Parks, Gardens & Woodlands

Beamish Museum

History is brought to life at Beamish, not just in the buildings around the Museum but in the gardens too. The pit cottage gardens are presented just as they would have been one hundred years ago - vegetables to feed the family, poultry for eggs, canaries to go underground at the mine and, of course, prize leeks for the village leek show. 

At Pockerley Old Hall the gardens are typical of Georgian times, a formal par terre, kitchen garden and orchard planted with varieties of flowers, fruit and vegetables from the period, overlooking the beautiful Georgian landscape.

The Bowes Museum

The Bowes Museum had undergone a major transformation, creating a 21st Century visitor attraction set in 22 acres of beautiful grounds. It is complemented by a formal par terre garden with feature fountain, surround by stunning woodland containing a lime walk and an ancient monkey puzzle tree.
 
Take pleasure on the Story Garden, hire a Bag of Fun from reception, follow an orienteering trail or enjoy a picnic in the tranquil and peaceful setting overlooking the rolling Teesdale countryside. There is ample coach parking on hard standing, with incentives for group visitors wanting to partake in all of this beautiful attraction has to offer.

High Force Waterfall

High Force Waterfall is reputed to be one of England's tallest waterfalls, nestled in Upper Teesdale it is part of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The River Tees suddenly and spectacularly drops over the Whin Sill rock, 70 feet into a plunge pool below making it England's highest uninterrupted drop of water. 

A pretty and well maintained woodland walk leads to this breathtaking sight. As you begin the descent down the gentle slope the path twists and turns giving you a different view every few yards. The muffled rumble suddenly turns to a roar with a sight that astounds you. 

High Force is an excellent day base to begin exploring this beautiful area and magnificent countryside, with lots of walks and footpaths starting nearby the High Force car park. The car park has excellent facilities for visitors including toilets, picnic areas and a gift shop (open from April - October). There is ample parking for cars and coaches (charges apply).

Discover the force of Nature at High Force Waterfall!

Killhope Lead Mining Museum

Killhope is a multi award winning Victorian Mining Museum. Killhope's woodland has an array of wildlife and trails around the woods and has built, with the aid of 'Red Alert' and other 'friends'. The only purpose built observations hides, offering a unique opportunity to observe Red Squirrels, one of which is an accessible hide on the push chair friendly footpath. If you are quiet enough it is certainty to see these secretive and endangered mammals at very close quarters.

Various routes trace the watercourses around the woodland. On the main site you can learn and live the life of the North Pennines Lead Miners and their families and offers a grand day out for all. Equipped with mine hate, cap lamp and Wellies, accompany one of our guides on an unforgettable tour of Park Level Mine. 

Our enthusiastic team will ensure you have a day to remember. You can find your own minerals as you work as a washer boy. Living history, interpreted by friendly knowledgeable staff. A total of 4 working water wheels on site. Exhibitions include the National Spar Boxes Collection, Magnificent Minerals and The Pennine Jewels, which are collections of minerals found in the North Pennines and Language and Letters of Lead. 

Located in the centre of the North Pennies an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which ever way you come to Killhope the scenery is breathtaking. Visit Killhope shop and cafe to complete a great day out. Killhope is a gold standard Green Tourism destination as well as 'Quality Assured Visitor Attraction' with an array of regional and national awards. 

Raby Castle

The magnificent Raby Castle, in the heart of Teesdale near Darlington has been home to Lord Barnard's family since 1626. 

One of England's finest medieval castles with many treasures and stunning interiors, there are also lots to do and see in the grounds of Raby Castle. It is surrounded by a 200 acre deer park, where herds of red and fallow deer roam freely, you can take a stroll around the two large lakes, where along with the deer, other wildlife can be spotted, such as longhorn cattle, geese, ducks, swans and a variety of other bird species. Raby Park also offers wonderful views of the surrounding countryside with the castle's magnificent towers set against it. For children there is a woodland adventure play area in close proximity to the picnic area. 

The 18th century walled gardens are still graced with many of the original design features including two magnificent yew hedges and an ornamental pond in the central garden, there are also beautiful shrub and herbaceous borders, formal lawns and rose gardens, which make for an enjoyable afternoon stroll. 

Raby Castle welcome coaches for tea stops and visits to the park and gardens and gift shop, where a discount on the park and gardens ticket applies for groups of 12 or more. For those wishing to visit the Castle as well, private and free flow group tours are available by appointment from Easter until the end of September, along with group discounts for groups of 12 or more, other benefits for groups include - 

• Free admission for the coach driver and group organiser
• Free refreshment voucher for drivers
• Free familiarisation visits
• Optional meet and greet service on arrival
• Ample free coach parking
• Special interest tours can also be arranged by prior appointment 

Summerhill - Local Nature Reserve & Outdoor Activity Park

Summerhill is a unique Country Park. Set on the western edge of Hartlepool it is both a Local Nature Reserve and an Outdoor Activity Centre. 

You can enjoy most of the facilities on the site free of charge with no need to pre book. You do have to pre book on our activities or when you want to hire our rooms or facilities. Contact the Visitor Centre for details. 

As well as public events the Summerhill team run activities for groups. We can accommodate schools, businesses, youth groups and even family parties. These activities include Orienteering, Map Reading and Archaeological Activities. There are charges for these activities. For details of the current rates, including concessions. Contact the Visitor Centre 01429 284 584.