Things to Do in Durham
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You are here > Home > Explore Durham > Durham Dales > Things to do in the Durham Dales
Seek out natural wonders while walking or cycling in this breathtaking area, discover fascinating museums and much more along the way.
Number of results: 74
, currently showing 21 to 40.
Walking Route
Bishop Auckland
In and around the former lead mining village of Rookhope, this walk takes in both the heritage and the nature of this part of Weardale.
Family Fun
Staindrop
Come on our Raby Castle quest and explore the beautiful interiors while completing our family activity trail. Do you know how many sides the Octagon Drawing Room has? Or how many paintings of horses you can count in the Small Drawing Room?
Castle / Fort
Darlington
Welcome to Raby Castle and Deer Park. A stunning complete medieval castle in County Durham with a fascinating history and stories to tell. Explore our Deer Park and adventure playground, The Plotters' Forest or learn about our fascinating Castle…
Country / Royal Park
Edmundbyers
A moorland country park on the banks of the Derwent Reservoir.
Picnic Site
Bishop Auckland
It is always worthwhile turning off any of County Durham’s main roads to discover unexpected delights. None more so than in Weardale where in the village of Eastgate (west of Stanhope) a turning leads to the village of Rookhope and one of Durham’s…
Abbey / Priory
Bowes Village, Barnard Castle
Medieval monastic communities probably did not have much free time to enjoy picnics but the legacy they left behind in terms of beautiful abbeys and churches beckon the modern visitor. In the 13th century the Premonstratensian Canons, or “white…
Walking Routes
The North Pennines National Landscape incorporates much of the Durham Dales, and is a stunning landscape of open heather moors, dramatic dales, tumbling upland rivers, wonderful woods, close-knit communities, glorious waterfalls, fantastic birds,…
Viewpoint
Barnard Castle
The Rivers Tees and Greta join together at a local beauty spot called “The Meeting of the Waters” not far from the elegant Rokeby Hall and Gardens in Teesdale. The Teesdale Way public footpath can be accessed on the south side of Abbey Bridge…
Nature Trail
Forest in Teesdale
A new exploratory trail has been introduced at this local natural landmark to encourage children to engage with nature and see the benefits of outdoor play.
Natural Feature
Near Middleton-in Teesdale, Barnard Castle
Low Force waterfall is part of the River Tees in beautiful Upper Teesdale. It is easily accessible from Bowlees Visitor Centre.
Nature Reserve
Witton-le-Wear
One of our region’s most important wildlife sites, this wetland reserve, bordered by the River Wear, also contains mixed woodlands and species rich grasslands.
Walking Route
Upper Weardale
The woodland walks are part of a day out at Killhope – two wildlife hides, one accessible hide on the push chair friendly walk.
Museum
Cowshill
*Due to ongoing restoration works Killhope will remain temporarily closed throughout the 2024 season.
Fishery
Baldersdale
Hury Reservoir is an exclusive fly fishery offering fishing in beautiful surroundings. The fishery enjoys lots of open space and is well stocked with rainbow trout from its local fish farm.
Riding/Trekking Centre
CONSETT
This 21km circular horse riding route is 70% off-road and enjoys 1,027m of ascent. It starts at Baybridge, close to the village of Blanchland. You’ll follow the Carriers’ Way across Bulbeck Common, alive with the evocative calls of wading birds in…
Riding/Trekking Centre
BARNARD CASTLE
This circular 18km (60% off-road) horse riding trail has 370m of ascent and starts from the south side of Hury Reservoir. It initially follows the banks of Hury and Blackton Reservoirs in remote Baldersdale, before striking off over the moors on the…
Horse Riding
Bishop Auckland
Enjoy miles of waymarked horse-riding routes that let you explore the heart of this beautiful forest. Please note, dedicated horse box parking is located in the Grove car park, 2 miles along the Forest Drive from the Bedburn entrance.
Natural Feature
Forest in Teesdale
High Force is one of the most impressive waterfalls in England. The River Tees has been plunging into this gorge for thousands of years but the rocks it reveals are far more ancient – with origins dating back over 300 million yrs.
Walking Route
Newbiggin
This 4-5 mile (6.5-8km) circular walk, from Bowlees Visitor Centre or High Force Hotel car park, will introduce you to some of the special features of the landscape around High Force and Low Force waterfalls.
Spa and Relaxation
Headlam
Designed to the highest standards for its members, hotel residents and day spa guests, Headlam Spa is a place to relax, exercise and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of water in a comfortable and friendly environment.
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