Don’t all shout “where?” at once! You know I like a wander, even if it is dull and grey. Actually I was blessed with the occasional ray of sunshine, but don’t blink too quickly, or you’ll miss it.
You may have seen my post on Barnard Castle, a lovely riverside spot. Whenever we drive out that way we pass through the viillage of Staindrop, and curiosity impelled me to have a closer look. Nearby is stately Raby Castle, with its massive deer park. Sorry- no deer photos! They were either feeling shy or sheltering beneath distant trees.
If you click on the first photo, you’ll get the guided commentary. Bye for now!
Staindrop village
Just a few Christmas wreaths are left on the doors
And very nice doors they are, too!
Often attached to lovely old houses
All clustered around a village green
And there’s a stream you can follow
Prettier in Summer, of course
And it leads to the local stately home
And very stately it is
With it’s own gate house
And a row of estate cottages
Those clouds are looming larger!
Could be a good time to leave
restlessjo 
Such a beautiful village, Jo. Its inhabitants obviously take a great pride in it. 🙂
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I always think it’d be nice to live in a vilage, Ad, and have that sort of community focus, but I’ve never tried it. And what if they didn’t like me?
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I just love doors … what a pretty place .. there is some fantastic hidden treasures in UK … thanks for bringing me along.
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Thanks, Viveka. I tried to vote for you in the Rodposse comp but my “Like” wouldn’t stay liked when I put my password in- sorry!
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County Durham? It has that look and feel about it? In fact it reminds me of the place Tony Blair lived. The name of which I have totally forgotten, but I do remember walking round and having hours to wait for the bus and there was nothing to do and nowhere to eat!
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You mean Sedgefield, Rough, but yes, County Durham. Staindrop is much smaller than that- a single road around a green essentially, with one very nice looking coffee shop, another ok looking coffee shop, one pub and a chippie. It’s not somewhere you’d make a beeline for, but I was mildly curious, having driven straight through many times. Curiosity now satisfied, and photos taken.
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Yes, I knew it began with S, but that was as much as I could remember. Although it didn’t seem to big in the centre – a village green, a mediocre looking coffee shop, a couple of pubs, a chippy. Hmm, they must all roll off the same production line 😀
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I believe it’s known as England. The ancestral home just down the road is a sure giveaway.
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That looks a lovey place!
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Funny, I thought of you just after I published this, Lorna, as there’s a nice-looking tea room bang smack in the middle of the green. Unfortunately I couldn’t test it for you, as the other half wasn’t feeling cooperative. (sigh!)
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Tragic! I think I could happily wander round there and try out the tearoom…if only I were a little closer.
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Having some sunshine really makes a difference – beautiful pictures!
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Thanks, Meg. It’s shining again right now, but freezing cold so I’m content just to look out the window. (I would like another walk, but I’m still tired from this morning’s zumba) Snow on the way, we think.
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Thanks for letting me wander with you. I love to stroll and to not know where I’m going actually until I get there.
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Yay! It’s a favourite pastime with me, too, TBM.
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lovely pics jo, it does look damp and grey, but the trees in their winter bareness are just gorgeous!
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Feeling good to be alive that day, Christine. Thanks for joining my stroll.
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my pleasure jo 😀
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What a fabulous walk! I loved the commentaries 😉
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The skies were so grey (oops, I spelled it with an “a” the first time, and had to smile as I corrected it- word association, Dianne?) and heavy, but it was a joy just to be out and about. Thank you!
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Loved the doors. Nice to get a bit of air..
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My favourite bit, Elisa. I could have taken dozens of shots just of the doors, but as ever, my companion was impatient (and he’s the driver!)
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Classic English countryside. Wonderful (great castle ruins that I’m not familiar).
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It surely is, Marc. The Raby Castle link takes you to the Wikipedia page with lots of detail about the history that I was too lazy to include.
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i enjoyed the stroll! it’s been rainy here, and i was able to walk and not get my feet muddy! thanks! z
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It’s definitely wellie weather here a lot of the time, Lisa, but in the face of Australian bush fires, we are so lucky!
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yes, i’ve been reading about the fires; it’s been a tough ‘year’ worldwide for wildfires. madre tierra is hot and thirsty.
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I love that castle! Nothing like this in the US, unless it’s completely fake. 😦
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The grounds are huge (by our standards!). We have so many baronial homes, it’s unbelievable sometimes. Lots of detail on the Wikipedia link to Raby Castle. Thanks for visiting with me.
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A lovely tour around the town.:-)
I love the sunlight on the buildings against the dark sky.
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We just had a few shafts of sun as we got back to the green, Vicky. It makes all the difference.
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What lovely photos of such a pretty town. Love the gallery Jo!! 🙂
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“Tile” was the magic word, Suze. Many thanks for your help.
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The bottom pic looks like the green at Stamfordham in Northumberland. Thank you for the interesting walk.
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I do like a village green, Viv. Not familiar with Stamfordham, though we’ve driven past the sign, en route for somewhere. Must check it out next time we do. You’re always welcome.
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Great walk. Beautiful scenery.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
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It’s a little bleak at this time of year, Francine, but it’s a nicely turned out village. (and no formatting problems- bliss!)
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Enjoyed the beautiful winter walk, Jo!
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I hear snow’s coming, Amy. We might not be able to get out so much in the next week or so. Thanks for walking with me.
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I love all the different shades of the bricks.
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A splash of sunlight always helps, Margaret.
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Beautiful, Jo! Thanks for a lovely start to my day.
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I like to start the day with a walk, Naomi. Enjoyed your company!
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🙂
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Thank you for taking me on your walk with you. I enjoyed looking at the doorways.
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There are some lovely ones, Colline, and I was so glad I caught the wreaths. We need every splash of colour we can get at this time of year.
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