Castles & Christian Heritage

Beamish Museum

The Methodist chapel in The Pit Village was brought to Beamish from nearby Beamish village and rebuilt as it was in Edwardian times. Methodist choir recitals are occasionally held in summer Saturdays and Sundays. Beamish is also rebuilding Eston Church in the Georgian landscape. This church cam from Eston, near Middlesbrough and has existed, in some form, certainly since around 1100, and probably much, much earlier. Beamish stepped in to rescue it from full scale demolition in 1997.

St Hilda's Church & Visitor Centre

St Hilda's is one of the most important churches in the North of England and dominates the skyline of Hartlepool's Headland. 

The present building dates from around 1190 and stands on the site of the 7th century monastery to which St Hilda was sent by Bishop Aiden, to develop the work begun earlier by Heiu. The writings of the Venerable Bede tell us that Bishop Aiden and other notable 'religious persons', by whom she was highly regarded, visited her during her times as Abbess at Hartlepool (649-657). Hilda was then sent to found another monastery at Whitby, where she continued her work and calling. Five monks, instructed by Hilda, are said to have become bishops.

Externally the church is distinctive with its flying buttresses. Internally, the architect is equally impressive - massive columns in the nave and a Norman arch in the south porch. 

The compelling story of Abbess Hilda and the church is retold through the modern day Visitor Centre technology with the living parish church. Over half a million pounds have been spent to transform the church into a fascinating attraction for all visitors. Using touch screen displays and audio guides you can travel back in time to witness the history of the Headland at first hand. 

St Hilda's Church is open to the public from the beginning of October until Easter each Saturday afternoon from 2.00pm until 4.00pm and from Easter to the end of September each Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday and on Bank Holidays from 2.00pm until 4.00pm. 

Private tours are available to groups by prior arrangement, when refreshments can be made available. There is no cost to visit the Church and Visitor Centre but donations are very welcome.

Raby Castle

The magnificent Raby Castle, the heart of Teesdale near Darlington has been home to Lord Barnard's family since 1626. 

The Castle was built mainly in the 14th Century by the Nevill family on a site of an earlier Manor House. The Nevills continued to live at Raby until 1569, when after the failure of the Rising of the North, the Castle and its land were forfeited to the Crown. 

Highlights inside the Castle include the impressive Entrance Hall, which was created into its present dramatic form by John Carr from the 2nd Earl of Darlington, to celebrate the coming of age of his heir in 1787. The roof was raised to enable carriages to pass through the Hall and the result is a stunning interior in the Gothic Revival style. The vast Barons' Hall is where it is reputed 700 Knights gathered to plot the doomed Rising of the North rebellion against Elizabeth 1. The splendid Victorian drawing room displays one of the most striking interiors from the 19th Century and the medieval kitchen, which was in full use until 1954.

Outdoors there is a 200 acre Deer Park with two lakes and a beautiful 18th Century walled gardens with formal lawns, fabulous borders, ancient yew hedges and an ornamental pond. The 18th Century stable block contains a horse-drawn carriage collection including the State Coach last used by the family for the Coronation of Edward VII in 1902.

Raby Castle offers private and free flow group tours by appointment from Easter until end of September, along with group discounts for groups of 12 or more, other benefits for groups include - 

• Free admission for the coach driver and group organiser
• Free refreshment voucher for drivers
• Free familiarisation visits
• Optional meet and greet service on arrival
• Ample free coach parking
• Special interest tours can also be arranged by prior appointment