Plan Your Stay

Much of Teesdale is in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and you won't be short of things to see and do whilst you are here! To help you plan your trip, we've put together this list of ideas for days out - whatever the weather - plus information on shopping/eating/taxis.

OUTDOORSY

WALKING
You're spoilt for choice for walking routes, and click here to access a great website for walks in Teesdale Walks

Here are a few of our favourites:
Cockfield Fell is a great place to walk and explore. (England’s largest scheduled ancient monument at 865 acres).  You’ll be able to see the tall lead smelting chimney from your veranda. There’s a small car parking place so you can visit the chimney. You can walk from here. It would take about 30 minutes or you can get to it from Cockfield Fell.

High Force Waterfall. High Force is the biggest single drop waterfall in England, and if you're in the area you really shouldn't miss it. You can start off at The Bowless Visitor Centre or The High Force Hotel.
Hamsterley Forest. With walking, cycling and horse-riding trails, as well as a cafe, Co Durham's largest forest is a great place to escape from it all.

Cauldron Snout. The walk from Cow Green Reservoir to Cauldron Snout takes in some fantastic scenery, including Falcon Clints - where you will almost certainly see the falcons it is named after, but probably few other humans.

The Teesdale Way. We are just up the road from the River Tees and the Teesdale Way. You can walk the whole lot, or just have an amble through Gainford Great Wood.

OTHER OUTDOORS:
Eggleston Hall Gardens. If you like being outside, but are not quite so energetic, why not take a wander around the horticultural delights at Eggleston Hall Gardens.

If horticulture is your thing, try a visit to Durham University's Botanic Garden. The 10 hectare Botanic Garden is set amongst beautiful mature woodlands on the southern outskirts of Durham city. Wander through the alpine garden, winter garden, bamboo grove, glasshouses and the woodland garden and wild flower meadow. There's also a visitor centre with cafe and gift shop. (Not dog friendly, unfortunately.)

SPORTY
Teesdale Leisure Centre in Barnard Castle has a swimming pool, gym, classes and activities.

Barnard Castle Golf Club is situated on the outskirts of Barnard Castle is open all year round to visitors and members alike and offers a club house and buggy and trolly hire.

Headlam Hall Golf Course is a delightful, yet challenging (I'm told...) 9 hole golf course in the grounds of Headlam Hall Hotel.

SEASIDE

We really aren't that far from the beautiful North East Coastline, from 45mins drive away, and here are a few of our recommendations:

Saltburn by Sea. Famous for its water-powered funicular railway, this charming Victorian seaside town has much to offer. Lorna’s Café ‘Real Meals Deli & Café’ is a favourite of ours. We love walking out to the pier and looking back at the land. It’s amazing to think the pier was four times longer than it is now.

Whitby. Everyone knows Whitby, and its famous fish and chips, but did you realise its less than an hour and a half away from here? Try Trenchers for an alternative to the famous Magpie.

Tynemouth. A picturesque seaside village with plenty to do, and a wealth of delicious eateries. We don't want to give away any secrets but try Riley's Fish Shack.

CASTLES

If historic castles are your thing, this is the right place for you!  The whole area is dotted with them, but here is a shortlist:

Raby Castle. At 5 miles by road it's nice and handy. The offer is currently expanding with various activities and tours and cafe (dog friendly).

Barnard Castle. The now famous town of Barnard Castle is more than just a castle, but it’s worth visiting this English Heritage site whilst you're in the town. It’s hidden behind the church near the post office.

Auckland Castle at Bishop Auckland was home to the Prince Bishops. It is one of the best-preserved Bishops' palaces in Europe and is at the heart of Auckland Project. Take a tour of the Castle, walk the Deer Park or find out more about the archaeological digs. Oh, and the project is also working to preserve the Weardale Railway, part of the famous Stockton to Darlington line. The gardens could be pen now and there’s the Spanish Gallery which is worth a visit while you’re there.

Egglestone Abbey - Mystical and charming ruins of a small monastery of Premonstratensian 'white canons', built between 1195 and 1198 and picturesquely set above a bend in the River Tees near Barnard Castle. Also a very pleasant spot for a picnic.

INDOORSEY

We know the weather isn't always kind, so there are plenty of indoor options too:

Dalton Park.  The outlet shopping destination in County Durham.  It's the biggest outlet shopping centre in the North East, with over 65 stores selling over 200 different brands and designer labels.   They've also got plenty of cosy cafés dotted through the mall and over 55 acres of landscaped parkland, so you can really make a day of it and enjoy a relaxing break as part of your shopping experience, plus there's aeven a cinema!

The Bowes Museum. The Bowes is an iconic French chateau in Barnard Castle, renowned for its mechanical silver swan. Another one for the 'must-do' list.

Killhope Lead Mining Museum. Killhope is a multi-award-winning museum where you can experience the life and work of the lead miners of the area, and pop into the gift shop and cafe afterwards.

Durham Cathedral Museum. Durham City is only a 40min drive away, and the Cathedral is well worth a visit whilst you are there. There’s also Durham Library and Castle next door. A full day out!

The Locomotion Museum is a short drive away in Shildon, the sleepy town which was the birthplace of the world's first steam-powered public railway. The North East is, of course, the home of railways and you can find out all about it's part in railway history at this wonderful museum.

Ushaw Historic House & Gardens.  A former Catholic seminary with a long association with the Pugin family, the stunning house and chapel are tucked away in beautiful open countryside near Durham City. Lose yourself in the grounds, be amazed by beautiful buildings and marvel at centuries of art, history and heritage. Explore woodland trails and rolling fields, where you’ll discover eclectic artworks, majestic carved creatures and pockets of quiet contemplation. Then treat yourself to tea and cake in the stunning Refectory Cafe.

Weardale Railway. We rode in a train built in 1958 which was just lovely. We drove to Stanhope and parked free at the station and caught it from there. The station has a quaint coffee shop so you can while away a rainy day while you wait. The coffee is good too. The train runs from Stanhope to Wolsingham and takes about 15 minutes each way. A lovely way to pass the time. It also runs services to Bishop Auckland too. Check out the website for more information, prices and timetables.

EXPERIENCES

Kynren  This Epic Tale of England is fantastic! Be transported back in time as 2000 years of history are brought to life with the award-winning blockbuster open-air performance. From Boudicca’s battles with the Romans to two world wars, via Vikings, Tudors, Stuarts, Queen Victoria and the Industrial Revolution, Kynren is a spellbinding experience. Audiences watch from the 8,000-seater tribune which provides panoramic views across the giant outdoor stage.

Beamish Museum. What can we say about Beamish which hasn't already been said? This fantastic outdoors museum is a great experience. The only problem is that you can't do it all in one day, but your ticket lasts for a year - another good reason to visit the area again.

Durham Distillery offers tours and experiences if you like a tipple.  Cocktail classes, gin making experiences and distillery tours.

Valhalla Axe-Throwing and Archery. If you fancy something a bit riskier, why not try your hand at axe-throwing or archery? I mean, why not? Just down the road in Newton Aycliffe.

Cheesedale – you can book a tour, a tasting and even have a full day cheesemaking with Allison in the dairy. The cheese making requires booking ahead but if you fancy the tour and tasting and you haven’t booked in advance we’ll try to accommodate you last minute if we can.