Durham Dales

The Durham Dales, incorporating Teesdale and Weardale is a peaceful and tranquil landscape of moors and hills, valleys and meandering rivers, dotted with picturesque villages and market towns.

Part of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a European and UNESCO Global Geopark, this special place is the perfect choice for your next holiday of exploration.

Walking and cycling are great ways to explore the Durham Dales, where you’ll find some of the best hiking and biking routes in the country. Enjoy breathtaking views and seek out tasty tearooms and cafes in the welcoming towns and villages along the way, including two official 'Walkers are Welcome' Towns - Middleton in Teesdale and Wolsingham.  

Head to Hamsterley Forest and explore 2,000 hectares of woodland or let the chain take the strain on an electric bike journey around this beautiful area. Don’t miss the perfect photo opportunity at High Force – on of England’s most impressive waterfalls.

There’s plenty more to see and do in this area too, from historic castles to award-winning museums and galleries and much more, the Durham Dales is a great place to visit.

When it’s time to refuel, you’ll find great places to eat along the way, from tempting treats in market town tearooms, to hearty countryside meals in traditional country pubs, it’s all on the menu in the Durham Dales. Plus, our two food trails will take your taste buds around the dales and North Pennines.

For more local visitor information on Weardale and Teesdale, take a look at the Discover Weardale, Explore Teeesdale or Visit Gainford websites.

For a more information use the links above, and for on-the-ground guides, take a look at the guides to Teesdale and Weardale guides ont he North Pennines AONB website.