Out and About

The North Pennines is an area of stunning landscapes and is designated an 'Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty'.

It is an area of open heather moors between deep dales, upland rivers, hay meadows and stone-built villages, some of which contain the legacies of a mining and industrial past. The area shares a boundary with the Yorkshire Dales in the south and extends as far as the Tyne Valley, just south of Hadrians Wall in the north.

It provides excellent country for walking, cycling, horse riding and wildlife-watching. There are many footpaths and bridleways to explore, including the Pennine Way National Trail, the C2C National Cycle Route, the Pennine Cycle Route, the Pennine Byway and the Pennine Bridleway.

Apart from the many opportunities to enjoy the unspoilt natural beauty of the area there are numerous other attractions within the locality.

 

Agricultural Shows

Throughout the year there are a number of shows held in Weardale including England`s oldest Agricultural Show at Wolsingham with similar shows being held in Stanhope and others in several of the surrounding villages.

Hamsterley Forest

Hamsterley Forest is one of the top destinations for mountain biking in Northern England. There is a wide network of trails, from blue grade right up to extreme downhill trails at Descend Hamsterley.

Killhope Lead Mining Museum

Killhope Lead Mining Museum provides an unrivalled and award winning experience including the opportunity to venture underground and truly experience what life was like for the lead miners of the day.

Derwent Water

Derwent Water offers opportunities for sailing, fishing, canoeing and water ski-ing.

Weardale Ski Club

Weardale Ski Club in the upper reaches of the dale attracts skiers from all over England when conditions allow. There are 2 tow lifts which service up to 6 pisted runs, countless unpisted runs and gullies and masses of off-piste options.

Grouce Shooting

Weardale boasts some of the best Grouse shooting in the country and the high Pheasant shooting rivals some of the best available in Yorkshire.

Weardale Railway

This Heritage Railway line currently runs 18 miles between Bishop Auckland and Eastgate with a charming restored station in Stanhope itself. 

 

Bowes Museum

Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle houses a nationally renowned art collection.

High Force

High Force is one of the most spectacular and highest waterfalls in England and is a dramatic sight in full flow.

Raby Castle

Raby Castle is a magnificent medieval fortress  which sits in a 200 acre deer park with herds of Red Deer. Visitors are able to tour the magnificent interiors of the castle itself and there are also extensive gardens and other attractions.

Auckland Castle

Auckland Castle which houses the important collection of paintings by Zurbaran is undergoing works to become a major Heritage Centre.

Durham City/ Cathedral

We are ideally placed for guests to also visit Durham City with its world famous Cathedral, the ‘UK’s number one landmark’and it`s adjacent castle – a world heritage site. The city with it`s cobbled streets and one  of the most stunning city panoramas in Europe is among the finest cultural and historic destinations in the UK

Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne is within easy reach by car and offers world-class culture, vibrant nightlife and award-winning dining, Newcastle has fantastic shopping facilities and the Gateshead Metro Centre is one of the UK`s largest shopping and leisure centres.

Local Places

Many other historical and charming towns and villages such as Blanchland,Barnard Castle, Corbridge and Hexham are all within easy reach for our guests.