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: 41
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Walking Routes
Newbiggin
Centuries ago Viking invaders and settlers left their mark in the local dialect words of the Durham Dales. The Old Norse word “foss” referred to a waterfall and still it echoes down the ages in the modern word “force”. Close to Bowlees Visitor…
Fishing
Edmundbyers
Derwent Waterside Park offers fishing in beautiful surroundings for fly and bait anglers. The fishery enjoys lots of open space and is well stocked from its own fish farm.
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.
Walking Route
Blanchland
You'll never forget this timeless stroll through one of England's oldest and most beautiful villages with its striking mixed woodland situated right on the River Derwent. It’s set in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
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.
Spa and Relaxation
Newton Aycliffe
Set in the heart of County Durham, The Retreat at Redworth Hall Hotel has undergone an incredible refurbishment programme, designed to significantly enhance its facilities and promote an aura of relaxation.


Picnic Site
Wearhead
Enjoy a peaceful circular walk around this reservoir in Weardale. There's some wonderful woodland trails and lakeside paths to enjoy. It's a very quiet place with a series of picnic tables where you can stop to enjoy the lovely scenery of the North…
Country / Royal Park
Edmundbyers
A moorland country park on the banks of the Derwent Reservoir.
Walking
A free app has been created to help people explore the geology and landscape of inspiring sites along the European Atlantic Geotourism Route, including the North Pennines.
Church / Chapel
Bishop Auckland
One of England's finest Saxon churches, Escomb dates to the 7thC and contains a Roman arch and stonework. If locked keys available from 28 Saxon Green (daily 9-6 during summer and 9-4 during winter).
Golf Course
Gainford
Located in the Durham dales in the North East, and set over rolling pastureland around the Hall gardens this enjoyable and challenging course features an abundance of natural features including rig & fur, woodland, streams and ponds.

Church / Chapel
Barnard Castle
St. Mary's Barnard Castle with Whorlton is a place of Peace, Worship and Spirituality situated in the Heart of Teesdale.
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.
Natural Feature
The Stanhope tree was found in a sandstone quarry at Edmundbyers Cross, north of Stanhope, in 1915. Its discovery is recorded by this photograph in the Auckland and County Chronicle, dated 13 May 1915. The accompanying article also mentions another…
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…
Guided Tour
“A Dales Journey” is a 90 miles drive following the footsteps of John Wesley’s 1761 journey visiting five of the oldest Methodist chapels in the world.
Activity Centre
Witton-le-Wear
Embark on an unforgettable outdoors adventure with paddle boarding, kayaking, or a thrilling water bike ride at the premier water sports hire centre at Witton Castle Activity Lake in County Durham.

Nature Trail
Barnard Castle
Cow Green Geological Trail Approximately 4 kilometres each way, this linear trail uses well-marked footpaths and minor roads and is wheel/push chair friendly to the top of Cauldron Snout.
Cycling and Mountain Biking
Bishop Auckland
Hamsterley Forest is one of the Northeast’s premier mountain bike destinations, with over 2000 hectares of forest to explore on 33 miles of waymarked trails and countless more miles of seldom travelled forest road Hamsterley Forest has something for…
Walking Route
Edmundbyers
Discover the wildlife and history of Derwent Reservoir along the multi user trail while taking in the breathtaking views of the reservoir.
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