Durham Dales: A Breathtaking Escape into England’s Countryside

A hidden gem in County Durham, the Durham Dales is a stunning landscape of rolling hills, dramatic waterfalls, and unspoiled countryside. Made up of Weardale, Teesdale, and part of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), this region offers endless walking trails, picturesque villages, and breathtaking views.

Whether you’re looking for scenic hikes, cosy country cottages, or peaceful nature escapes, the Durham Dales is the perfect rural getaway.

Why Visit the Durham Dales?

The Durham Dales is one of England’s most beautiful and least crowded natural landscapes, offering:

• High Force Waterfall – One of England’s tallest and most spectacular waterfalls.
• The North Pennines AONB – A stunning landscape of rolling moorlands, rivers, and forests.
• Charming Market Towns & Villages – Explore Barnard Castle, Stanhope, and Middleton-in-Teesdale.
• Dark Skies & Stargazing – One of the best places in England for clear night skies.

Step Back in Time: Historic Attractions in the Durham Dales

Barnard Castle

A medieval fortress perched above the River Tees, Barnard Castle offers:

• Stunning views over Teesdale, perfect for photography.
• Rich history dating back to the 12th century, once home to Richard III.
• Beautiful castle ruins, now managed by English Heritage.

📍 Location: Barnard Castle, Teesdale
🕒 Opening Hours: Open daily (seasonal hours apply)
🎟️ Entry Fee: Ticketed entry via English Heritage

The Bowes Museum

A stunning French-style chateau in Barnard Castle, housing one of the best art collections in Northern England.

• See the famous Silver Swan automaton, a breathtaking 18th-century mechanical marvel.
• Explore impressive galleries featuring European art, ceramics, and fashion.
• Enjoy scenic gardens and café dining in a historic setting.

📍 Location: Barnard Castle
🎟️ Entry Fee: Ticketed entry

Raby Castle

One of England’s finest medieval castles, set within a beautiful deer park.

• Explore the grand halls, medieval kitchens, and secret passages.
• See herds of wild deer roaming the 200-acre park.
• Discover seasonal events, including markets and historical reenactments.

📍 Location: Staindrop, Durham Dales
🕒 Opening Hours: Open seasonally (check website for details)
🎟️ Entry Fee: Ticketed entry

Explore the Great Outdoors: Things to Do in the Durham Dales

High Force Waterfall

One of England’s most spectacular waterfalls, where the River Tees plunges 21 metres into a dramatic gorge.

• Walk the scenic woodland trail to the waterfall.
• Experience the sheer power and beauty of the cascading water.
• Visit Low Force Waterfall, a quieter but equally stunning natural wonder.

📍 Location: Teesdale
🚶 Trail Distance: 1 mile (easy walk)
🎟️ Entry Fee: Small parking charge applies

Hamsterley Forest

A peaceful woodland retreat, perfect for:

• Family-friendly walking and cycling trails.
• Mountain biking routes, including exciting downhill tracks.
• Wildlife spotting, with red squirrels, deer, and birds of prey.

📍 Location: Weardale
🎟️ Entry Fee: Free (parking charges apply)

Weardale Way

A long-distance walking route, offering:

• Breathtaking panoramic views of the Durham countryside.
• Scenic riverbanks, rolling moorlands, and historic villages.
• Various sections suitable for shorter day hikes.

🚶 Distance: 74 miles (split into shorter sections)

Dark Sky Stargazing in the North Pennines

The Durham Dales is home to some of England’s darkest skies, perfect for:

• Stargazing and astrophotography at designated Dark Sky Discovery Sites.
• Seeing the Milky Way, meteor showers, and constellations on clear nights.
• Attending stargazing events and guided night sky tours.

📍 Best Locations: Cow Green Reservoir, Grassholme Reservoir, Hamsterley Forest

Where to Eat and Drink in the Durham Dales

The Rose & Crown, Romaldkirk

A cosy country inn, offering locally sourced, seasonal dishes.
🥂 Best For: A fine dining experience in a traditional setting.

The Three Tuns, Eggleston

A classic countryside pub, serving hearty meals and local ales.
🍻 Best For: A relaxed pint after a long walk.

Teesdale Cheesemakers Café

A charming artisan café, specialising in handmade local cheeses and homemade treats.
🧀 Best For: Cheese lovers and foodies.

Independent Shops & Local Finds

Middleton-in-Teesdale Market

A quaint market town, featuring:

• Local crafts, artisan produce, and fresh farm foods.
• Handmade gifts and unique souvenirs.
• A friendly community atmosphere.

📍 Location: Middleton-in-Teesdale
🕒 Market Days: Seasonal events

Day Trips & Nearby Attractions

The Durham Dales is the perfect base for exploring County Durham and beyond:

• Durham City (25 miles) – Visit the UNESCO-listed Durham Cathedral & Castle.
• Hadrian’s Wall (40 miles) – Discover Roman forts, ancient ruins, and scenic walks.
• Hexham (35 miles) – A historic market town with Hexham Abbey and charming shops.
• Kielder Forest (50 miles) – A paradise for stargazing, cycling, and nature lovers.

Plan Your Trip to the Durham Dales

Best Time to Visit

The Durham Dales is a fantastic year-round destination:

• Spring & Summer – Ideal for hiking, wildlife spotting, and exploring castles.
• Autumn – A quieter time with stunning golden landscapes and crisp air.
• Winter – A magical setting with snow-covered hills and cosy pub evenings.

Where to Stay in the Durham Dales

From luxury countryside retreats to cosy stone cottages, the Durham Dales offers a variety of stays:

• Boutique Country Inns – Stay in traditional North Pennines inns with open fires and fine dining.
• Self-Catering Cottages – Enjoy a private retreat in the rolling countryside.
• Dog-Friendly Stays – Many accommodations welcome pets, perfect for long countryside walks.

Book Your Stay in the Durham Dales

Whether you’re looking for a rural escape, an outdoor adventure, or a peaceful countryside retreat, the Durham Dales is the perfect North East getaway.

📞 Need help booking your stay? Contact us:
📩 Email: hello@nee.cloudstay.dev
📍 Phone: 0191 359 2406