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
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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…
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.
Outdoor and Wildlife Activity
Edmunbyers
Derwent Waterside Park is the perfect place for fun, laughter and the great fresh air with the people you love.
Heritage / Visitor Centre
Newbiggin
Situated amidst stunning woodland, near to Low and High Force waterfalls and surrounded by rolling fields that boast some of the best hay meadows in England, Bowlees Visitor Centre has all you need to make your visit to the North Pennines National…
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.
Adventure Park / Playground
Staindrop
The Plotters’ Forest is an immersive outdoor playground located in a magical Christmas Tree Plantation at Raby Castle.
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…
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…
Walking Route
Barnard Castle
Both Sides of the Tees: Barnard Castle and Whorlton
(5hrs) 9 miles
Watersports 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.
Country / Royal Park
Edmundbyers
A moorland country park on the banks of the Derwent Reservoir.
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.
Walking
Hamsterley Forest
Gruffalo Orienteering - fun family map reading challenge
Try our fun, navigational challenge at Hamsterley Forest using a simple map to find twelve Gruffalo markers hidden in the deep, dark wood.
If you're feeling competitive, choose to run, walk…
Attraction
Barnard Castle
Come for a leisurely wander around our farm and make friends with our wonderful animals.
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.
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…
Attraction
Butterknowle
Take a tour of the dairy with Allison and see where the cheese is made or be guided through a food and cheese paring with Jonathan or why not spend the day with us and try your hand at cheesemaking!
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…
Outdoor and Wildlife Activity
Stanhope
Some of the darkest skies in England are found in the North Pennines. Much of the area is remote, wild countryside with little development and the views of the night sky are second to none.
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…
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