Join us as we discover hidden green spaces in our blog series
We're in Durham for our hidden green space this month, this time it's a ruined manor house in a former deer park
At Move the Masses HQ we’re always keen to find new green spaces to explore, if you know of a spot near you let us know, we’d love to hear about new places!
One of our Durham volunteers has explored this area with her family a few times, so we’re delighted she shared it with us. This is the eleventh blog in our series – check out the others here. Don’t forget to let us know if you visit anywhere new as a result – we always love to hear from you! Likewise, if you have anywhere you think others should know about, please get in touch and we’ll feature it soon: hello@movethemasses.org.uk
Happy exploring!
How to find Beaurepaire…
These ruins and grounds are a short walk from Bearpark village.
Show location on Google Maps.
On street car parking is available in the village. There are bus routes running from Durham to Bearpark
It is dog friendly, and families often picnic and play in the grounds. Access is during daylight hours.
There are two walking routes that pass close by:
The Lanchester Valley Railway Path (12 miles)
The Way of Light Walk Heavenfield- Durham (45 miles)
Our volunteer recommends visiting the Truly Scrumptious tea room nearby for refreshments.
Did you know…
Beaurepaire translates as ‘beautiful retreat’. Bertram de Middleton commissioned it as a lodge ‘fit for royalty’ whilst he was the Prior at Durham (1244-1258). This is probably why it is often mistakenly identified as a priory. It was indeed used by Kings, during their campaigns against the Scots. It was badly damaged in October 1346, by the Scottish army before they were defeated the next day at the Battle of Neville’s Cross.
