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Consett Tourist Information
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 1990's 'Project Genesis', designed to regenerate Consett, went some way in reducing unemployment and repairing the damage done to the town.
Activities
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. Consett to Sunderland Railway Path information
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.. Mr Twisters Wacky World of Fun information
Out & About
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. Allensford Country Park information
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. Carricks Picnic Area information
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. Derwent Walk information
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. Pow Hill Country Park information
Theatres, Cinemas and Venues
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. Empire Theatre information
Guest Houses, Bed and Breakfasts, Inns and other Hotels
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Whittonstall Consett DH8 9JN MAP Set in an 18th-century coaching inn, The Anchor Inn offers free Wi-Fi, home-cooked food and luxury rooms with scenic views. The inn is situated in Whittonstall, on the border of Northumberland and Durham. The elegant bedrooms each have a marble bathroom ... More Information and Book ... |
Holiday Cottages
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Lanchester near Consett DH7 0TA MAP Set in open countryside in lovely Co Durham, this charming cottage is a stone-built, semi-detached property adjoining the owner's home. Sleeps up to 5 in 2 bedrooms. Pets allowed. Changeover Day: Sat Price Guide: 192.00-355.00... More Information and Book ... |
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Lanchester near Consett DH7 0HB MAP An attractive, stone-built, terraced property, this charming cottage adjoins the owner's home in the village of Lanchester in the heart of County Durham. Sleeps up to 6 in 3 bedrooms. Changeover Day: Sat Price Guide: 230.00-485.00... More Information and Book ... |
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Castleside near Consett DH8 9BN MAP Peacefully set amid the rolling countryside of a 200 acre sheep farm this collection of cottages converted from the old farm's stables. Bakery and Dairy have their own individual character and retain many of their original features. The tranquil locat Sleeps 2,4,5,9... More Information and Book ... |
Towns Near Consett To Visit - straight line distance:
Stanley Tourist Information (5.65 miles) Blanchland Tourist Information (8.78 miles) Crook Tourist Information (10.30 miles) Chester-le-Street Tourist Information (10.38 miles)
Where to Stay in Consett
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Area Telephone Code
- 01207
