Staindrop: Church Architecture and Walking Routes

Staindrop combines architectural history with opportunities to spend time outdoors. If you’re looking for a hotel for a trip to Staindrop, you can plan your stay around your main interest: church architecture, the history of Raby Castle or routes through the countryside. The village is in Teesdale. Rare flora and fauna can be found in the wider region; part of Teesdale lies within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

St Mary’s and Raby: historic highlights

St Mary’s Church is listed as a Grade I building. Surviving pre-Norman Conquest features include parts of the original Anglo-Saxon nave and its windows. The church also contains Neville monuments and a medieval rood screen. A visit gives you the chance to see several specific features of architectural history.

The church is open to visitors year-round. Opening hours are usually 9 am to 5 pm in summer and 9 am to 4 pm in winter. Access may occasionally be restricted during services, weddings, funerals or necessary maintenance work. Bear these times in mind when planning your day.

Raby Castle was built by the Neville family in the 14th century and was associated with the planning of the Rising of the North and the English Civil War. Visitors can explore the castle’s interior and learn about its history; check the visiting arrangements before you arrive.

The Walled Garden at Raby is an 18th-century garden with a five-acre vision. Its well-known features include yew hedges and the Raby fig. The Temple at Raby Castle is a garden building dating from the mid to late 18th century.

Walking routes and activities

Routes from Staindrop follow public rights of way into the surrounding countryside. Raby’s Blue Walking Route is a 2.7 km circular route, mostly on surfaced paths suitable for cycling. When you buy an admission ticket, the admissions team can provide walking and cycling routes.

The Plotters’ Forest is a family adventure playground in a Christmas tree plantation. It was designed around existing trees and natural clearings. Another local activity is quoits: part of the green at the north-western end of Staindrop is set up for the traditional game of throwing metal rings over pins.

Getting your bearings before your visit

Raby Castle is on the A688, one mile north of Staindrop. Bus route 75 runs through Staindrop; from there, visitors can walk about a mile to Raby Castle. Check bus services before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Barnard Castle, Middleton-In-Teesdale, Consett, Lanchester, Hunwick, Byers Green, Spennymoor, Shildon

Return to the main travel overview: Durham.