Places to visit during your stay
Enhance your visit by exploring our local area. We are fortunate to have so much on our doorstep or within a reasonable driving distance from the cottage. Here are four of our favourites, but take a look at our additional section, where we share other interesting places to visit whilst you're here. (Please check direct with venues for opening times)
Killhope Lead Mining Museum
http://www.killhope.org.uk
Low Barns Nature Reserve
https://durhamwt.com/reserves/low-barns-nature-reserve/
Beamish
http://www.beamish.org.uk
Tunstall Reservoir
https://www.thisisdurham.com/things-to-do/tunstall-circular-walk-p672831
More places to visit
A walk around Burnhope Reservoir is really beautiful in all weathers. Check out our gallery for some wonderful images of the area, just a short drive away from the cottage. You can walk there and never see a soul. It is a glorious spot to walk, with or without a dog. It is about an hours' circular stroll, mostly on a level. There is nothing there but the views.
Situated in stunning woodland in nearby Teesdale, next to Low and High Force waterfalls, Bowlees Visitor Centre has acres of countryside waiting for you to explore. It is surrounded by rolling fields boasting some of the best hay meadows in England.
High Force Waterfall is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in England, located at Forest-in-Teesdale, close to Middleton-in-Teesdale, and forming part of the Raby Estate. There are special breaks available, such as Ornithology,
Photography, Traditional Crafts and
Cookery, or simple visit for the day and enjoy the stunning views.
A little BIG museum virtually on the doorstep. A short walk, turn right our of our door, and walk along for 10 minutes or so until you find it.
This independent folk museum tells the stories of Weardale's history and heritage. Attached is High House Chapel, the oldest Methodist Chapel in continuous use. It's a place not to be missed.
Hall Hill Farm is an award winning mixed farm of 290 hectares providing a great day out for families, with loads of great things to do and see.
It provides a wonderful place to explore with children, and they have fun activities available, such as tractor rides, puppet shows and an adventure play area.
Weardale Railway is an 18 mile single track heritage branch railway line which can take you to areas within Bishop Auckland. The headquarters of the railway are at Stanhope station, and other stations along its line are at Frosterley, Wolsingham, Witton le Wear and Bishop Auckland.
Great for exploring the area!
Set in the historic and picturesque market town of Barnard Castle, and named after its founders, John and Joséphine Bowes, The Bowes Museum is a Grade 1 listed French-style château which has become known as one of the most important museums outside London.
The Cathedral is set next to the Castle, on a rocky outcrop, with the medieval city of Durham huddled below. The river sweeps round, and the profile of the World Heritage Site is instantly recognisable.
There is lots to see and do here; there are ever changing exhibitions, as well as world class architecture.
Kynren is an unmissable open-air live action night show in Bishop Auckland, open from August to mid September each year.
You can watch legends come to life in a thrilling tale, told on an enormous scale, which showcases the incredible story of England’s last 2,000 years.