Rookhope Village

Rookhope's Emerald Embrace & Golden Hues - A Dales Fairytale

Where time slows & nature stuns. Explore Rookhope’s emerald & golden dream with us.

Rookhope's evolving landscape from industrial hub to Pastoral Idyll

Whispers of Industry, Embrace of Nature: Exploring Rookhope’s Unexpected Tranquility. Walking through Rookhope, a sense of serenity washes over you. Though remnants of its industrial past linger, nature has woven its magic. Sunlight paints the emerald valley, and the air hums with a quiet peace, a stark contrast to the bustling hub it once was.

Rookhope is a village in the Durham Dales formed by Man and Nature. Man’s necessity to earn a living from Rookhope’s natural resources once scarred this beautiful , lesser known corner of the Durham Dales.

Today, the mines are silent yet nature is vibrant, full of the sound of bird song throughout the village and beyond.

Nature has woven her verdant living cloth over the once heaps of industrial waste and has provided us with a fascinating treasure trove of undulating fields and hills to explore.

Whispers and ghosts of the industrial past remain in the form of crumbling buildings, standing as a frail testament to Rookhope’s once industrial power.

There is a calmness, a stillness that permeates both village and visitor alike. You are acutely aware of all that nature has to offer and feel all the better by being surrounded by it.

I hope the photographs you see below of Rookhope ,reflect what I have expressed here. There is such a lot to see and explore. Let’s do a virtual walk together through Rookhope.

Rookhope’s Fragment

Sun-bleached stone, a fractured crown,

The Groverake’s ghost, a silhouette on brown.

Cobbled whispers, worn by weary feet,

Echoes of industry, a rhythm bittersweet.

Emerald embrace, where wildflowers bloom,

A tapestry of scars, nature reclaims the room.

Sunlight paints the valley gold,

A fleeting warmth in the story untold.

Silence reigns, a haven for the soul,

Where time unfurls, its tale begins to unfold.

Desolation’s beauty, a paradox so grand,

Man’s striving hand etched in the fading land.

No latte queues, no city’s hurried call,

Just meadows bathed in sunlight, a solace for us all.

The earthy scent, a primal lullaby,

As nature’s symphony whispers to the sky.

This fertile canvas, a testament to change,

Whispers of progress, whispers rearranged.

Rookhope’s transformation, a fleeting scene,

A reminder of impermanence, what has ever truly been?

The village is rumoured to have a fascinating folklore tradition.

Tales of peg-legged miners and a ghostly coach add to Rookhope’s history. Here is a Short Story created just for fun!

Nestled in the emerald embrace of the Dales, Rookhope shimmered like a forgotten jewel.

Yet, a poignant melody, a mournful lament on the wind, seemed to emanate from the village, clinging to the weathered faces of its inhabitants and echoing in their whispered tales.

Here, the Groverake Mine, a skeletal hand reaching skyward, stood as a stark reminder of the men who toiled in its depths, extracting the shimmering fluorspar, a treasure that gleamed like trapped moonlight.

As a curious visitor, I couldn’t help but be drawn to the stories spun by the flickering flames in the village pub.

Voices, roughened by the Dales wind and seasoned with time, spoke of a peg-legged miner, a mournful spirit forever lost in the labyrinthine tunnels.

They said he searched endlessly for an elusive vein of gold, a dream chased into the earth’s cold embrace. Others, their eyes filled with a deep sadness, spoke of a spectral coach drawn by fiery steeds, its wheels leaving an unsettling trail even on the dampest Dales night..

Though a man of reason, a shiver danced down my spine as the wind howled its mournful song outside.

The shadows, cast by the flickering inn lamp, seemed to take on menacing shapes, a haunting counterpoint to the crackling fire.

Driven by a peculiar mix of curiosity and a strange sense of respect for the lost, I procured an old miners’ lamp, its brass worn smooth by time, and a sturdy coil of rope, fit for a descent into the forgotten world below.

The air grew thick and stale as I ventured deeper, the only light that of my flickering lamp, casting an orange glow on the damp, moss-covered walls.

The mournful dripping of water echoed in the cavernous silence, each drop like a tiny, mournful chime.

Every groan of the timbers, every whisper of wind seemed to hold an echo of the mine’s past, a chilling counterpoint to the steady beat of my own heart.

The Rookhope Inn- Rookhope Village

Unfortunately The Rookhope Inn is not open at this time ( June 2024).

I was fortunate to meet Tim, the owner, reading his newspaper one sunny afternoon outside the pub.

He explained to me there has been water damage inside due to a water leak.

He was kind enough to show me inside and there is still a lot of remedial work to be done.

He showed me a photograph of a taxi collecting someone from the Rookhope Inn in either the 1920’s or 1930’s, cant remember which but I took a photo of him holding the photo which you can see below.

