Pelton: Church, Historic Houses and Angel’s Way

If you’re looking for a hotel in Pelton, an interest in architectural history or outdoor activities may shape your choice of destination. The architectural landscape includes the Church of the Holy Trinity, historic homes and Newfield Farmstead; Angel’s Way also offers a four-kilometre walk.

Church and Historic Houses

The Church of the Holy Trinity was built by George Jackson in 1841–1842. It is an Early English-style church made of dressed stone, with a west tower and spire. A stained-glass window dating from 1849 commemorates a cholera outbreak. This brings together the construction period, style and distinctive architectural features with a specific historical memorial.

Pelton House is a residential building from the early to mid-18th century and is listed as a Grade II building. Wheldon House is thought to date from 1726 and has additions from the mid-19th century; it is at 32 Front Street. Wheldon House is built of dressed and ashlar stone and has a Welsh slate roof. The two houses offer different points of comparison: Pelton House is broadly dated by century, while Wheldon House has an approximate year, later additions and specific details about its materials.

Pelton House and Newfield Farmstead share a Grade II listing, but differ in function and period: the residence is dated to the early to mid-18th century; the farmstead was remodelled from an earlier farm around 1861.

Newfield Farmstead: Layout and Materials

Newfield Farmstead is a Grade II listed, planned farmstead in Pelton. Around 1861, the complex was remodelled from an earlier farm. Its E-shaped layout faces south: two large cattle courts are at the front, and a gin gang is attached to the north side. This arrangement makes the spatial organisation a key architectural feature: the orientation, cattle courts and northern addition are all part of the description of the same complex.

The complex consists of irregular sandstone masonry with ashlar dressings; industrial brick is used for the archway, and the roofs are covered with Welsh slate. This allows the layout and choice of materials to be considered as different aspects of the farmstead’s architecture.

Walking and Getting Around

For planning your routes, the walk and the bus connection are different reference points: the four kilometres refers to the walk on Angel’s Way; the bus routes describe the connection between Newcastle and Chester-le-Street via Pelton. Angel’s Way follows the railway path on an easy walk; near Pelton, the route passes under the A693. Bus routes 28, 28B and 29 run between Newcastle and Chester-le-Street via Pelton. If you’re planning a bus journey, check the operator’s latest timetable information before travelling.

Pelton Community Fitness Suite is located in Pelton Community Centre on Front Street in Pelton, DH2 1DE. If sport is part of your trip, you can use the location as a local point of reference; check in advance about specific usage details.

Discover more destinations: Peterlee, Wycliffe, Barnard Castle, Shincliffe, Hamsterley, Middleton-In-Teesdale, Stanley, Horden.

For the main travel overview: Durham.