Attractions and Places To See around Cornsay - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Cornsay, a hamlet in County Durham, England, offer a blend of historical features and natural beauty. The area provides opportunities to explore both village history and scenic countryside. Visitors can find historical architecture, ancient sites, and recreational parks within Cornsay and its immediate surroundings. The wider region of County Durham features UNESCO World Heritage Sites and extensive outdoor routes.
Best attractions and places to see around Cornsay
- The most popular attraction is Durham Cathedral (UNESCO World Heritage Site), a religious building that is a remarkable and spectacular structure. It is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, constructed in the Romanesque style between 1093 and 1133.
- Another must-see spot is Waskerley Way, a cycle way. This 9.7 mile traffic-free path runs through County Durham's countryside, featuring impressive railway structures, farmland, and moorland.
- Visitors also love Durham Castle, a castle that has been continuously occupied since its construction began in 1072. It is also a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and is part of Durham University.
- Cornsay is known for historical sites, natural landscapes, and outdoor activities. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient monuments to extensive cycle paths.
- The attractions around Cornsay are appreciated by the komoot community, with 127 upvotes and 137 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
Waskerley Way
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
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Durham Cathedral (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Highlight • Religious Site
It was constructed in the Romanesque style between 1093 and 1133 as a monastic cathedral and was home to the shrine of St Cuthbert. It was hugely influential in architectural terms. At the time of its construction, its large scale, stone vaulted ceiling was an impressive and pioneering feat, forming the blueprint for European architecture from that point onwards.
Today, as well as being regarded as one of the world's greatest cathedrals, it is still a functioning establishment, welcoming thousands of services every year. Along with its neighbouring castle, it attracts scores of visitors to the city.
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Hownsgill Viaduct
Highlight • Cycleway
Today, the viaduct is managed by Sustrans and part of the C2C cycle route.
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Durham Castle
Highlight • Castle
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The Count's House Folly
Highlight • Structure
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Tips from the Community
The cathedral was originally constructed to house the relics of St Cuthbert, a beloved Northumbrian saint. His shrine is a significant pilgrimage destination.
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From Hownsgill Viaduct you can see for miles around whilst standing on the old railway bridge. The actual bridge has elevated side wall protector barriers, this to stop anything going over the side, the drop below is considerably higher than a house. There were high winds on the bridge on the day I rode over, the barriers also protect from the weather. You get very good views over both sides of the bridge.
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Viaduct is now open, the paving is slightly bumpy though!
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A television series that I can recommend without reservation presents the culture-loving viewer (in German) with remarkable examples of human creativity from many countries around the world. What they all have in common is that they have been given "world heritage" status by UNESCO. One of the contributions documents: "Like a grey rock, Durham Cathedral, located in the north-east of England near the Scottish border, towers over the roofs of the city. Half church and half bastion, this building is an impressive example of early Romanesque church architecture in England. The three-storey Anglo-Norman cathedral with a 2 m thick arcade wall and Norman castle complex, the later seat of the bishops of Durham, was declared a cultural monument." This film can be found in the ARD media library under the following link: https://www.ardmediathek.de/video/schaetze-der-welt/die-kathedrale-von-durham-grossbritannien-folge-138/3sat/Y3JpZDovL3N3ci5kZS83MTY4ODA2
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I drove down this former railway line from the top with the wind at my back. What a great experience and easy way to move quickly through the landscape.
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Durham Count's House is actually a folly - a building erected for the sole purpose of looking nice in a rural setting and usually made to look like a forgotten piece of history. The Georgians and Victorians were great ones for building follies, and you'll often find miniature mock medieval ruins and classical temples in the grounds of country houses. The Count's House folly was built by the Dean and Chapter of Durham Cathedral in about the 1820s. Of course, I say that follies have no other purpose, but they did sometimes serve as a place to rest, take tea or as a hunting lodge; the Count's House was sometimes used as a summerhouse. (https://explorar.co.uk/durham/history/who-was-durhams-little-count/)
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Absolutely huge cathedral. The interior is quite special in its plainness - not even the high ceiling is decorated making the gothic architecture even more impressive. As you cannot walk around it takes a bit of going back and forth to take in this building complex from all perspectives.
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Donated to the university and now used as student residence. Therefore opening times are limited, but one can get a glimpse into the inner yard when asking friendly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore around Cornsay?
