Top 10 Natural Wonders

North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Designated in 2003 as Britain's first European Geopark, the North Pennines AONB is internationally important because of its world-class geology, as well as being home to many species of flora and fauna.

Durham Heritage Coast

The magnesian limestone of the Durham Heritage Coast has created spectacular cliff scenery. The grassland of the cliff tops is home to several rare plant species, as well as being a haven for wildlife.

Frosterley Marble

Formed in a shallow tropical sea 325 million years ago, it's actually not a marble - rather it's a layer of dark grey limestone which contains beautiful fossils of an extinct solitary coral. The Chapel of Nine Altars in Durham Cathedral has some fine examples, with another located in the courtyard at the Durham Dales Centre in Stanhope.

Scenic Drives

Known locally as Stainmore Gap, the A66 climbs steadily over the high heather moorland along the southern edge of the Durham Dales. Enjoy the stunning scenery, but keep your eye on the road!

Spar Boxes

Visit Killhope, the North of England Lead Mining Museum and stare in wonder at its national collection of beautiful spar boxes - made by lead miners of the North Pennines to showcase the area's beautiful minerals.

Castle Eden Dene

One of the physical features of Durham's Heritage Coast are the narrow sided, steep, wooded valleys called denes. The largest area of ancient semi-natural woodland in the North East, it is a survivor of the wild wood that once covered most of Britain.

High Force and Low Force Waterfalls

The largest waterfall in England, a woodland walk leads you to the spectacular site of High Force in Upper Teesdale in the Durham Dales. Venture further downstream to discover Low Force - a smaller series of waterfalls, but just as impressive.

Heather Moorland

Britain has 75% of the world's remaining heather moorlands. And the upland areas of the Durham Dales give you the ideal opportunity to see vast stretches of heather at its best.

Fossil Tree

In the grounds of St Thomas' Church, overlooking the Market Place, the fossil tree can be seen. Thought to be 320 million years old, it was found near Edmundbyers just north of Weardale whilst quarrying and installed in the churchyard in the 1960s.

Hamsterley Forest

A man made forest but now a stronghold of Mother Nature, the forest environment provides a delightful background in which to play, relax or be as active as you like.