Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Login or Signup

Routes
Places to see
United Kingdom
England
North East England

Lynesack And Softley

Attractions and Places To See around Lynesack And Softley - Top 20

Attractions and places to see around Lynesack And Softley, a civil parish in County Durham, offer a blend of historical landmarks and natural features. The area is situated within the Gaunless Valley, providing a rural setting with the River Gaunless flowing through it. Notable historical structures and natural points of interest contribute to the local landscape. Public footpaths are available for exploring the surrounding countryside.

Best attractions and places to see around Lynesack And Softley

  • The most popular attractions is…

Last updated: May 22, 2026

Hamsterley Forest Café

Highlight • Cafe

Bit pricey but a lovely hot chocolate

Tip by

See hikes here

Send to Phone

Save

Whorlton Suspension Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

This bridge is now closed to all with no way of crossing because of high fences. It will be closed for at least another year. Quite a pain for us …

Tip by

Save

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

Barnard Castle Market Cross

Highlight • Historical Site

A market was established below the castle in the 13th-c. The impressive octagonal stone pavilion of the Market Cross was built in 1747. The arcade surrounding its base once sheltered …

Tip by

Save

The Elephant Trees

Highlight • Viewpoint

A conspicuous sight up high on Pikeston Fell, the Elephant Trees are a beloved landmark in this part of the Durham Dales. This clutch of trees is so-called because it …

Tip by

Save

The Bowes Museum

Highlight • Historical Site

The Bowes Museum is an art museum of national importance. It also runs a variety of activities and events throughout the year for the whole family.

Tip by

Save

Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Lynesack And Softley.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

Start today with a free account

Your next adventure awaits.

Login or Signup

Popular around Lynesack And Softley

MTB Trails around Lynesack And Softley

Cycling around Lynesack And Softley

Hiking around Lynesack And Softley

Running Trails around Lynesack And Softley

Road Cycling Routes around Lynesack And Softley

Gravel biking around Lynesack And Softley

Tips from the Community

David
February 5, 2026, Hamsterley Forest Cafe

great for food and drink before or after your visit to the forest

2

0

In the case of a "market cross," as we encounter here again, one would have to ask the fundamental question of whether it is actually primarily a small sacred monument—as its cross shape suggests—or whether it is more of a secular object. In times long past, such a cross—unlike classic wayside crosses or field crosses—was only allowed to be erected if the corresponding locality also possessed so-called "market rights"—that is, if it had been granted them by the local ruler.

Translated by Google

0

0

Reasonably priced snack items

0

0

Bit pricey but a lovely hot chocolate

2

0

Hamsterley cafe is a great place for pot ot and sandwiches

0

0

Interesting structure and history

0

0

An interesting museum with a fantastic backstory - see the video history in the museum. There's often a big-name exhibition and of course there's the cafe.

1

0

Above Weardale, between Frosterley and Wolsingham are a bunch of trees that are supposed to resemble an elephant. I think a few years ago, a storm caused damage to the trees and now a bit of imagination is needed.

1

0

Frequently Asked Questions

What historical landmarks can I explore in Lynesack And Softley?

The area is rich in history. You can visit the Church of St John the Evangelist in Lynesack, a Grade II listed building with connections to Charles Dickens. Other notable historical structures include the Butterknowle War Memorial, the Edge Hotel, and High Bank Farmhouse. Don't miss the Former Lynesack National School (1852) and various historic boundary and railway stones throughout the parish.

Are there any natural attractions or scenic viewpoints in the area?

Absolutely. The village of Butterknowle is nestled within the beautiful Gaunless Valley, where the River Gaunless flows. Cockfield Fell offers a prominent gorse-covered natural backdrop with views overlooking Butterknowle. For a unique natural landmark, consider visiting The Elephant Trees on Pikeston Fell, a beloved landmark in the Durham Dales.

What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Lynesack And Softley?

The region is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You'll find numerous public footpaths for walking, especially in the surrounding countryside, including parts of Teesdale and Weardale. Hamsterley Forest offers a network of walking, running, and mountain bike trails. For specific routes, you can explore hiking trails or cycling routes around Lynesack And Softley.

Are there family-friendly attractions or activities available?

Yes, there are several options for families. Hamsterley Forest Café is a great refreshment stop within Hamsterley Forest, which itself has trails suitable for families. The Bowes Museum offers a variety of activities and events throughout the year for the whole family. The Elephant Trees are also considered family-friendly for a scenic outing.

Where can I learn more about the local heritage and history?

The Gaunless Valley Visitor Centre in Butterknowle is an excellent resource. It provides extensive information regarding the area's 600-year-old mining and agricultural heritage, along with details on local walks and other points of interest.

What is Cockfield Fell and why is it significant?

Cockfield Fell is a scheduled ancient monument with significant historical and natural importance. It contains evidence of Roman settlements and Vavasours, thought to be one of the earliest inland collieries recorded. Beyond its history, it's a gorse-covered natural area offering prominent views overlooking Butterknowle.

Are there any easy walking trails around Lynesack And Softley?

Yes, there are several easy walking options. You can find a selection of easy hikes, such as the 'Viewpoint – Blackling Hole Waterfalls loop' or the 'Pooh Stick Bridge – Hamsterley Forest Café loop'. For more details and routes, check out the Easy hikes around Lynesack And Softley guide.

