th century

Croxdale Hall is a Grade I listed country house, probably dating from the 17th century. Old Croxdale Chapel is medieval and is also listed as a Grade I building; its structure comprises a nave and a chancel. The nave is the chapel’s main space, while the chancel is the liturgical area. St Bartholomew’s Church was built later: George Pickering constructed it between 1843 and 1846. The timeline therefore stretches from the medieval chapel, through the country house probably dating from the 17th century, to the 19th-century church. For travellers interested in architecture, religious buildings and country-house history offer distinct subjects to explore. Both buildings have Grade I status, although they belong to different periods and building types.

Historic gardens and mill history

The walled garden at Croxdale Hall dates from the late 18th century; the parkland originated in the early to mid-18th century. The garden and lakes at Croxdale Hall were designed by the garden designer Lewis Kennedy. In chronological terms, the parkland predates the walled garden. Croxdale Mill tells a different story: it is the only surviving remnant of a series of mills along Croxdale Beck that operated from the 17th to the 19th century. So, alongside garden design, the historic use of the stream for milling is another part of Croxdale’s story.

Croxdale Woods and paths along the River Wear

Croxdale Woods at the Croxdale Reclamation Site are part of the Weardale Way along the River Wear. The mature pine trees grow on an old spoil heap that dominates the riverbank. To reach the Croxdale Reclamation Site, park at Sunderland Bridge and walk down the road to Croxdale Woods. Check local access conditions before your visit.

The Croxdale loop on The Way of Life includes St Bartholomew’s Church and the parkland of Croxdale Hall. Section 10 of the Weardale Way offers different landmarks: after crossing the River Wear over 16th-century Sunderland Bridge, it leads into the grounds of Croxdale Hall Estate. The section also passes a driveway near Croxdale Hall and includes a short climb. You can compare the routes by their stated features: one loop includes the church and parkland; the other section is marked by a river crossing, a driveway and a climb. Check current path conditions before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Byers Green, Evenwood, Shotley Bridge, Shincliffe, Lanchester, Wolsingham, Wycliffe, Stanley

For the overview of the wider area: Durham.