Parks, Gardens & Woodlands

Explore and enjoy the parks, gardens and woodlands throughout Durham, from formal to wild, you're sure to find something to inspire.

Route One
Durham City - West Auckland - Piecrebridge - Scotch Corner - Greta Bridge - Barnard Castle - Staindrop - West Auckland - Durham City

Route Two
Durham City - Crook - Wolsingham - Frosterley - Stanhope - Eggleston - Middleton in Teesdale - Romaldkirk - Barnard Castle - Durham City

Attractions - Suggested Length of Visit

• Crook Hall & Gardens: 45 mins - 1 hour
• Durham University Botanic Garden: 1 hour
• Egglestone Hall Gardens: 45 mins - 1 hour
• Raby Castle Park and Gardens: 45 mins
• High Force Waterfall: 1 hour
• Bowes Museum Gardens: 30 mins
• Killhope Woodland Trails: 1 hour
• Egglestone Abbey & Gardens: View from road for photo opportunity
• Auckland Castle Grounds: 45 mins
• Castle Eden Dene: 1 hour
• Riverside Park (Chester le Street): 20 mins
• Hardwick Park: 30 mins
• Whitworth Hall Country Park: 30 mins
• Beamish Wild: 1 hour
• Rokeby Park: 45 mins
• Hamsterley Forest: 1.5 hours

Coach Timings - 

• Durham City - Barnard Castle: 50 mins
• Barnard Castle - Raby Castle: 50 mins (scenic route)
• Barnard Castle - Raby Castle: 15 mins (direct route)
• Durham City - Rokeby Hall: 70 mins (via scenic route and Piercebridge)
• Rokeby Hall - The Bowes Museum: 10 mins
• Durham City - Stanhope: 55 mins
• Stanhope - Eggleston: 20 mins
• Eggleston - Barnard Castle: 35 mins
• Eggleston - Barnard Castle: 35 mins (via Middleton in Teesdale)

Did You Know...

• You find an outstanding collection of 17th Century Francisco de Zurbaran paintings at Auckland Castle which houses thirteen 8 feet tall paintings in its Long Dining Room
  
• The impressive ruins of Egglestone Abbey in Teesdale provided inspiration for the artist J.M.W. Turner.
  
• You can enjooy 18 acres of garden set in mature woodland at Durham University's Botanic Garden, with sculptures, glasshouses and woodlands walkways - a real hidden gem!
  
• A visit to Crook Hall & Gardens in the heart of the City will delight groups. Explore the Shakespeare Garden and discover the Secret Garden and Maze. 
  
• A visit to Eggleston Hall Gardens provides a great refreshment stop for groups with the Coach House Bistro's homemade scones and cakes well worth a taste.