Newbiggin Chapel

Believed to be the oldest Methodist chapel in the world in continuous use, whose history is inextricably linked with the rise and decline of lead mining in Teesdale.

Newbiggin, County Durham

Opening times

Open from June to August on Wednesdays 2pm to 4pm. Key is available at other times. Please contact keyholder via website or chapel notice board.

Address

Newbiggin
County Durham
DL12 0TY

View map

54.6446086, -2.1313599

Land purchased in 1759 by three of John Wesley's itinerant preachers and four local lead miners 'whereupon to erect and build a meeting house for the use of the society in the exercise of their religious worship'. It was opened in 1760 and enlarged in 1860 (the footprint of the building seen today) and renovated in 1987. Contains a pulpit from which John Wesley is believed to have preached on several occasions, with displays relating to Wesleyan and Primitive Methodism in Teesdale and further afield.

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Glorious furnishings

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Captivating architecture

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Parking within 250m

  • On street parking at church

  • Level access to the main areas

  • Dog friendly

  • Café within 500m

  • Bus stop within 100m

  • Methodist Church

Contact information

Church website

Other nearby churches

High House Chapel

Ireshopeburn, County Durham

High House Chapel was built in 1760 as 'a preaching house for Divine worship' and is the oldest purpose built Methodist Chapel in the world to have been in continuous weekly use since then.

St Thomas the Apostle

Stanhope, County Durham

Historic St Thomas's church and fossil tree is in Stanhope, an area of outstanding natural beauty.

St Thomas

Cowshill, County Durham

The church was built 1915, stone with Westmorland slate roof.