AttractionEnglish Heritage

Piercebridge Roman Bridge

Darlington, Borough of Darlington

The stone foundations of a Roman bridge stranded in a field because the river moved. A short flat stop, with Tees riverside paths for your dog.

The river left and the bridge stayed, which is the whole story and it is a good one. These are the remains of a large bridge that carried a Roman road across the River Tees, and they now lie high and dry in a field on the south bank, because the Tees has shifted its course northwards in the centuries since. You see massive stone abutment and pier bases sitting in grass with no water anywhere near them.

As you take in a useful reminder that rivers are not permanent features, your dog gets a short, flat, easy stop, and the Tees riverside paths around Piercebridge give a proper walk. The village also has the remains of the Roman fort the bridge served.

Free and open. Parking is free in the car park of the nearby George Hotel, which English Heritage do not manage, and they warn it is currently badly degraded with potholes. No dog rules are published. The site is reached across a field which may hold livestock, so keep your dog on a lead and close gates. No facilities.

At a Glance

Site Type: Roman Site
Entry: Free
Members: Free for English Heritage members

English Heritage Membership

Planning Your Visit

Opening times and prices were checked on 26 August 2026 and are subject to change, and some sites close for events or over winter. Confirm on the English Heritage site page before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Piercebridge Roman Bridge dog friendly?
Dogs are welcome at Piercebridge Roman Bridge, and no specific dog rules are published for the site. It's a short, flat stop that's easy going for most dogs, and the Tees riverside paths around Piercebridge offer a proper walk if you want to extend the visit.
Are dogs allowed at Piercebridge Roman Bridge year round?
The site is free and open with no restrictions on visiting times or seasons published, so there's nothing to suggest dogs aren't welcome throughout the year. As with any open countryside site, conditions underfoot may vary with the weather, so it's worth being prepared accordingly.
What should I know before visiting Piercebridge Roman Bridge with my dog?
The site is reached across a field that may hold livestock, so keep your dog on a lead and make sure you close any gates as you go. Parking is free in the car park of the nearby George Hotel, though English Heritage warn it is currently badly degraded with potholes, so watch your step. There are no facilities on site, and it's worth noting there are no water sources at the bridge itself — the river moved north centuries ago, which is rather the point of the place.