Ovinghamの洞窟・トップ5

Castle and two churches what more could you want

The 600-acre Gibside Estate was built between 1603 and 1620. It's an excellent example of a landscaped Georgian garden with some areas achieving SSSI status. The house was left empty in 1920 and partly demolished - the shell is now a listed building on the property in danger list. The National Trust owns and manages the house and garden now. It's paid entry unless you're a NT member. As a runner there are a few miles of safe and well-maintained trails around the estate. You can extend a run by following the River Derwent trails which connect Gibside to Newcastle.

Hollinside Manor is a 13th century manor house situated east of the Nine Arches Viaduct, on the edge of a steep brow with commanding views of Derwenthaugh Country Park and the surrounding countryside. It was the home of the Harding family for two centuries during which time the manor became known as the ‘Giant’s Castle’ since the men folk were very tall. The estate passed on to George Bowes of Gibside in 1730 for the sum of £10,000;

Highly recommended, the light show at Christmas was spectacular. A family can spend hours here.

well hidden down the lane

Overlooking the River Tyne, Bywell Castle was built by the Neville family in 1430, but never completed. Although now ruined, you can still visit the three-storey gatehouse and curtain wall. In 1464, the castle provided refuge to King Henry VI after the Battle of Hexham. Today, it is a grade I listed building.

A fine example of a 13th century English manor house, Aydon Castle is still almost completely intact despite its turbulent history. Originally constructed as a home, the castle was fortified following the outbreak of the Anglo-Scottlish war and numerous attacks by Scottish and English rebels. In the 17th century, the castle became a farmhouse which it remained until 1966. Today, you can visit the beautiful castle, set amongst secluded woodland. It is open daily from 10am - 6pm. Entrance for adults costs £5.70. You can find more information, here: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/aydon-castle/

not a great section of road for road bikes unless you don't mind the bumps as you get rewarded with lovely rural views across Hamlets and farm land