St Thomas's Church

The churchyard sits quiet above Weardale, all grey stone and weathered headstones, the kind of place where you can actually hear the valley wind. St Thomas's Church has the solid, no-nonsense feel of a building that's been doing its job for centuries - proper Durham Dales architecture, nothing fancy, just enduring.

Inside, it's worth a look if you're into church history and local character. You'll find the usual fixtures - stone flags, old pews, perhaps some interesting monuments tucked into the walls. It's not a destination in itself, but rather the sort of stop you make while walking the area or exploring Weardale itself.

This is genuinely one for walkers and history-minded visitors rather than casual tourists. If you're camping at Heather View Holiday Park just down the road, or staying at one of the other sites scattered around Stanhope and beyond, it's a natural 20-minute detour on a ramble. The churchyard offers decent views across the dale - well worth lingering for that alone.

Free to visit, naturally. Allow half an hour if you're the type to read inscriptions and take it in slowly. Go on a clear day when the light works properly through those old windows. You'll get more from it than you would forcing yourself through on a wet afternoon just because you're nearby.