STANHOPE
     
Population:  1633 Grid Reference:  NY995395 Co-ordinates:  54.7471, -2.0060
   
Stanhope
Stanhope
   
A small market town in the heart of Weardale, Stanhope in Co. Durham has plenty to offer the visitor.  It is at the current
terminus of the Weardale Railway, a heritage line operating steam and classic diesel locomotive hauled trains between here
and Bishop Auckland.  Tourist information can be found at the Durham Dales Centre which includes a café and a shop.
Stanhope Fossil TreeOne of the most interesting features of Stanhope is a petrified tree
stump which can be seen in situ in the church yard, one of three
which was found here.  One of the others is on display at the Great
North Museum in Newcastle upon Tyne.
During the Weardale Campaign, part of the First War of Scottish
Independence, a number of skirmishes took place here when Sir
James Douglas of Scotland was confronted by Roger Mortimer,
Earl of March and Edward III.
Stanhope Castle in the town centre is on the site of an earlier motte
and bailey castle and dates from 1798.
Stanhope has one of only two heated open air swimming pools in
the north-east of England.
The River Wear passes through Stanhope and is crossed by
Stanhope Bridge, built in the 15th century and widened in 1792.

Stanhope Fossil Tree
   
Stanhope Agricultural Show usually takes place here annually during the second weekend in September but that can be
dependent on weather and also other factors.  The show was cancelled during the 2001 foot and mouth epidemic and the
2020 COVID-19 pandemic.
    
Stanhope Castle     St. Thomas's Church     Weardale Railway
Stanhope Castle                                                       St. Thomas Church                                                    Weardale Railway

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