Spennymoor

Spennymoor is a town in County Durham, England. It’s about 7 miles (11 km) from Durham City. It was a coalmining town during World War II and since the decline of that specific industry Spennymoor has developed into an industrial estate. The town has many small businesses and booming housing projects. Spennymoor is made up of small villages, which include Byers Green, Kirk Merrington, Middlestone Moor and Tudhoe.



By car
From A1 (M) North or South. At Junction 61 (Durham Services) take the A688 west heading to Spennymoor/Bishop Auckland. Turn right at the Coxhoe roundabout and continue on the A688 towards Spennymoor. At Thinford Roundabout take the second turning (i.e. straight on) continue for approximately 1.8 miles (3 km). Coming from Durham - Follow the A167 to Darlington. At Thinford Roundabout take the third turning continue for approximately 1.8 miles. Coming form Darlington - Follow the A167 to Durham through Harrowgate Hill. At Thinford Roundabout take the first turning continue for approximately 1.8 miles.

By bus
The North East of England is connected through certain bus routes. The best way to get to Spennymoor by bus is to get to Durham bus station or Bishop Auckland bus station. Form here the there are buses leaving twice within the hour from Durham and at least once an hour from Bishop Auckland. The whole of the north east is connected by two major bus companies known as Arriva North East and Go North East.

All the travel times for buses leaving Durham are available from Traveline or by calling 0871 200 22 33.

By plane
Newcastle Airport is around 30 miles north of Spennymoor. You can use the metro to get to Durham train station and then take a bus to Spennymoor. The overall price of this journey is around £10 (the train costs around £7 and the bus £3).

Durham Tees Valley Airport is around 24 miles south of Spennymoor. You can use the Darlington train station to get to Durham train station and from there either take a taxi or bus to get to Spennymoor. The overall price of this journey is £8 (the train costs around £5 and the bus £3).

Manchester Airport is around 135 miles south of Spennymoor. From Manchester you can take a train to Durham train station and from there you can either get a car or take a bus to Spennymoor. The overall price of this journey is £45 (the train coste around £42 and the bus £3).

At all three of these airports you can rent a car.

Get around
Spennymoor Town is small enough that it can be explored on foot. But if you need a ride around Spennymoor or to see a sight in the local area then either a taxi or bus would be your best bet.

By Bus
Click here to view a bus schedule and timetable of buses leaving Spennymoor. 

Buy
Spennymoor's Town Centre isn't known for its shopping but it still offers a handful of shops.

Smoking
Smoking is banned in all public places such as pubs, restaurants, clubs and the workplace.

Connect
As of Jan 2024, Spennymoor and its approach roads have 4G from EE and Vodafone, and 5G from O2 and Three.

Go next
Spennymoor is surrounded by beautiful countryside and wonderful sights and attractions.


 * Durham Cathedral & Castle A beautiful cathedral known throughout Europe and a delightful castle sit on a hill looking over the City. From the top of the tower you get a great view of Durham City and the countryside surrounding the city. In general Durham City is a great day out. With other great sites to see from the Victorian indoor market, Botanical Gardens, walking beside the castle and cathedral alongside the River Weir and the Durham Light Infantry Museum along with many more interesting things.


 * The Metro Centre., Gateshead. One of Europe’s largest shopping malls. Located on the A1, West of Newcastle. Or you can get a bus from Spennymoor town centre to the metro. Direct on the X24. If you easily get motion sickness, take a car to the Metro Centre since the Bus takes about 1hr and 45 mins due to all the detours on the way. By car it can take you 30-45 mins depending on traffic.
 * Beamish near Washington. Beamish is an open-air museum near Chester Le Street just to the north of Durham. The prices range from £15 in the summer to £6 in the winter per adult  and £10 in the summer and £6 in the winter per child aged 5–16 years of age. Any child under the age of 5 gets in for free regardless of the season. Students get a discount if they have student IDs. Open from 10AM-4PM in the winter and 10AM-5PM  in the summer. The museum is accessible by car from the A1 (M) or by bus from Durham.
 * High Force near Middleton-in-Teesdale. A remarkable waterfall with a drop of 21 m. With a beautiful woodland walk for about 1/3 of a mile (500 m) leading up to the waterfall and also a nature trail, which follows the river High Force is an appealing day out. Once you've finished, try the High Force Hotel for a meal if you have the time. High Force is located on the B6277, 4.5 miles (6 km) from Middleton-in-Teesdale.
 * Whitby Coming from the North East, you have a choice of two roads. The main A171, or the slower coastal road A174. Whitby is a harbor town that is scenic and pleasant and is worth the drive to visit for a day. In the summer you can take the daily direct X60 Arriva bus, or take the train from Durham which changes at Darlington and Middlesbrough. Although these two means of transport take longer than a car it is worth the journey alone.
 * Auckland Castle. The castle has been home to the Bishops of Durham for over 800 years and still is. It's in Bishop Auckland. Arriving by car on the A688 follow signs for Bishop Auckland Town Centre. Auckland Castle is just off the Market Place in the Bishop Auckland. Buses do travel to Bishop Auckland regularly. You can get a bus from Spennymoor Town centre to Bishop Town centre and from there it is only a 5-minute walk. It is open from 2-5PM on Sundays and Mondays. For an adult the charge is £4 and £3 for children aged between 13-16 and adults over 60 years of age. Children under the age of 12 can enter for free.
 * Binchester Roman Fort. An old Roman Fort that only has a small part of its remains excavated. The remains include an impressive bathhouse, some of the forts defences along with other settlement buildings 1.5 miles outside of Bishop Auckland on the Dere Street Trail. It is sign posted from the A688 coming from Spennymoor. Open 11AM to 5PM all days of the week. Prices for adult tickets are £2.25 and children and adults over the age of 60 get in for £1.00. Free parking is available on site.