St Mary’s in Whickham brings architectural history to life through its individual features: the nave, aisles, porch and tower date from different centuries. Nearby, Whickham Windmill, the remains of Old Hollinside, Whickham Hermitage Community Garden and Whickham Community Tennis each offer a distinctly different focus. The options range from architecture and historic building styles to gardens and sport.
Church Architecture and Historic Building Styles
St Mary’s in Whickham is a Grade I listed parish church. The nave dates from the 12th century and the aisles from the 13th century; the porch and tower followed in the 14th century. The dates therefore apply to clearly identified parts of the building. The nave forms the central space of the church, with the aisles adjoining it on either side. The porch and tower mark other parts of the building. Those interested in church architecture can relate each feature to its respective building phase, rather than viewing the church as the result of a single period of construction.
At Whickham Windmill, the focus is on its type and measurable dimensions. It is a three-storey stone tower windmill, described as new in 1720, and is Grade II listed. Its tower survives: it is 10.25 metres high and 6 metres in diameter. These measurements can be compared directly; the height exceeds the diameter by 4.25 metres. The structure is therefore brought to life not only by the term “tower windmill” but also by a concrete comparison of its dimensions.
Old Hollinside offers a different perspective on historic building styles. Its remains include a ruined fortified hall house, a wing added on the north-east side and associated earthworks. The hall house was built in several phases from the late 13th century to around 1400; this timespan represents development in stages, not a single year of construction. The term “fortified hall house” combines the building type—a hall house—with its fortified character. Old Hollinside stands on the crest of a steep north-facing slope above the Derwent Valley. The wing and earthworks add to the hall house as further surviving features.
Gardens and Sporting Activities
Whickham Hermitage Community Garden offers a different focus from the historic buildings. The garden is free to visit and includes an orangery tearoom. This adds a garden as a distinct focus alongside the architectural themes, with the option of visiting the tearoom as well. When planning your visit, you can consider it as an alternative or addition to your cultural and historical interests.
Whickham Community Tennis has four floodlit tennis courts. This adds a sporting option to the architectural history and garden themes. If you are considering tennis as part of your itinerary, please check the latest usage details before visiting.
These differences can help you decide what matters most to you: for architectural history, the church features and the building phases of Old Hollinside are relevant; the windmill is notable for its type and dimensions. The garden and tennis offer other options alongside these themes.
Discover more destinations: Washington, Hebburn, Seaton Burn, New Herrington, North Shields, East Boldon, Holystone
Go to the regional travel overview: Tyne And Wear.
