St. Andrew, Aycliffe

Description

The church of St Andrew is very old, set just outside the village, and is surrounded by fields. There is a quiet, spiritual feeling throughout the building and its burial grounds. The site is mentioned in the Anglo Saxon Chronicle, as there being a synod held at Acleah in 782, this being one of the old names for Aycliffe. There are Saxon features in the architecture, updated and enlarged over the centuries. The furnishings are also significant with a fixed raised pulpit, fixed pews, stained glass windows, grave covers and markings, carved stone preaching crosses, a fine chancel arch and a bell tower. It is surrounded by an ancient burial ground in which some of the stones are Grade II listed. These are well documented and the building is Grade 1 listed. It is a beautiful place where people have come for centuries to connect with God, since Saxon times. Visitors and pilgrims will find a real sense of peace, places to meditate and pray, both inside and out.

Standard opening times:
Sunday service at 11 am
There are no regular opening times at present, but the hospitaller (see below) lives close by and can usually open up at fairly short notice for anyone who wishes to view or pray in the church.

Location

Church Lane, Aycliffe Village, Newton Aycliffe, Durham, DL5 6JY, United Kingdom

Directions

Grid reference: NZ 28307 22160
By car: From Durham, A167 South to Aycliffe Village. Continue ½ mile to sign for St Andrew’s church, right turn into Church Lane. Up the lane to Car Parking outside the church.
From North and South on A1M, leave at Junction 59. Take the Newton Aycliffe exit onto the A167.
Straight on at roundabout, uphill to Aycliffe Village and take immediate left into Church Lane.
By public transport: Number 7 bus Durham – Darlington; number 8 Darlington – Spennymoor, number X21 Darlington – Sunderland. All stop at North Briton, short walk from Church Lane. The 5 and 5A Darlington – Bishop Auckland stop about ½ mile away at Stainton Lane.
On foot: There are many public footpaths in the locality and a bridleway past the church.
O.S Explorer 305 Bishop Auckland or visit: getoutside.ordnancesurvey.co.uk

Facilities

There is a paved path to the church from the carpark through the old churchyard. The church building is wheelchair accessible, however there are steps at chancel and sanctuary. The ancient and modern graveyards are laid to grass, not very wheelchair friendly.
Toilet facilities are available at ‘The County’, The Green, Aycliffe Village (a short walk) and also at Services and outlets at Junction 59 of the A1M , a short drive away.
Refreshments are available at the church when open and also locally at Junction 59 , and at ‘The County’. (see above)
Hospitaller available by arrangment only.
The church is suitable for individuals or groups on short visits.

Hospitaller/Contact Person

David Blair

Tel: 07527 598228

Email:

Web Link

http://www.parishofgreataycliffe.co.uk

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