Attractions and Places To See around Warcop - Top 20

Warcop is surrounded by impressive natural beauty. You can visit High Force Waterfall, one of England's largest waterfalls, where the River Tees dramatically drops 69 feet. Another must-see is High Cup Nick, a stunning glaciated U-shaped valley offering breathtaking views. Don't miss Cauldron Snout Waterfall, considered the longest waterfall in England, located below Cow Green Reservoir and Dam, which is also an important habitat for rare alpine plants.

Warcop boasts a rich history. You can explore the Norman St Columba's Church, built on a former Roman marching camp. Other notable historical structures include Warcop Hall, dating back to around 1500, and Warcop Tower from approximately 1400. The village is also home to the oldest usable bridge over the River Eden, with origins tracing back to the 14th century. For a blend of history and engineering, visit Smardale Gill Viaduct, a restored 19th-century railway bridge offering impressive views.

Yes, Warcop and its surroundings offer excellent hiking opportunities. The Hiking around Warcop guide features various routes, including easy walks like the 'Warcop Old Bridge – Haregate Bridge loop' and moderate trails such as the 'Warcop Old Bridge – Riverside Walk loop'. Many trails provide access to natural features like the Warcop Fells, known for their wild and remote landscapes.

Absolutely! The area around Warcop is great for cycling. You can find numerous routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Warcop guide and the Cycling around Warcop guide. Options range from moderate rides like the 'Pendragon Castle – Eden Valley Farm Lanes loop' to more challenging ones such as 'A loop of Teesdale, Warcop & the cobbles in Alston'.

Many attractions around Warcop are suitable for families. High Force Waterfall has well-maintained paths, making it an easy and impressive trip for all ages. Cow Green Reservoir and Dam is also considered family-friendly, offering scenic views. The restored Eden Valley Railway, which runs trains during the summer, provides a unique experience for children and adults alike.

The Warcop Rushbearing is an annual traditional event held on St Peter's Day each summer. It features a procession of girls wearing floral crowns and boys carrying rush crosses, centered around St Columba's Church. It's a vibrant cultural highlight of the village.

Yes, Warcop has a deep ancient past. Early remains in the parish include a 'Druid's Temple' and a stone circle. Additionally, cropmarks of a Late Neolithic mortuary enclosure have been identified, which were previously recorded as a Roman temporary or marching camp, indicating significant historical activity in the area.

Visitors frequently praise the dramatic natural beauty and the sense of awe inspired by sites like High Force Waterfall and High Cup Nick. The blend of human engineering with the landscape at Smardale Gill Viaduct is also highly appreciated. Many enjoy the well-maintained paths and the opportunity for peaceful walks in the surrounding woodlands and fells.

Yes, Warcop was formerly home to the Warcop Railway Station, which was part of the Eden Valley Railway. Although the station closed in 1962, it is now part of a restoration project by the Eden Valley Railway Trust. They actively work to restore the line between Warcop and Appleby-in-Westmorland, with a running line currently in operation during the summer, offering a nostalgic journey.

Cow Green Reservoir and Dam, completed in 1971, is a 3km long reservoir that supplies water to Teesside and controls the flow of the River Tees. Beyond its practical purpose, the area surrounding the reservoir is an important habitat for rare alpine plants and offers scenic views, making it a valuable natural and ecological site.

Absolutely. High Cup Nick is renowned for its utterly breathtaking views across its glaciated U-shaped valley. The restored Smardale Gill Viaduct also provides awesome views of the valley, blending impressive human engineering with the dramatic natural landscape.