Attractions and Places To See around Croft-On-Tees - Top 20

The area is rich in history. You can visit the impressive Ruins of Easby Abbey, a well-preserved Premonstratensian monastery dating back to 1152. Another significant site is Richmond Market Town and Castle, featuring a Norman castle and Georgian architecture. Don't miss St Peter's Church, Croft-on-Tees, a 12th-century Grade I listed building with connections to Lewis Carroll.

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Ruins of Easby Abbey offer open spaces for exploration, and Richmond Market Town and Castle provides a vibrant setting with historical interest. St Peter's Church, Croft-on-Tees, with its Lewis Carroll connection, can also be an engaging visit for children.

The River Tees is a central natural feature, offering picturesque settings for leisurely strolls, hikes, and picnics along its banks. The surrounding countryside provides beautiful landscapes for walking and cycling, with meandering waterways like Clow Beck and Spa Beck adding to the charm. The terrain is generally flat, making it accessible for various outdoor activities.

The Eppleby Village Shop & Tea Room is a friendly spot that welcomes cyclists and offers a variety of snacks, drinks, and nice cake. Richmond Market Town also has plenty of cafes and shops for a stop.

The area is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, running, and road cycling. For hiking, consider easy loops like the Croft Bridge loop from Croft-on-Tees. Cyclists can explore routes such as the Barton Beck Ford – Croft Bridge loop. There are also several running trails, including loops from Darlington and Croft-on-Tees.

Yes, there are several walking routes, many of which are easy and follow the River Tees. Popular options include the Croft Bridge loop from Croft-on-Tees, and riverside walks like the River Tees – Hurworth Countryside loop. The terrain is generally flat, making it suitable for accessible strolls.

St Peter's Church, Croft-on-Tees is a Grade I-listed building from the 12th century. It holds literary significance as the childhood home of Lewis Carroll (Charles Lutwidge Dodgson), whose father was the rector there. It is believed that elements within the church inspired parts of 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland'.

The Drummer Boy's Stone marks a spot on the path to Easby, near Richmond Castle. Legend says that a drummer boy was sent into a tunnel discovered at Richmond Castle, drumming as he went. His drumming was followed by soldiers above ground, but it suddenly stopped near Easby woods, and the boy was never seen again. The stone pinpoints where his drumbeats were last heard.

Richmond Market Town and Castle is celebrated for its breathtaking beauty, inspiring artists for centuries. It features a fine Norman castle, distinctive Georgian architecture, a traditional cobbled market place, and the scenic River Swale. The town also offers museums, cafes, and restaurants.

The Croft Bridge is a Grade I listed, 17th-century stone structure with seven arches that spans the River Tees. It historically marks the boundary between North Yorkshire and County Durham and is a prominent feature on many local walks, admired for its charming architecture.

The terrain for walks around Croft-On-Tees is generally flat, especially along the riverside paths. This makes many routes suitable for easy strolls and accessible exploration of the rolling fields and woodlands. Some paths, like those near The Drummer Boy's Stone, can be muddy when wet, so sensible footwear is advised.

Croft-on-Tees was historically known as Croft Spa due to the discovery of sulphur springs in 1668. By the early 1700s, its mineral waters were sold in London, establishing its reputation as a modest spa destination, attracting visitors seeking its therapeutic properties.