What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions near Lynesack And Softley?

Visitors appreciate the blend of historical structures, scenic landscapes, and local heritage. Highlights like Whorlton Suspension Bridge are admired for their historical significance and fantastic views of the River Tees. The Bowes Museum is praised for its national importance, interesting backstory, and family activities.

Are there any cafes or places to get refreshments near the attractions?

Yes, you'll find options for refreshments. Hamsterley Forest Café is a popular spot within Hamsterley Forest. The Bowes Museum also has a nice cafe and restaurant. Additionally, the Gaunless Valley Visitor Centre in Butterknowle can provide information on local amenities.

Is Lynesack And Softley suitable for dog-friendly walks?

Yes, the area offers dog-friendly options. Many of the public footpaths and trails in the surrounding countryside are suitable for walks with dogs. The Elephant Trees viewpoint is also noted as dog-friendly.

What is the significance of the Church of St John the Evangelist in Lynesack?

The Church of St John the Evangelist, built in 1847, is a significant Grade II listed building. It holds a unique historical connection to the renowned author Charles Dickens, making it a point of interest for those exploring the parish's heritage.

Can I find any wheelchair-accessible historical sites?

Yes, Barnard Castle Market Cross is noted as being wheelchair accessible. This impressive octagonal stone pavilion, built in 1747, is a historical site that once sheltered market traders and served as a town hall.

Most popular routes around Lynesack And Softley

MTB Trails around Lynesack And Softley

Most popular attractions around Lynesack And Softley

Bike Parks

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating

Explore more

Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:

NorthumberlandPeltonCounty DurhamEdmondsleyBournmoorNorth LodgeKimblesworth And PlawsworthWaldridgeGreat LumleyHaltwhistleNorth SunderlandOustonBamburghGreenheadSeaton ValleyDenwickFeatherstoneElsdonWhitton And TossonHenshawPlenmeller With WhitfieldCoanwoodBurnhopeWest RaintonAdderstone With LuckerThirlwallWitton GilbertStanleyEllinghamMelkridgeBelfordGreencroftFishburnLittle LumleyHeppleHarbottleForest And FrithCornsayHartleyburnLonghoughtonKelloeFramwellgate MoorThroptonNethertonSnitterCallalyMiddletonCassop-Cum-QuarringtonMurtonLanchesterBeadnellEgglestonThornleySacristonHedleySouth HettonLunedaleKyloeWarkTrimdonTow LawTrimdon FoundryPittingtonBiddlestoneChattonAncroftBrandon And ByshottlesBardon MillHaswellEshCornforthGatesheadWheatley HillShadforthStanhopeHopeHoly IslandCoxhoeBelmontNunnykirkHunderthwaiteRedcar and ClevelandBrinkburnHesleyhurstHollinghillRothburyNewton-By-The-SeaBrancepethRothleyBishop MiddlehamShincliffeGreater WillingtonLesburyFerryhillMiddleton In TeesdaleLowickCroxdale And HettRomaldkirkMonk HesledenSpennymoorLongframlingtonHolwickSheraton With HulamHutton HenryDalton-Le-DaleShotley Low QuarterScargillSimonburnSedgefieldBarninghamEdlinghamCastle EdenAlnhamAkeldSherburn VillageShottonWingateWoolerCotherstoneBearparkLands Common To Brancepeth And Brandon And ByshottlesHordenPeterleeNewbroughStreatlam And StaintonHauxleyNesbittAmble By The SeaTogstonBradbury And The IsleSatleyWolsinghamHeddon-On-The-WallIngramLilburnAlwintonEmbletonCity Of DurhamSeahamHamsterleyWolsingham Park Moor Lands Cmn To Stanhope, Tow Law And WolsinghamWoodlandEarlePontelandEasington CollieryIldertonEasington VillageEast ChevingtonWitton-Le-WearLands Common To Hamsterley, Lynesack And Softley And South BedburnSouth BedburnHaydonAlnwickNewton-On-The-Moor And SwarlandNewbigginSeaton With SlingleyBowesEtherleyHealeyfieldCockfieldLangleydale And ShottonFordEwartRaby With KeverstoneCramlingtonHedleyhopeTarsetKirknewtonEglinghamMarwoodHawthornChiltonEdmondbyersKilhamCrasterRenningtonNetherwittonFalstoneNorth TynesideThirstonChillinghamFeltonAcklingtonRoddamPrudhoeEvenwood And BaronyAlnmouthLonghorsleyWhittinghamNewcastle Upon TyneMickletonBirtleyKielderBroomley and StocksfieldGilmonbyStaindropKirkwhelpingtonMordonWylamRochesterHunstanworthAllendaleKnaresdale With KirkhaughDoddingtonBishop AucklandBlythSouth TynesideStockton-on-TeesBavingtonBewickBowsdenBerwick-Upon-TweedStanningtonGreysteadShilbottleMuggleswickHealeyMatfenGlantonSunderlandDene ValleyOvinghamCorbridgeChollertonWindlestoneBlanchlandWarkworthEast BedlingtonHexhamshireWhittingtonMilfieldOrdShoreswoodHorncliffeLartingtonGreat AycliffeAcombHexhamHedgeleyWall

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do around Cockfield

background

Get ready to conquer new peaks

Sign up for Free

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy