Living in Crook

Community and local life are at the heart of Crook. The town has a longstanding culture of civic pride, seen in regular events such as the Crook Carnival, Christmas lights switch-on, and the town’s famous traditional market, held twice a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Community centres, such as the Glenholme Centre, host a range of clubs from fitness to the arts, appealing to all age groups.

Green spaces and recreation grounds are integral to Crook’s outdoor lifestyle. The nearby Crook Golf Club is popular, while riverside walks along the River Wear and easy access to the North Pennines AONB offer plenty of opportunities for walking, cycling, and exploring nature.

Volunteer groups, local churches, and active sports clubs contribute to a sense of belonging. The town’s history in mining, celebrated at local heritage sites and the Mining Banner Parade, also fosters a unique local identity. Overall, Crook is perceived as a warm and sociable place to call home.

Crime rates in Crook are in line with regional averages for small towns in County Durham. The area is generally considered safe and secure, benefiting from a community-minded population and proactive neighbourhood policing. Like much of the region, most crime tends to be low-level, such as anti-social behaviour or minor theft, with serious crime remaining rare.

Recent years have seen investment in community safety initiatives, such as increased CCTV coverage in the town centre. Local police and council-run schemes work to address and reduce minor incidents. Areas surrounding the town centre, especially residential suburbs and neighbouring villages, are seen as quiet and family-oriented.

Residents report feeling safe walking in most areas during the day and evening, reflecting Crook’s strong sense of community and watchfulness among neighbours.

Parking in Crook is generally straightforward, with several free public car parks close to the town centre, and on-street parking widely available in residential areas. There is little pressure on parking compared to larger towns or cities. While some restrictions exist near the main shopping streets and market area (such as time-limited spaces), most drivers do not report major issues finding a space.

Road access is another strength for Crook. The town is accessible via the A690 and the B6299, and is close to the A68 which runs from Darlington towards Consett and Corbridge. The A1(M) is about 20 minutes away, connecting Crook to the wider motorway network.

• Durham – 9 miles, approx. 20 minutes via A690
• Bishop Auckland – 6 miles, approx. 15 minutes via A689
• Darlington – 19 miles, approx. 35 minutes via A68/A1(M)
• Newcastle – 23 miles, approx. 40 minutes via A690/A1(M)

Crook’s low congestion and accessible road network make it convenient for drivers commuting locally or regionally.

Crook’s food and drink scene is rooted in its market town origins, with a mix of traditional and contemporary offerings. The town centre is dotted with independent cafés, bakeries, and takeaways, alongside established pubs that give Crook its friendly, local character. Popular venues include The Horse and Groom – a classic pub known for real ales – and The Copper Mine, which serves up traditional fare.

Several Italian, Indian, and Chinese restaurants, as well as family-run chip shops and bakeries, provide variety. For coffee lovers, there are relaxed cafés and tearooms welcoming locals and visitors for breakfast or lunch. While Crook does not have a developed club scene, it does offer a handful of bars with regular live music, quiz nights, and televised sport.

For wider choices, residents often venture to Durham or Bishop Auckland, both within easy reach, where more diverse restaurants, bars, and evening entertainment options are available. Overall, Crook’s nightlife is best described as sociable and welcoming, rather than lively or late-night focused.

School quality: Crook is well-served by several highly-rated primary schools, and has access to a range of "Good" and "Outstanding" secondary options nearby.

Parks and green space: Families benefit from numerous public parks, open green spaces, and the proximity of the North Pennines, which is ideal for walks and outdoor activities.

Childcare: There are local nurseries, playgroups, and after-school clubs to support working parents and young families.

Safety: The area is generally considered safe, with active neighbourhood watch schemes and a low incidence of serious crime.

Family activities: In addition to town events, the region’s heritage attractions, play areas, and community clubs make Crook a friendly base for raising children and staying active as a family.

Crook is very accommodating for pets, especially dogs. The town is surrounded by countryside, with several public parks and nearby trails suitable for dog walking and outdoor exercise. The River Wear valley and the approach to the North Pennines offer expansive open spaces and quieter lanes for pet owners to enjoy.

Local amenities include veterinary clinics, pet shops, and some cafés and pubs that welcome dogs. Rental properties and local authorities tend to be receptive to responsible pet ownership, especially given the area’s rural outlook and outdoor lifestyle.

With active community groups for animal welfare and an abundance of green space, Crook is well-suited for those seeking pet-friendly living in County Durham.

Crook offers convenient connections despite its rural setting. Regular bus services connect Crook to Durham, Bishop Auckland, and other surrounding towns, with frequent routes operated by Arriva North East. The A690 runs close by, allowing for easy road links, while the A68 and A1(M) are both accessible for longer journeys.

Although Crook no longer has its own railway station, Durham railway station is around 9 miles away, offering mainline connections to Newcastle, London, Edinburgh, and beyond. Bishop Auckland railway station also provides local and regional rail services.

Durham Tees Valley Airport and Newcastle International Airport are both within 45 minutes’ drive, offering domestic and international flights.

• Durham – approx. 20 minutes by car or 35-45 minutes by bus
• Newcastle – around 40 minutes by car, or just over an hour by public transport via Durham
• Bishop Auckland – about 15 minutes by car, 25 minutes by bus
• Darlington – approximately 35 minutes by car

For commuters, Crook provides an attractive balance of rural life and accessibility for travel across the North East.

Crook and its surrounding villages are well-served by schools and educational facilities, appealing to families who prioritise education. The area is also within commuting distance of further and higher education institutions in Durham and the wider North East region.

Primary Schools in Crook

Hartside Primary School is a popular choice, known for its welcoming environment and a broad curriculum (Ofsted: Good, 2018). Crook Primary School is centrally located and serves a large portion of the town, also receiving a "Good" Ofsted rating in its last inspection.

St Cuthbert’s RC Primary School provides a faith-based option for families and is noted for its strong ethos and community links (Ofsted: Good, 2019).

Secondary Schools in Crook

While Crook does not have its own secondary school, there are several within easy reach. Parkside Academy in Willington (approx. 4 miles away) is highly regarded (Ofsted: Outstanding, 2015). Bishop Barrington School in Bishop Auckland is another well-respected choice (Ofsted: Good, 2023), and Wolsingham School (about 7 miles from Crook) is often chosen for its supportive environment (Ofsted: Good, 2019).

Colleges and Sixth Forms

Bishop Auckland College is nearby and offers a wide range of A-levels, apprenticeships, and vocational courses. Durham Sixth Form Centre attracts students from across the county for its strong academic reputation and diverse courses.

Universities

The University of Durham, a world-renowned Russell Group institution, is within commuting distance, adding to Crook’s appeal for families with older children and further educational ambitions.