Living in Wingate

Community life in Wingate is defined by its welcoming, neighbourly spirit and a range of local groups and events that bring people together. Reflecting its mining heritage, there is a strong tradition of volunteering and community involvement.

The village hall serves as a focal point for local social events, including coffee mornings, exercise classes, youth groups, and seasonal celebrations. Churches and local charities also host gatherings that support the social fabric of the area. Regular fundraising efforts and street fairs provide opportunities for residents to engage with each other.

Outdoor living is a major aspect of Wingate life. The nearby Castle Eden Dene National Nature Reserve and local bridleways offer excellent walking, cycling, and wildlife watching. Green spaces and recreational parks provide ample room for children, families, and older people to relax and enjoy the open air.

When considering crime rates in Wingate, the area is generally perceived as a safe and peaceful village, typical of rural County Durham communities. The community’s size and strong local ties result in lower levels of crime compared to large urban areas nearby.

Reported crime in Wingate tends to be mostly minor in nature, such as anti-social behaviour or occasional property crime. More serious incidents are comparatively rare. The presence of neighbourhood policing teams and local community initiatives helps to maintain a sense of security and provides reassurance, particularly for families and elderly residents.

Wingate has benefited from regional safety schemes, with increased neighbourhood watch participation and regular police engagement at local forums. This has helped to foster a close-knit and vigilant community where residents often look out for one another.

Parking in Wingate is generally straightforward, with many properties benefiting from private driveways or off-street parking. On-street parking is typically available on residential streets without the need for permits, reflecting the village’s low congestion levels compared to urban areas.

The village is close to several major A-roads. The A19, just west of Wingate, is a key artery for travel up and down the North East. The A181 and B1280 also provide easy access to neighbouring towns and cities.

• Durham – approx. 20 minutes via A181
• Hartlepool – approx. 20 minutes via A179
• Sunderland – approx. 23 minutes via A19
• Middlesbrough – approx. 35 minutes via A19
• Stockton-on-Tees – approx. 30 minutes via A19

Overall, road access from Wingate makes commuting and trips to the coast or countryside straightforward, and peak-hour traffic is relatively limited compared to the region’s busier urban centres.

Wingate offers a range of local amenities, with several pubs, traditional cafes, and takeaways providing options for dining out or meeting friends. Establishments like the Victoria Inn, The Crossways Hotel, and a handful of independent takeaways serve the local community and visitors.

For a wider choice of restaurants and nightlife, residents often head to nearby Peterlee, Durham, or Hartlepool, where there is a greater variety of cuisines, popular chain restaurants, lively pubs, and occasional live music venues. Wingate itself maintains a relaxed, low-key social scene, with emphasis on traditional village pubs and social clubs.

While there are no nightclubs within the village, historic inns and community bars make it easy for locals to gather socially without the busier pace of city nightlife. For theatres, cinemas, and a broader range of nightlife, Wingate’s proximity to Durham and Sunderland ensures easy access.

School quality: Wingate offers reliable local schools, with additional well-rated options in nearby towns such as Peterlee and Durham. This makes the area appealing to families seeking quality education for children of all ages.

Parks and green space: The village has several play parks and is surrounded by countryside, providing abundant space for outdoor play and recreation. The proximity of Castle Eden Dene National Nature Reserve further enhances leisure options for families.

Childcare: Local nurseries and childminders offer options for preschool care, complemented by after-school clubs at primary and junior schools.

Safety: Wingate is known for its low crime rates and strong community involvement, reassuring for parents and carers looking for a secure environment.

Family activities: Family-friendly activities centre on the outdoors, with opportunities for walking, cycling, and exploring the local nature reserves. Close access to leisure centres and family attractions in Peterlee and Durham broadens the range of available pursuits.

Wingate is a pet-friendly area, with many homes featuring secure gardens and plenty of open space for exercise. The surrounding countryside and close proximity to places like Castle Eden Dene National Nature Reserve provide countless dog walking and adventure opportunities for pet owners.

Local veterinary practices are available in the village or nearby areas such as Peterlee and Hartlepool, as are pet shops supplying food and accessories. Many residents own dogs, cats, and a variety of small animals, and pets are warmly welcomed in much of the community.

Public spaces and many local pathways are ideal for walking dogs, and several local pubs have a reputation for being dog-friendly. The village’s relaxed pace makes it easy to find suitable routes and socialise pets with others.

Wingate benefits from good regional transport links, making it a convenient base for commuters and those exploring the North East. While the village does not have its own railway station, excellent road connections and frequent bus services help residents access larger towns and cities with ease.

The A181 runs south of the village, while the A19 trunk road is just a few minutes’ drive away, providing direct links to Durham, Sunderland, Hartlepool, and Newcastle.

• Durham - approx. 20 minutes via A181 (10 miles)
• Hartlepool - approx. 20 minutes via A179 (11 miles)
• Sunderland – approx. 23 minutes via A19 (18 miles)
• Middlesbrough – approx. 35 minutes via A19 (25 miles)

Local bus services, operated by Arriva North East and Go North East, connect Wingate to Durham, Peterlee, Hartlepool, and other destinations with regular routes throughout the week.

The nearest train stations are at Durham and Hartlepool, both accessible by car or connecting bus. For national and international travel, Durham Tees Valley Airport is around 25 miles away, while Newcastle International Airport is about 32 miles away, both offering flights to domestic and European destinations.

Wingate offers several educational options for families with children, and is in close proximity to numerous well-regarded schools and further education institutions in the County Durham area.

Primary Schools in Wingate:

Wingate Infant School serves children aged 4 to 7, providing a friendly environment with a focus on early years development. Wingate Junior School continues the educational journey for children aged 7-11; both schools work closely to provide continuity in learning. Nearby primary schools such as St Mary’s Catholic Primary School (Ofsted rated ‘Good’, 2022) also cater to local families.

Secondary Schools in Wingate and Nearby:

The closest secondary school is Wellfield School, situated in the nearby area of Wingate itself. Wellfield School is a comprehensive school catering to ages 11-16 and has recently invested in modern facilities. Other nearby options include Shotton Hall Academy in Peterlee (Ofsted rated ‘Outstanding’, 2017) and St Bede’s Catholic Comprehensive School in Peterlee (‘Good’, 2016).

Colleges & Sixth Forms:

The East Durham College has a campus at Peterlee, easily accessible from Wingate, offering a broad range of A-levels, vocational and apprenticeship courses. Another well-known institution nearby is Durham Sixth Form Centre, providing a large choice of courses for post-16 students.

Universities:

Though there are no universities in Wingate itself, the world-renowned Durham University is just over 10 miles away. This prestigious institution is consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK and brings academic vibrancy to the region. Teesside University in Middlesbrough and University of Sunderland are also accessible by public transport or car.