Crook
Crook is a market town on the edge of Weardale, boasting a bank, library and full range of shops including hairdressers, butchers, motor spares, hardware store and two supermarkets – Lidl and Aldi as well as several takeaways and places to eat.
Originally an agricultural village, it became a mining town in the 19th century with over 20 mines in the area around. However with the pit closures, the population of the town declined.
In the market place you can see the ‘Devil’s Stone’ or the ‘Blue Stone’, an erratic of Borrowdale volcanic.
The town also holds the oldest purpose-built cinema in the north, built as the Electric Palace and opened in 1910. It retains many of the original features inside and a local charity is working to restore it as a working theatre for the community.
Local festivals include the Crook Carnival (July), Crook Community Christmas Event and Crookfest music festival (May).