Yarm: Discover the River, Bridges and Trails

Yarm combines remarkable buildings with the history of the River Tees and a variety of waterside trails. Anyone planning a trip involving culture, landscapes and distinctive details will find a range of points of interest here: historic religious buildings, a medieval bridge, a surviving railway viaduct, an exhibition about the town’s relationship with the river, and paths through riverside woodland and fields. When choosing a holiday apartment or other accommodation, it is therefore particularly useful to consider what focus you would like to give your days.

History and distinctive buildings

A good starting point for the town’s history is Yarm Town Hall. The building was converted into the Yarm Town Hall Heritage Centre and presents the permanent exhibition “Island in a River”. It celebrates Yarm’s historic connection with the River Tees and explains its location on the horseshoe-shaped bend of the river. Architectural details are also part of the experience: during the exterior renovation of the Town Hall, the original brick arches were opened up and restored with new glazing.

The Church of St Mary Magdalene was rebuilt in 1730 after a fire. Its nave walls preserve masonry from the Norman period; the west front is also largely Norman. Another religious building provides a distinctive feature of its own: Yarm Octagonal Chapel is the oldest octagonal Methodist chapel that has been continuously used as a place of Methodist worship since it was built. Anyone interested in architecture and the town’s older history can include these buildings independently in their travel plans.

Bridges and the River Tees

Yarm Bridge Over River Tees was built around 1400 for Bishop Skirlaw of Durham and was later widened. The bridge has five arches, is made of ashlar, and features semi-octagonal buttresses and pointed cutwaters between the arches. It is therefore not only a crossing over the river, but also an illustrative example of historic construction.

A much later chapter is told by Yarm Viaduct. It opened in 1852 and was built by the Leeds Northern Railway to extend the Leeds & Thirsk Railway Line from Northallerton to Stockton-on-Tees. The viaduct crosses the River Tees on 43 brick and stone arches and continues to carry trains. In Yarm, this makes it possible to consider different eras through the medieval river crossing, the railway age and the line’s present-day use.

Riverside paths and active days

For quieter hours by the water, True Lovers Walk is ideal. The riverside path along the Tees passes landscaped gardens and seating areas; there is also a 19th-century waterwheel there. You can treat this path as a walk in its own right or combine it with a day that gives equal space to historic sights and the landscape.

The river is also directly relevant to canoeing. The Tees Barrage to Yarm Circular canoe trail has a take-out point in Yarm between the road bridge and the railway bridge. Anyone looking for accommodation for a stay with varied daily plans can take this information into account alongside the trails on land. The Middleton One Row to Yarm section of the Teesdale Way runs through fields and riverside woodland, creating a landscape contrast with the bridges and historic buildings.

Which accommodation location suits your travel plans?

A holiday apartment in Yarm can be particularly appealing as a base if you would like to combine culture and activity. If you are planning several visits, the Town Hall Heritage Centre, Church of St Mary Magdalene, Yarm Bridge and Yarm Octagonal Chapel offer different historical impressions. If the River Tees is to be the main focus, True Lovers Walk, the Teesdale Way section and the canoe trail add to the choice. Yarm Fair has taken place for over 100 years and also adds a lively tradition to the town’s history.

For further orientation, you can also access Stockton-On-Tees, Wolviston, Longnewton and Thornaby On Tees.

Back to the higher-level travel overview: Stockton-On-Tees.