Welcome to Wolsingham

The village of Wolsingham in County Durham has grown on the north bank of the River Wear where the river is joined by the Waskerley Beck. It is not known exactly when the settlement was first founded, but local historians believe it to be around the 10th or 11th Century. It was one of the first market towns in County Durham and became an important hub for the wool trade, with many wealthy merchants building large houses in the town. The oldest surviving houses are at Whitfield Place on Front Street, where we find three cottages, the first of which bears the date 1677 carved on the date stone.

As a gateway to The North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and UNESCO Global Geopark, Wolsingham is a thriving town, particularly popular with walkers, cyclists, and other visitors seeking the many attractions Weardale has to offer.

Visiting Wolsingham

CAR PARKING is available at both Demesne Mill and the Recreation Ground, for which there is a small charge. All proceeds from the car parks go towards maintaining the Parish Council properties and supporting community activities. Please respect residents and park considerately by not parking on footpaths, and blocking access to driveways.

PUBLIC TOILETS are available at the junction of Market Place and Angate Street, and at the Recreation Ground.

Check out the links below to see what Wolsingham and the surrounding area has to offer.

Black Lion, Meadhope Street

The Paddock is a 22 pitch, quiet caravan site for touring caravans and motorhomes located in Wolsingham - a convenient location for attending Wolsingham Wayfarers' walks and visiting the County Durham area.

Adjacent to a caravan and motorhome dealership alongside the River Wear, The Paddock has 21 Hard standings, and 1 Grass Pitch - all with electricity.

Visit their website here.

Hidden away a minute from the Market Place, this welcoming, comfortable gem is a great place to relax. The open fire features in the single, open plan room, with a pool table to the rear and TV for sports. Noted for its award winning beers and ciders.

Visit their Facebook page here.

The Paddock Touring Park, Durham Road

Weardale Railway, The Causeway

Take a ride on the heritage trains on the Weardale Railway and enjoy stunning views of Wolsingham and the wider Wear Valley. Wolsingham Station platform and car park are located at the south end of The Causway, and are open when trains are running. Disabled car parking spaces available.

Visit their website here for Train Timetables and Fares.

Buon Appetito, West End

All at Sixes and Sevens Gift Shop, Market Place

The Charles Attwood, Market Place

All at Sixes and Sevens is situated in the heart of Wolsingham in the Market Place. Offering a wonderful array of gifts, cards, books and soft toys it is perfect for when you are trying to find something a little bit special.

The Wolsingham Constitutional Club has been part of Wolsingham village life ever since the founding of the steelworks by Charles Attwood. The club now welcomes families, cyclists, walkers, and visitors into a warm and vibrant environment with something for everyone including a sports bar, lounge, and outside area with decking and play area.

Visit their Facebook page here.

An authentic Italian restaurant conveniently located on the Wolsingham High Street offering fabulous fresh food, delicious wines and friendly service in wonderful surroundings.

Visit their website here.

Weardale Museum, Ireshopeburn

Wolsingham Local History

Read a fascinating insight into Victorian school and village life in Wolsingham during the 1800s. 'Through The Eyes of a School' is the first book written by local author and walk leader Andrew Marshall.

View the research, read reviews and order your copy here.

Just a few miles outside of Wolsingham you will find the fascinating Weardale Museum, a small volunteer run museum dedicated to preserving the history & heritage of Weardale and its people. The adjoining High House Chapel is now owned by the Trustees of Weardale Museum who aim to preserve this unique piece of history.

The museum is also home to the Weardale Genealogy service. They maintain the family history for over 70,000 people and families linked with Weardale and the surrounding areas.

Visit their website here.

Hall Hill Farm

Explore farm life and have a fun filled family day out at the multi award winning family farm. You can feed lots of farm animals on your visit, hold rabbits, guinea pigs and chicks. There are lots of other activities to keep you entertained including: Free Tractor trailer rides, bouncy pillows, sledges, adventure play, indoor soft play and much more!

Visit their website here.

The Wolsingham Show is held on the first weekend in September and lays claim to be England's oldest agricultural show.

Visit their website here.

Weardale Area Action Partnership

Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team

Wolsingham Show, Durham Road

The Weardale Area Action Partnership (AAP) gives people and organisations in and around Weardale the opportunity to work together and take action on local issues.

They are a partnership that consists of members of the public, representatives from Durham County Council, town and parish councils, police, fire, health, housing, business, university and voluntary organisations.

Visit their website here.

Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team provide a search and rescue service for the whole of County Durham, from the high fells in the West to the coastal communities of the North Sea. The team responds to requests by the police to a range of incidents, from injured or lost people in the hills to vulnerable missing people in urban settings.

The team consists of about 50 volunteers, all on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. All volunteers have full time jobs and meet almost all their own expenses. The team will typically respond to between 40 and 50 requests for help every year.

Visit their website here.