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Welcome to the Itinerary Planner. Use this tool to build your own journey or choose from an exciting range of specially selected tours.

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You are here > Home > Things to Do > Castle Eden Dene National Nature Reserve

Castle Eden Dene National Nature Reserve

From £0.00
Oakerside Dene Lodge
Stanhope Chase
Peterlee
County Durham
SR8 1NJ

Tel: +44 0191 586 0004

Email

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Add Castle Eden Dene National Nature Reserve to your Itinerary

Deer in forest
  • Deer in forest
  • Forest with Bluebells
  • Walking route with viaduct in distance
  • Wild flowers
  • Forest at Castle Eden Dene National Nature Reserve
  • Autumn forest at Castle Eden Dene National Nature Reserve
  • The viaduct at Castle Eden Dene National Nature Reserve
  • Foggy morning at Castle Eden Dene National Nature Reserve

About

Castle Eden and its adjoining dene is one of the most interesting and picturesque parts of Durham.  A Site of Special Scientific Interest, it is home to an extraordinary variety of birds, more than 450 species of plants, and some of our favourite mammals, such as roe deer and fox. 

At 3.5 miles (5.6km) long it covers 221 hectares of woodland and lowland grassland and is the largest of a series of valleys which run down to the coast between Sunderland and Hartlepool, reaching the sea at Denemouth.

 

Book Tickets

Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Admission FreeFree

Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

TripAdvisor

Access Information

Opening Times

2025 (1 Jan 2025 - 31 Dec 2025)

* The reserve is open all year sunrise to sunset. Offices are open 8am-5pm Monday to Friday.

Map & Directions

Map Link

View Map

Highlights...

Walking on the Durham Heritage CoastDurham Coast, SeahamExperience the colourful and dramatic landscape of Durham’s Heritage Coast with its beaches, rugged cliffs and magnificent flora and fauna.

Castle Eden Dene - The Squirrel Walk, PeterleeThe Squirrel Walk - 1.8 miles (3km) between 1-2 hours. Follow the squirrel markers. Not suitable for pushchairs. Sturdy footwear recommended. Steep in places. Avoid visiting during high winds.

Castle Eden Dene - The Yew Tree Walk, PeterleeThe Yew Tree Walk - 2 miles (3.5km) between 1.5 - 2.5 hours. Follow the Yew markers. Not suitable for pushchairs. Sturdy footwear recommended. Steep in places. Avoid visiting during high winds. Disabled access is very limited due to natural features.

Heugh LighthouseThe Way of Love, HartlepoolThe Way of Love follows the influence of three of the most important female figures in the establishment of Christianity in England - St Hilda, St Helena and St Mary Magdalene - whilst mixing maritime and mining heritage, nationally-important nature reserves and the North East’s iconic denes.

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