I’ve read that in the past there used to be 6 pubs/ clubs in Rookhope. All that remains open now I believe is Rookhope Working Mens Club. According to Mark T Hardy on Facebook:”

He remembers 3 pubs in Rookhope–Moorcock Inn at Redburn, Stotsfield burn Inn, rookhope Inn (I think known previously as the Commercial Inn). Stotsfieldburn Inn has a history back to late 1600’s/early 1700’s.”

Rookhope Village photographs

Scroll through our Rookhope village photographs and be transported to this charming spot nestled within the Durham Dales. Get a glimpse of its unique character and start planning your escape to this hidden gem.

photograph of Red lead Mining Waggon with inscription of Rookhope In Bloom

Rookhope Village County Durham Street Scene as viewed from The Rookhope Inn

Barrington Bunkhouse Independent Hostel Rookhope

Former Mill in Rookhope Village County Durham

Old photograph of how the Mill originally looked in Rookhope County Durham

Rear View of the Old Mill in Rookhope County Durham

original Mill Stone from the Old Mill at Rookhope dated 1809

War memorial at Rookhope Village County Durham

Old Petrol Filling Pump adjacent to the Post Office in Rookhope

View from Old Stotfield Burn Pub in Rookhope County Durham

Early Summer Scene in Rookhope County Durham

Horses opposite the old church in Rookhope Village Co Durham

Old Building next to or part of old Stotfield Burn Pub, Rookhope

The old Stotfield Burn Pub, Rookhope Village, County Durham

Old Farm Building Rookhope Village County Durham

Lyons Maid Ice Cream Sign at Post Office Rookhope

Original Coal Fireplace in a house near the Rookhope Inn, Rookhope

Small waterfall just above the old former mill at Rookhope Village

Alpaca looking out to Rookhope Village and Rookhope Arch

Rookhope Farm view on the way to BOlt Law Engine Shed County Durham

INTERESTING TO KNOW

Rookhope's Folklore

The village is rumoured to have a fascinating folklore tradition. Tales of peg-legged miners and a ghostly coach add an intriguing layer to Rookhope's history. Imagine venturing out at dusk and keeping an ear out for these legendary whispers

The Groverake Mine

The village wasn't always a tranquil escape. Rookhope boasts a rich industrial past centered around lead and fluorspar mining. The prominent headframe of the Groverake Mine, a former fluorspar mine, still stands as a powerful reminder of the area's industrial heritage.

A Poet's Perspective

Acclaimed poet W.H. Auden once described Rookhope as "the most wonderfully desolate of all the dales." This evocative phrase captures the unique beauty of the area. Rookhope offers a sense of wild, unspoiled nature that can be both inspiring and thought-provoking for visitors.

Starry Skies & Dark Skies Delight

With minimal light pollution, Rookhope boasts incredible night skies. On a clear night, the sky comes alive with a breathtaking display of stars, planets, and even the Milky Way. This makes Rookhope a perfect destination for astronomy lovers

Rookhope FAQS

Is Rookhope worth visiting?

Yes, Rookhope is a beautiful and historic village with stunning scenery, interesting history, and a unique culture.

What is there to do in Rookhope?

Visitors can enjoy hiking, cycling, exploring the ruins of the old mines

How do I get to Rookhope?

Rookhope is located in a remote area but is easily accessed by car and several other means. There is a bus, the Weardale 102, link below,. Rookhope is also very popular with walkers, motorcyclists and cyclists.

Where can I stay in Rookhope?

Next to The Rookhope Inn there is Barrington Bunkhouse, there are some places in Rookhope and just outside of Rookhope which I have provided links to below. I have not stayed at any of them but there are reviews on the sites Ive linked to.

Is Rookhope dog-friendly?

Yes, Rookhope is a great place to visit with dogs, with plenty of opportunities for walking and exploring the outdoors.members.

What is the best time of year to visit Rookhope?

The summer months offer the best weather for exploring the outdoors, but Rookhope can be beautiful in any season.

Are there any Public Toilets at rookhope

Yess, there are violets at Rookhope and they have been open every time I have visited. They are very clean and there has always been loo roll and facilities for washing and drying your hands. The toilets are very clean and in good condition. They are located more or less, opposite Rookhope Post Office.

Is there anywhere to eat in Rookhope?

I have not found anywhere to eat in Rookhope during my previous visits. I believe the Post Office sells food but I have never been in.

What are Rookhope Post office opening hours

Mon-Sat 9am-12:30 midday

Where can I park in Rookhope?

There are numerous places throughout the village and no parking charges.

Are there still Mining Ruins in and around rookhope?

Evidence of Rookhope’s mining past can still be seen today. Ruined buildings, mine shafts, and processing works serve as a reminder of the industry that shaped the village for centuries.Grove Rake mine is an impressive reminder of Rookhope Mining Heritage and Bolt Law Engine Shed is a ruin worth a visit.

I love your images, can I buy them or use them ?

Thank you. To purchase images or for usage rights please contact us at info@thedurhamdales.co.uk

Rookhope Useful Links

Useful Services:

Bus Services and Times

Post Office Opening Hours Official Site

Accommodation :

Barrington Bunkhouse Website

If you've enjoyed the journey...

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