Tow Law: Moorland, Industrial History and Local History

Tow Law can be explored through its surviving traces of industry, trade and remembrance. Historic buildings, a circular walking route starting from the High Street and the connection provided by the 1B bus service give your trip a range of starting points. If you are looking for a holiday apartment or holiday cottage, it is therefore worth deciding first whether to make the town itself your main focus or to combine the natural and cultural attractions of County Durham.

Moorland and Industrial Heritage

As a landscape example in County Durham, the Hedleyhope Fell nature reserve is of particular interest. It is one of the largest remaining areas of upland moorland in County Durham. Anyone who would like to include not only local history but also a characteristic moorland landscape in their trip can plan this natural area as a separate focus. Accommodation can then be chosen according to the balance of landscape experiences and historical discoveries that is most important to your travel group.

A prominent historical landmark is the set of coke ovens at Inkerman Farm. They are designated as a Scheduled Monument and illustrate the construction of the beehive oven. At the same time, they are among the few surviving examples in the country that remain completely intact. The monument comprises two almost completely preserved beehive coke ovens, as well as ruins and concealed remains of part of the former Inkerman coke works. The Weardale Iron and Coal Company opened Inkerman Colliery in 1853 and immediately began producing coke there using the 20 ovens built at the time. The history of the colliery and coke ovens adds to the picture of the area’s industrial past.

Historic Buildings in Tow Law

Tow Law itself is also home to several different examples of local history. The Church of St Philip and St James is listed as a Grade II building in the National Heritage List for England. The Old Cattle Market Building is the only surviving part of what was once a larger livestock market in the centre of Tow Law, immediately east of the High Street and next to the former railway station. Anyone wishing to explore Tow Law’s history on foot can include this site in a walk around the town.

Attwood Place is also listed in the National Heritage List for England and forms a row of houses dating from the mid-19th century. Another place of remembrance is the war memorial in Tow Law, which was erected on Wolsingham Road around 1919. The names of the men from Tow Law who died in the First World War are engraved on all four sides of the plinth. The Cattle Market Auction Building adds another perspective on the former livestock trade to this historical selection: it was built in 1882 and has a completely preserved interior with a cattle ring, seating and the auctioneer’s desk.

Walking and Travel Planning

Anyone wishing to combine their trip with some exercise can consider the Tow Law and Thornley Beck circular walking route. The route begins on the High Street in Tow Law, providing a clearly identifiable starting point for planning a day out. The 1B bus service operated by Arriva North East is also relevant for travelling to and between local destinations; it runs regularly between Crook and Tow Law. When looking for accommodation, check whether the location you want suits your personal priorities: the historic town centre, excursions into the countryside or travel planning based on public bus connections.

If you would like to compare alternative locations, you can also include Shotley Bridge, Stanley, Lanchester, Sacriston, Byers Green, Croxdale, Consett and Peterlee in your further travel planning.

For the wider travel overview: Durham.