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You are here > Home > Inspire Me > Durham's Unmissable Highlights > Picnic Spots

Picnic Spots

When the sun shines there's nothing better than dining in the great outdoors, enjoying some of the stunning scenery that Durham has to offer.

Why not tell us your top 10 - visit us on Facebook.

  • Auckland Castle

    Auckland Castle Deer Park

    Surrounding Auckland Castle you’ll find 150 acres of idyllic parkland to explore and enjoy. Created over 800 years ago by the Prince Bishops of Durham, you’ll find plenty of spots to enjoy a picnic throughout the beautiful parkland.

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  • Durhams top 10 picnic spots

    Bowlees Picnic Area

    This lovely location features four small waterfalls and a footpath to Gibson's Cave and Summerhill Force, one of the smaller waterfalls that feed High Force. Gibson's Cave is named after a 16th Century outlaw who lived there in hiding.

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  • Causey Arch

    Causey Arch Picnic Area

    Causey Arch is the world's oldest surviving railway bridge (built 1725-26) and stands over a rocky gorge.
    This delightful picnic spot also has woodland walks to enjoy.

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  • Durham Coast

    Durham Heritage Coast

    Explore this colourful and dramatic landscape with its beaches, rugged cliffs and imposing headlands. A truly stunning location, and is recognised internationally for its rare plants and wildlife.

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  • Botanic Garden

    Botanic Garden

    Enjoy this 18 acre garden set in mature woodland. Exotic trees from America and the Himalayas, plus the Prince Bishops Garden, tropical house, cactus house and more.

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  • Eggleston Abbey

    Egglestone Abbey

    Medieval monastic communities probably didn’t have much free time to enjoy picnics, but the peaceful ruins of beautiful abbeys and churches they left behind make for the perfect picnic spot.

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  • Hamsterley Forest

    Hamsterley Forest

    Once you have worked up an appetite from the woodland walks and mountain bike trails, enjoy your lunch at one of several picnic areas. You'll need to restore your energy for the adventure play area!

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  • Durhams top 10 gardens

    Hardwick Park

    With its combination of beautiful views, rich heritage, archaeological remains and ecological diversity,
    Hardwick Park is a remarkable place to visit.

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  • Durhams top 10s

    High and Low Force Waterfalls

    Stop off for a picnic at stunning Low Force in Teesdale, or set off on a woodland walk from Bowlees Visitor Centre to spectacular High Force where you can eat alfresco on the rocks opposite the waterfall, or head for the larger picnic area at the car park.

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  • Durhams top 10 picnic spots

    Parkland at Dalton Park

    55 acres of landscaped parkland adjacent to Dalton Park Retail Outlet Centre with three signposted trails, seating and picnic areas.

    Find Out More

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