Attractions and Places To See around Haswell - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Haswell, a village in County Durham, England, offer a blend of historical significance and access to broader regional attractions. The area is characterized by its rich mining heritage and proximity to the scenic Durham Heritage Coast. Visitors can explore a variety of historical sites and natural features.
Best attractions and places to see around Haswell
- The most popular attraction is Durham Cathedral (UNESCO World Heritage Site), a religious building that is a remarkable and spectacular building at the heart of this historic city. It is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and was influential in architectural terms.
- Another must-see spot is Tommy Statue (Eleven-O-One) – Seaham, a man-made monument. This large statue of a First World War soldier overlooks the green on Seaham front. Officially named 1101, it refers to the first minute of peace when the armistice came into force.
- Visitors also love Durham Castle, a castle that has been continuously occupied since its construction began in 1072. Today, it is part of Durham University and is also a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Haswell is known for its historical sites, religious buildings, and man-made monuments. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient structures to modern memorials.
- The attractions around Haswell are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 120 upvotes and more than 130 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
Durham Cathedral (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Highlight • Religious Site
It was constructed in the Romanesque style between 1093 and 1133 as a monastic cathedral and was home to the shrine of St Cuthbert. It was hugely influential in architectural terms. At the time of its construction, its large scale, stone vaulted ceiling was an impressive and pioneering feat, forming the blueprint for European architecture from that point onwards.
Today, as well as being regarded as one of the world's greatest cathedrals, it is still a functioning establishment, welcoming thousands of services every year. Along with its neighbouring castle, it attracts scores of visitors to the city.
Tip by
Durham Castle
Highlight • Castle
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Tommy Statue (Eleven-O-One) – Seaham
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
The Count's House Folly
Highlight • Structure
Tip by
Finchale Priory
Highlight • Religious Site
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Haswell.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
The cathedral was originally constructed to house the relics of St Cuthbert, a beloved Northumbrian saint. His shrine is a significant pilgrimage destination.
0
0
This impressive modern sculpture, which the hiker encounters here, is a contemporary reminder of the suffering and horror of the First World War. When designing the memorial, the artist did not choose a glorious fighter and victor. Instead, he depicts a war-weary soldier, rifle in hand, who has slumped slightly and needs to rest.
0
0
nice easy parking, walk accross the bridge over the river and you can either walk left or right giving you two options to walk up or down the river. quite pleasant but can get a bit boggy when it rains so wear the correct footwear. does get busy in the warmer months
3
0
A television series that I can recommend without reservation presents the culture-loving viewer (in German) with remarkable examples of human creativity from many countries around the world. What they all have in common is that they have been given "world heritage" status by UNESCO. One of the contributions documents: "Like a grey rock, Durham Cathedral, located in the north-east of England near the Scottish border, towers over the roofs of the city. Half church and half bastion, this building is an impressive example of early Romanesque church architecture in England. The three-storey Anglo-Norman cathedral with a 2 m thick arcade wall and Norman castle complex, the later seat of the bishops of Durham, was declared a cultural monument." This film can be found in the ARD media library under the following link: https://www.ardmediathek.de/video/schaetze-der-welt/die-kathedrale-von-durham-grossbritannien-folge-138/3sat/Y3JpZDovL3N3ci5kZS83MTY4ODA2
2
1
Tommy is a statue of a First World War soldier by artist Ray Lonsdale, displayed close to Seaham war memorial, on Terrace Green by the seafront in Seaham, County Durham, in North East England. It is officially named 1101 (or Eleven-O-One), referring to the first minute of peace as the armistice came into force at 11am on 11 November 1918, but is more popularly known as Tommy, referring to the archetype private soldier Tommy Atkins.
