Shildon
Shildon is one of many small towns in County Durham that was transformed during the industrial revolution. It gained its fame as the home of No 1 Locomotive, the very first steam locomotive to haul a passenger train on a public railway. The story goes that the Mason’s Arms could claim to be the world’s first railway station as tickets were sold at the bar! It’s a sign of the changes that the town has gone through that its station is now unmanned, but it’s a great asset for your new home, especially if you want to commute to Bishop Auckland, Darlington, Middlesbrough and Saltburn. Today’s Shildon is a quiet and friendly commuter base.
New Homes in Shildon
Living in Shildon
Living here
Everyone says what a friendly place Shildon is. It’s just the right size for people get to know each other and the local shopkeepers are always up for a friendly chat. The Mason’s Arms may no longer be there, but The Locomotive keeps the town’s railway heritage going. The town has got primary schools, healthcare services, a lovely big park and good public transport links to the neighbouring towns. Bishop Auckland has got a wider range of facilities and it’s only 4 miles away.
Getting around
Easy access to some of the area’s main routes, as well as to the A1(M) makes this a popular place to live. The town is on the A6072 which links to the A688 between Spennymore, Bishop Auckland and Barnard Castle. The A68 takes you down to Darlington where the A167 connects with the lovely cathedral city of Durham. The A1(M) is of course the fast route right through the North East. Shildon’s train station is on the Tees Valley Line, managed by Northern Trains. Much of County Durham is rural and Shildon’s five bus routes keep everyone well connected.
Going to school
Shildon has got its own primary schools and older children tend to go to Bishop Auckland for secondary education.
Further afield
Historic Durham is just 13 miles to the north. It’s a great place for a day out, with its vibrant atmosphere, great shops and market, river, castle and of course the cathedral. It’s about the same distance to Barnard Castle, another very historic and picturesque place to visit for a day out, or to stop off in on the way into the stunning North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You can follow the route of the River Tees to the spectacular High Force Waterfalls.