Living in Consett

Community and local life in Consett are defined by a strong sense of belonging and tradition. Residents often participate in events at Empire Theatre, community centres, and local church halls. The town hosts annual festivals, performances, and seasonal markets, while the Consett Festival draws visitors from across County Durham with music, stalls, and family activities.

Outdoor activities are a staple, as Consett is renowned for its easy access to the Derwent Reservoir and North Pennines AONB, providing opportunities for hiking, water sports, bird watching, and picnics. The Coast-to-Coast (C2C) cycle route enhances the town’s outdoorsy reputation.

Open green spaces such as Blackhill and Consett Park, as well as nearby country walks, ensure that the area’s community spirit is matched by a healthy outdoor lifestyle. Local societies, scout groups, sports clubs, and social enterprises are all active in enhancing community life and building connections among residents.

The perception of safety in Consett is generally positive, with residents often citing a friendly and neighbourly atmosphere. Like many market towns, the area experiences occasional low-level crime, mainly involving anti-social behaviour or property theft, but serious crime rates in Consett remain below those seen in larger urban centres nearby.

The local Neighbourhood Policing Team is active in community engagement, working with residents and local authorities to address issues and increase visible patrols. Recent regeneration has improved public spaces and amenities, contributing to a sense of safety and community pride. Neighbourhood Watch schemes and regular public forums provide additional avenues for reporting concerns and staying informed about safety initiatives.

Parking in Consett is generally convenient, with ample free and low-cost public car parks dotted throughout the town centre. On-street parking is widely available in residential areas, though some zones operate resident permit schemes, particularly close to the high street or popular amenities. Congestion is rarely a significant issue, even during peak times, reflecting the town's manageable traffic flow and road capacity.

Consett's road network benefits from direct access to major A-roads, facilitating straightforward connections to significant North East towns:

• Newcastle upon Tyne – approx. 14 miles via A692 (30 minutes)
• Durham – approx. 13 miles via A691 (25 minutes)
• Gateshead – approx. 11 miles via A694 (20 minutes)
• Stanley – approx. 6 miles by A692 (15 minutes)

The nearby A1(M) motorway allows quick journeys to Sunderland, Darlington, and further afield, making Consett accessible for regional travel.

Consett has a diverse food and drink scene, reflecting both its industrial heritage and contemporary tastes. Traditional pubs such as The Grey Horse and The Smelters Arms offer real ales and classic pub food, while The Derwent Arms and The Crown & Crossed Swords are well-liked by locals. There are also several café-bars and bistros, such as Villa Roja and The Old Court House, popular for coffee, brunch, and evening meals.

Eating out options cater to various cuisines, from Italian and Indian restaurants to traditional fish and chip shops and family-friendly cafés. Takeaways are plentiful, with local favourites serving Chinese, pizza, and kebabs. While Consett is not known for a vibrant late-night scene, there are bars and social clubs providing music and entertainment, especially at weekends. Nearby Newcastle offers world-class nightlife for those seeking more variety.

The area is also home to microbreweries and local food markets, reflecting an increasing appetite for independent and artisanal produce. Though nightlife in Consett is more subdued, it is cherished for its relaxed, community atmosphere.

School Quality
Schools in Consett are generally well-rated, with a mixture of primary, secondary, and sixth form options, making it attractive to families with children of all ages. Educational standards are supported by strong community involvement and ongoing investment.

Parks and Green Spaces
Families benefit from parks such as Blackhill and Consett Park, Derwent Reservoir, and local play areas. These spaces provide safe environments for recreation, sports, and socialising in the fresh air.

Childcare
Numerous nurseries, preschools, and childminders operate locally, catering to working parents seeking flexible childcare solutions.

Safety
Consett is considered safe, with low crime rates compared to larger urban centres, and active neighbourhood initiatives to keep the community secure.

Family Activities
The town offers a range of family-friendly activities, including leisure centres, swimming pools, theatre productions, and cycling routes. Seasonal festivals and community events also cater to all ages, while proximity to natural beauty spots makes weekends away or walks a regular feature of local family life.

Consett is well-suited to pet owners, with its proximity to open countryside, the Derwent Walk Country Park, and extensive green spaces, providing varied dog-walking and outdoor exercise opportunities. Cycle and walking routes such as the C2C trail are popular with local dog walkers and offer secure, scenic walks.

Several veterinary practices and pet supply shops are located within the town, ensuring access to care and essentials. Pubs and cafés, including some independent venues, welcome dogs in designated areas. Pet-friendly housing options are common, and the local attitude to animals tends to be positive and accommodating.

For those seeking more adventure, easy reach to the North Pennines means open moorland, forest, and riverside trails are all just a short drive from the town centre, ensuring a pet-friendly lifestyle is easily maintained in Consett.

Consett is well-situated for access to both urban centres and scenic countryside in the North East. While the town does not have its own train station, residents benefit from regular bus services connecting Consett to Newcastle upon Tyne, Durham, and Gateshead. Arriva and Go North East operate frequent routes, making public transport a viable option for daily commutes.

Major roads such as the A692 and A694 provide straightforward car journeys to Newcastle, while the A68 gives easy access south towards Durham and northern towns. The town’s strategic location also allows relatively quick access to the A1(M) for wider regional travel.

Travel times from Consett:

• Newcastle upon Tyne – Approx. 30 minutes by car or 50 minutes by bus
• Durham – Approx. 25 minutes by car
• Hexham – Approx. 35 minutes by car via A68
• Newcastle International Airport – Approx. 35 minutes by car

For cyclists and walkers, the C2C (Sea to Sea) cycle route runs through Consett, enhancing options for green travel and leisure commuting.

Primary Schools
Consett offers a range of primary schools, many of which are highly regarded. Delves Lane Primary School is popular in the area, with a Good rating from Ofsted (last inspected 2022). St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School also serves the community, noted for its strong pastoral care (Ofsted Good, 2021). Beechdale Nursery and Infant School and Shotley Bridge Primary School are well-established schools, the latter often praised for its community links and supportive atmosphere.

Secondary Schools
The main secondary institution is Consett Academy, offering education to students aged 11 to 18. The Academy was established in 2012 after a merger of local schools and occupies modern, purpose-built facilities. Ofsted last inspected Consett Academy in 2018, rating it as Requires Improvement, though ongoing investment and positive community feedback point to continual improvement. St Bede's Catholic School and Sixth Form College in nearby Lanchester also attracts pupils from Consett and has a Good Ofsted rating (last inspected 2023).

Colleges and Sixth Forms
For post-16 education, Consett Academy includes a sixth form offering a variety of A-level and vocational courses. Nearby, New College Durham and Derwentside College (based in Consett itself) provide a broader selection of courses, apprenticeships, and adult learning provision.

Universities
While there are no universities based in Consett, the town is conveniently placed for access to Durham University, one of the country’s leading institutions, just 13 miles away. Newcastle University and Northumbria University are also easily accessible by public transport and car, offering further higher education options for residents.