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You are here > Home > Explore Durham > Durham Dales > Things to do in the 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.

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Number of results: 41

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  1. 2 children in life vests and safety helmets jumping from some rocks into a river with a small waterfall below them

    Add Weardale Adventures to your Itinerary

    Weardale Adventures

    Type

    Type:

    Activity Centre

    Ireshopeburn

    Weardale Adventure Centre offers fun and learning in an area of outstanding natural beauty in County Durham. The centre caters for adults, schools and groups and our experienced and qualified team ensure our guests create memories that last for a…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous Weardale Visitor Network Member 2025Weardale Visitor Network Member
    More info for Weardale Adventures
  2. Large indoor swimming pool illuminated.
Dark tiled floor around the pool and 3 green walls at the back in-between sections with wall lights.

    Add Headlam Spa to your Itinerary

    Headlam Spa

    Type

    Type:

    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 that reflects the beauty of the…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous Good Spa Guide 4 Bubble Spa 2017Good Spa Guide 4 Bubble Spa
    More info for Headlam Spa
  3. The Witham lit up at night

    Add The Witham to your Itinerary

    The Witham

    Type

    Type:

    Arts Centre

    Barnard Castle

    The Witham is a community venue for theatre, music, art and social events, facilities range from the architecturally award-winning café bar to a fully-renovated Victorian music hall.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2019TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
    • Regional and Miscellaneous WTTC Safe Travels 2021WTTC Safe Travels
    More info for The Witham
  4. The Retreat Spa Redworth Hall

    Add The Retreat at Redworth Hall to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 465 reviews465 reviews

    The Retreat at Redworth Hall

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous WTTC Safe Travels 2021WTTC Safe Travels
    • Green Awards Green Tourism - Silver 2024Green Tourism - Silver
    More info for The Retreat at Redworth Hall
  5. H2O at Witton Country Park

    Add H2O Riders to your Itinerary

    H2O Riders

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2025 2025TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2025
    More info for H2O Riders
  6. Derwent Reservoir Trout Fishery

    Add Derwent Reservoir Walk to your Itinerary

    Derwent Reservoir Walk

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Derwent Reservoir Walk
  7. Wallace and Gromit characters. Copyright and TM Aardman/Wallace & Gromit Ltd 2024  All rights reserved

    Add Forest Walkies with Wallace and Gromit at Hamsterley Forest to your Itinerary

    Forest Walkies with Wallace and Gromit at Hamsterley Forest

    Type

    Type:

    Walking Tour

    Redford, Hamsterley Forest

    Join Wallace and Gromit for the ultimate forest walkies.

    Bond with your pooch by taking on dog-tastic challenges together, solve crossword clues and have lots of fun along the way – with everyone’s favourite dog and owner duo for company.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Forest Walkies with Wallace and Gromit at Hamsterley Forest
  8. Children and adults on mountain bikes - Forestry England/Crown copyright

    Add Squirrel Chaser Blue Cycle Trail at Hamsterley Forest to your Itinerary

    Squirrel Chaser Blue Cycle Trail at Hamsterley Forest

    Type

    Type:

    Cycle Route

    Hamsterley, Bishop Auckland

    Hit the trails at Hamsterley Forest this Easter! Forestry England is delighted to announce the opening of a brand–new, blue (moderate) grade off-road cycle trail at Hamsterley Forest, County Durham.

    Dates

    From:
    6 Apr 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Squirrel Chaser Blue Cycle Trail at Hamsterley Forest
  9. Middleton in Teesdale

    Add Whistle Crag (Near Middleton-in-Teesdale) to your Itinerary

    Whistle Crag (Near Middleton-in-Teesdale)

    Type

    Type:

    Viewpoint

    Middleton-in-Teesdale

    Easily accessed viewing point with stunning and wide reaching views across Teesdale. Ideal spot to capture the North Pennines National Landscape including drystone walls, scattered settlements and open fell land to the far horizon. 

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Whistle Crag (Near Middleton-in-Teesdale)
  10. Escomb Saxon Church

    Add Escomb Saxon Church to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 102 reviews102 reviews

    Escomb Saxon Church

    Type

    Type:

    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).

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Escomb Saxon Church
  11. Manor Spa pool

    Add The Manor House Hotel Spa to your Itinerary

    The Manor House Hotel Spa

    Type

    Type:

    Spa and Relaxation

    Bishop Auckland

    At The Manor Spa, we believe It's All About You, which is why our spa days and spa breaks are tailored to your needs. 

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous Good Spa Guide 5 Bubble Spa 2024Good Spa Guide 5 Bubble Spa
    • Visit England Visitor Ready 2025Visitor Ready
    More info for The Manor House Hotel Spa
  12. Waterfall at Gibson's Cave, situated nearby to Bowlees Visitor Centre

    Add Bowlees Visitor Centre to Gibsons Cave to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 332 reviews332 reviews

    Bowlees Visitor Centre to Gibsons Cave

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Bowlees Visitor Centre to Gibsons Cave
  13. Tees Riverside and Hay Meadows Walk

    Add Low Force Waterfall to your Itinerary

    Low Force Waterfall

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Low Force Waterfall
  14. Countryside around Blanchland with women using App.

    Add Geotours App to your Itinerary

    Geotours App

    Type

    Type:

    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.  

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Geotours App
  15. Pow Hill Country Park

    Add Pow Hill Country Park to your Itinerary

    Pow Hill Country Park

    Type

    Type:

    Country / Royal Park

    Edmundbyers

    A moorland country park on the banks of the Derwent Reservoir.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Pow Hill Country Park
  16. Information on Blanchland Circular Walk

    Add Blanchland Circular Walk to your Itinerary

    Blanchland Circular Walk

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Blanchland Circular Walk
  17. Children in Hamsterley Forest searching for stick characters on The Stickman Man Trail. Credit Forestry England Crown Copyright

    Add The Stick Man Trail at Hamsterley Forest to your Itinerary

    The Stick Man Trail at Hamsterley Forest

    Type

    Type:

    Family Fun

    Hamsterley, Bishop Auckland

    Families can join a new forest adventure as the much-loved character Stick Man, based on the beautiful picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, returns to Forestry England Hamsterley.

    Dates

    From:
    12 Feb 2025to31 Jan 2026
    More info for The Stick Man Trail at Hamsterley Forest
  18. Derwent Reservoir County Durham

    Add Derwent Reservoir - Walks, Rides and Wildlife to your Itinerary

    Derwent Reservoir - Walks, Rides and Wildlife

    Type

    Type:

    Nature Trail

    Consett

    Derwent Reservoir is within the North Pennines National Landscape and, after Kielder, is the second largest reservoir in the region. There is a multi-user path from Pow Hill Country Park (south shore) to the dam at the eastern end of the reservoir…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Derwent Reservoir - Walks, Rides and Wildlife
  19. Low Barns Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre

    Add Low Barns Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 107 reviews107 reviews

    Low Barns Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Low Barns Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre
  20. View of the golf course with a golfer in the distance. A sand bunker to the right and tree in the distance.

    Add Golf at Headlam Hall Country Hotel to your Itinerary

    Golf at Headlam Hall Country Hotel

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous WTTC Safe Travels 2021WTTC Safe Travels
    More info for Golf at Headlam Hall Country Hotel
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