Houghton-le-Spring | |
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Houghton-le-Spring shown within Tyne and Wear | |
Population | 36,746 |
OS grid reference | NZ342497 |
Metropolitan borough | |
Metropolitan county | |
Region | |
Country | England |
Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
Post town | HOUGHTON LE SPRING |
Postcode district | DH4, DH5 |
Dialling code | 0191 |
Police | Northumbria |
Fire | Tyne and Wear |
Ambulance | North East |
EU Parliament | North East England |
UK Parliament | |
Houghton-le-Spring /ˈhoʊtən liː spriŋ/ is a town in North East England, which has its recorded origins in Norman times. It lies in the local government district of the City of Sunderland, in the county of Tyne and Wear, but previously in County Durham prior to 1974. It is situated almost equidistant between the cathedral city of Durham 7 miles (11 kilometres) southwest and Sunderland about 6 mi (10 km) northeast. The town of Seaham and the North Sea lie about 5 mi (8 km) directly east. The villages and towns of Newbottle, Fencehouses and Hetton-le-Hole lie nearby. It has a population of 36,746.
Other villages within the Houghton-le-Spring postal district include: Philadelphia, Shiney Row, Chilton Moor and Woodstone Village.
The A690 road from Durham to Sunderland meets the A182 in Houghton at an unusual interchange. Heading northeast, slip roads leave the A690, heading up to a roundabout, while the A690 climbs and travels above a second roundabout, before the entry slip joins the A690 itself.