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County
Durham Features
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Durham
Guides & Maps
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 Consett
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Consett,
on the steep eastern bank of the River Derwent in north east
Durham, owes its development to German cutlers and swordmakers
who settled at Shotely Bridge during the 17th century. Shotely
Bridge, the original home of the famous razor-making company,
Wilkinson Sword, is now part of Consett.
During
the 17th and 18th centuries the Derwent Valley became the
centre of British iron and steel-making.
Set high
on the edge of the Pennines, Consett boomed in the mid-19th
century. Coking coal, blackband iron ore and limestone (the
three main ingredients needed for steel production) were readily
available in the district.
Consett
became one of the world's leading steel-making towns, with
steel from the town used create the Blackpool Tower and the
UK's most famous nuclear submarines.
The town
was renowned for its cooling towers, blase furnaces and the
red cloud of iron oxide that hung over the town.
Although
the main centre of steel production moved to Sheffield in
the 19th century, Consett continued to flourish into the mid-20th
century, but competition from Teeside and overseas meant that
the Consett steel works was finally forced to close in 1980.
This
closure was devastating for the town and caused severe unemployment.
In the
1990s 'Project Genesis', designed to regenerate Consett,
went some way in reducing unemployment and repairing the damage
done to the town.
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| Location
Map of Consett |
What
To See -
Consett Tourist Attractions
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 Consett to Sunderland Railway Path starts at Hownes Gill car park, off A692 south of Consett, Consett |
This 22 mile trail runs along the route of the UK's oldest commercial railway line, the Stanhope & Tyne Railway, dating from 1834, the railway closed in 1985. In the 1990s Sustrans tranformed the path for recreational use and decorated it with environmental sculptures. The path forms part of the C2C National Cycle Route running from the North Sea to the Cumbrian Coast.
Location Map |
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Mr Twisters Wacky World of Fun Twister House No 1 Industrial Estate, Medomsley, Consett |
An exciting indoor play and party centre. The 10,000 sq ft family fun centre offers an inflatable temple, soft play climbing area, games and activity rooms, under 5s play village and lots more..
Tel: 01207 500007  |
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Allensford Country Park Castleside, Consett DH8 9BA |
This 14 acre picnic park in s a sheltered riverside setting, beside a summer caravan park (for touring caravans and tents). Riverside and woodland walks, a nature trail in Deneburn Wood, children's play area, shop and a refreshment area. Magnificient views of the Derwent Valley.
Tel: 01207 218219 Open: All year but closed Christmas and New Year Location Map |
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Carricks Picnic Area, Consett |
A popular picnic area, with an area of open grasslands and picnic tables, is located on the banks of the River Derwent near the head of the Derwent Reservoir. From here an attractive riverside path runs 2 miles upstream to the Baybridge Picnic Area, via the village of Blanchland.
Tel: 0191 383 3594 Location Map |
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Derwent Walk, Consett |
The Derwent Walk follows the track-bed of the Derwent Valley Railway, which ran from 1867 to 1962. The 11 mile path winds up the valley from Swalwell to Consett through 300 acres of woodland and riverside meadow. Visitor Centres at Swalwell ( tel 0191 414 2106 ) and Thornely Woodland ( tel 01207 545212 ) on the A694 near Rowlands Gill.
Open: Open daily closed at Christmas and New Year |
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Pow Hill Country Park near Edmundbyers, Derwent Reservoir, Consett |
1 mile north of Edmundbyers on the B3606 Blanchland road, on the banks of the Derwent Reservoir a 45.5 acre country park. Paths through woodland to areas of grass, heather and bog. Home to a variety of plants and animals, including red squirrels and adders. Views over Derwent Reservoir.
Tel: 0191 383 3594 Open: Daily 08:00-20:30 Location Map |
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Empire Theatre Front Street, Consett DH8 5AB |
The popular theatre provides a lively mixture of music, dance, theatre and children's entertainment from across the country. In addition, the theatre has one of the largest cinema screens in the North East, showing the latest movies and classic films. At one time the theatre was owned by the grandfather of Rowan Atkinson (star of Blackadder and Mr Bean).
Tel: 01207 218171 Location Map |
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Where
To Stay in Consett
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Around
The Consett Area
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Tourist Information on Nearby Towns To Visit - straight line distance:
Stanley (5.65 miles) Blanchland (8.78 miles) Crook (10.30 miles) Chester-le-Street (10.38 miles) Corbridge (10.98 miles) Gateshead (11.67 miles) Durham (11.71 miles) Newcastle-upon-Tyne (11.98 miles) Hexham (13.26 miles) Hebburn (15.16 miles) Bishop Auckland (15.19 miles) |
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Our
Hotel Booking Line
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Call
0870 4786316
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