How do you correctly pronounce Houghton-le-Spring?

Houghton-le-Spring in Tyne and Wear may be recognisable to tourists for one thing – the Houghton Feast.

The annual festival, which dates back to the 12th century, includes the roasting of an Ox, fayre and more each October.

The town is also in proximity to both Penshaw Monument and Herrington Park – two scenic sites worth a trip in the sunshine.

But how do you pronounce Houghton-le-Spring?

One of the most asked questions about Houghton-le-Spring is how to pronounce it correctly – as many believe it is pronounced ‘How-ton, using a ‘w’.

But, the correct way to pronounce its name is: ‘Hoe-ton-le-Spring’.

What else can you do in Houghton-le-Spring?

If you are in the town centre, you could pay a visit to St Michael and All Angels’ Church, which has links to the Normans and holds the tomb of Bernard Gilpin.

But if you are looking for something a bit more on the quiet side, you can take a trip to Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve, which is just a short drive south west from the town centre.

Other than Houghton-le-Spring, there are quite a few other places across the region that are mispronounced.

Here’s how you can pronounce other places across the region.

Tow Law, County Durham

Pronounced ‘To-W Law’.

Crook, County Durham

Depending on your accent, you may pronounce the ‘oo’s, but it is commonly pronounced ‘Kruk’, similar to buck.

Kelloe, County Durham

It wouldn’t be correct to say ‘Kell-oh’ – as County Durham residents know Kelloe instead ends with an ‘ah’.

Brancepeth, County Durham

Named one of the poshest villages to live in across the county, Brancepeth may seem confusing, but it’s rather simple.

It’s pronounced as ‘Br-ance-peth’.

Ireshopeburn, County Durham

This one may take you by surprise – as ‘hope’ is instead pronounced as ‘sup’, like ‘Eye-sup-burn’.

Hardwick, County Durham

You’d be mistaken if you pronounced the ‘r’ in Hardwick. The correct way to say it is ‘Haad-wick’.