Our easy-to-use website contains details and locations of places to visit around this area. Please select from:

	Places to Stay: Bed and Breakfast Hotels and Guest Houses Pubs with Accommodation Self Catering
	Places to Eat and Drink: Cafes, Coffee & Tea Shops Pubs serving Food Restaurants and Bistros
	Places of Interest: Places to Visit
	Gardens Centres: Garden Centres/Nurseries
	Specialist Shops: Antiques & Restoration Arts and Crafts Fashions Gifts Home and Garden Jewellery Food and Drink Shops

Brancepeth

Brancepeth is a small estate village built by Matthew Russell in the early 19th century, with picturesque Georgian cottages and an 18th century rectory. To the south, in parkland, is the imposing Brancepeth Castle. The original 13th century castle was owned by the Nevills, Earls of Westmorland, and was for many years the headquarters of the Durham Light Infantry. 

Close to the castle are the remains of St Brandon’s Church. In 1998 a fire destroyed everything but the four walls and tower of what was once a beautiful and historic building. The church’s magnificent woodwork, commissioned by its rector John Cosin in the early 17th century, was completely destroyed. Cosin went on to become Bishop of Durham, and restored many churches in the county. Thanks to an appeal, work is under way to restore the church.