Cornsay and its surroundings are rich in history. You can visit the magnificent Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites showcasing remarkable Romanesque architecture. Within Cornsay itself, explore the historic Village Green and its 17th-century Well House, the Grade II listed Packhorse Bridge, and the ancient Castle Steads camp. The nearby Cornsay Colliery also offers insights into the area's mining heritage, including a Jubilee Walk with historical information.
Are there any natural features or viewpoints to enjoy near Cornsay?
Yes, the area around Cornsay boasts scenic countryside and several natural attractions. You can explore the Waskerley Way, a traffic-free path offering views of farmland and moorland. For impressive vistas, visit the Hownsgill Viaduct, a former railway bridge with panoramic views. Additionally, Steely Hill Nature Reserve and Hedley Hill Nature Reserve provide opportunities for walks through woods and fields, perfect for enjoying the natural surroundings.
What outdoor activities are available near Cornsay?
The Cornsay area is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy cycling on the Waskerley Way or explore the C2C cycle route which passes over the Hownsgill Viaduct. For hiking, there are numerous trails, including an easy 3.3 km loop directly from Cornsay. Mountain biking is also popular, with routes like the 'River Deerness – Deerness Valley Way loop'. You can find more detailed routes for hiking, running, and mountain biking on the dedicated komoot guides for Hiking around Cornsay, Running Trails around Cornsay, and MTB Trails around Cornsay.
Are there family-friendly attractions in and around Cornsay?
Absolutely! Families visiting Cornsay have several options. In Cornsay Colliery, there's Cornsay Colliery Park with a monster climbing rock and spider's web climbing frame. Further afield, you can visit Hall Hill Farm for animal interactions or Diggerland Durham for an excavator amusement park experience. The Forest of Light at Beamish Hall and Beamish – The Living Museum of the North also offer engaging activities for all ages. Many of the historical sites like Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle are also considered family-friendly.
What is the best time of year to visit Cornsay for outdoor activities?
The best time to visit Cornsay for outdoor activities generally depends on your preference. Spring and summer offer milder weather, ideal for cycling and walking, though popular routes like the Waskerley Way can be crowded. Autumn brings beautiful foliage. Be aware that the weather in County Durham, especially on exposed routes, can change quickly, so always be prepared for varying conditions regardless of the season.
Where can I find unique art installations or cultural points of interest?
For a unique cultural experience, visit the Terris Novalis Sculptures. These colossal steel sculptures, located on the moors that once housed the Consett Steelworks, pay tribute to the area's industrial heritage. They are part of an outdoor art installation that provides interesting viewpoints and a connection to the region's past.
What is the significance of Cornsay Colliery?
Cornsay Colliery holds significant historical importance due to its mining heritage. Although the colliery closed in 1953, its legacy is still visible through remaining original buildings and structures. A mining museum provides insight into the area's industrial past, and the Jubilee Walk offers a historic route with information and photographs detailing the village's history as a mining community.
Are there any easy walking trails suitable for all abilities near Cornsay?
Yes, there are several easy walking trails. An 'easy' rated 3.3 km hiking loop starts directly from Cornsay. Additionally, the 'Former engine house loop from Hedleyhope' is an easy 5.3 km route. For cycling, many sections of the Waskerley Way are traffic-free and relatively flat, making them accessible for various abilities. The 'River Deerness – Deerness Valley Way loop' is also rated as an easy mountain biking route.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions around Cornsay?
Visitors frequently praise the historical significance and architectural grandeur of sites like Durham Cathedral, often highlighting its impressive Romanesque style and scale. The outdoor routes, such as the Waskerley Way, are appreciated for their traffic-free nature and scenic countryside views, though some note the potential for quickly changing weather. The Hownsgill Viaduct is admired for its impressive engineering and the stunning views it offers.
Can I find places to eat or stay near Cornsay?
While specific cafes or accommodation are not detailed in the immediate Cornsay guide, the wider County Durham area offers various options. The former Black Horse Inn in Old Cornsay, once a coaching inn, indicates the historical presence of hospitality. For current options, you would typically find pubs and cafes in nearby towns and villages, and a range of accommodation from guesthouses to hotels throughout County Durham.
Are there any ancient or historically significant structures within Cornsay village itself?
Yes, Cornsay village, often referred to as 'Old Cornsay,' features several historically significant structures. The village green hosts an old well house with a 17th-century dedication, which was once the main water source. You can also find the Grade II listed Packhorse Bridge over Pan Burn, dating from the 18th century, and the Grade II listed Well House built in 1743. The Castle Steads camp, a Scheduled Monument, also hints at earlier historical significance in the area.
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