1
0
Durham Count's House is actually a folly - a building erected for the sole purpose of looking nice in a rural setting and usually made to look like a forgotten piece of history. The Georgians and Victorians were great ones for building follies, and you'll often find miniature mock medieval ruins and classical temples in the grounds of country houses. The Count's House folly was built by the Dean and Chapter of Durham Cathedral in about the 1820s. Of course, I say that follies have no other purpose, but they did sometimes serve as a place to rest, take tea or as a hunting lodge; the Count's House was sometimes used as a summerhouse. (https://explorar.co.uk/durham/history/who-was-durhams-little-count/)
3
0
Absolutely huge cathedral. The interior is quite special in its plainness - not even the high ceiling is decorated making the gothic architecture even more impressive. As you cannot walk around it takes a bit of going back and forth to take in this building complex from all perspectives.
13
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore near Haswell?
The area around Haswell is rich in history. You can visit the magnificent Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Another significant historical site is Finchale Priory, nestled on the banks of the River Wear. Don't miss the Haswell Colliery Engine House, a poignant reminder of the region's mining heritage.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Haswell?
Yes, several attractions cater to families. Both Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle are considered family-friendly. For a unique experience, Beamish – The Living Museum of the North offers a glimpse into retro Britain with trams and small shops. The area also features various parks and playgrounds for recreation.
Where can I find natural beauty and outdoor recreation near Haswell?
The nearby Durham Heritage Coast offers scenic views and opportunities for outdoor recreation. You can also explore the WWT Washington Wetland Centre for wildlife observation. For cycling enthusiasts, the Haswell to Hart Cycleway follows a former railway line, providing a great outdoor activity.
What outdoor activities and routes are available for hiking near Haswell?
There are numerous hiking opportunities around Haswell. Popular routes include the 'Durham Heritage Coast – Blast Beach, Seaham loop from Easington' and the 'Coldwell Burn Forest Path loop from High Pittington'. For easier options, consider the 'Hillside Farm Gate loop from Pittington Hill SSSI'. You can find more details and routes on the Hiking around Haswell guide.
Are there cycling routes near Haswell?
Yes, cycling is a popular activity. Routes like the 'Thorpe Thewles Station – Hurworth Burn Reservoir loop from Thornley' offer a challenging ride, while the 'South Hetton Colliery Memorial loop from Dabble Bank SSSI' is an easier option. Explore more cycling routes in the Cycling around Haswell guide.
What is the Tommy Statue (Eleven-O-One) and where is it located?
The Tommy Statue (Eleven-O-One) is a large sculpture of a First World War soldier by artist Ray Lonsdale. It's located in Seaham, overlooking the green by the seafront. Officially named 1101, it commemorates the first minute of peace when the armistice came into force.
Can I visit the Haswell Colliery Engine House?
Yes, the Haswell Colliery Engine House is a significant monument. It comprises the ruins of a 19th-century colliery engine house and serves as a memorial to a tragic 1844 explosion. It's a rare surviving example of its kind in the North East Coalfield, showcasing the region's industrial past.
Are there any unique or lesser-known historical structures to see?
Beyond the major landmarks, you can discover The Count's House Folly. This building, dating from around 1820, was a former summer house and is an interesting example of a folly, built to look like a forgotten piece of history.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions near Haswell?
Visitors frequently praise the architectural grandeur of Durham Cathedral, noting its impressive interior and historical significance. The Tommy Statue is also highly regarded for its powerful modern sculpture and poignant message. The komoot community has shared over 130 photos and given more than 120 upvotes to the attractions in the area, highlighting their appeal.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible attractions?
Yes, the Tommy Statue (Eleven-O-One) – Seaham is noted as being wheelchair accessible, offering an opportunity for all visitors to experience this impressive monument.
Where can I spot wildlife near Haswell?
For wildlife spotting, the WWT Washington Wetland Centre is an excellent choice, located about 8.5 miles from Haswell. It provides opportunities to observe various species in their natural habitats and enjoy the outdoors.
What is the significance of Durham Cathedral's architecture?
Durham Cathedral is a remarkable Romanesque building constructed between 1093 and 1133. Its large-scale, stone-vaulted ceiling was an impressive and pioneering architectural feat at the time, influencing European architecture from that point onwards.
Most popular attractions around Haswell
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:
