Local Activities & Attractions around County Durham

There is so much to see and do in and around County Durham and to help you get the most out of your time with us we have selected just a few ideas to help you along the way...

DAY ONE

 • Durham Dales Centre: For those who love the great outdoors, the Durham Dales is an ideal destination for a wide variety of activities and adventures. Your first point of call would be the Durham Dales Centre, located in the picturesque village of Stanhope on the banks of the River Wear with its famous stepping stones and market square. From here the more adventurous can choose from a choice of country walks to suit all abilities or why not try mountain biking, sailing, pony trekking or rock climbing, to name a few, all of which can be arranged direct through centre.

DAY TWO

 • City of Durham: founded just over 1,000 years ago (in AD 995), the City of Durham continues to delight its visitors with its impressive Castle, Cathedral and Britain’s third oldest University after Oxford and Cambridge. With a population of around only 40,000 people, Durham really is a small but beautiful city with its scenic river walks and cobbled streets.

 • Forbidden Corner: ideal for those with children, it is labelled as ‘The Strangest Place in the World’! Forbidden Corner is a labyrinth or tunnels, chambers, follies and surprises in a four acre garden near Leyburn. Tickets must be booked in advance to enjoy this truly unique family attraction.

DAY THREE

 • Beamish Open Air Museum: this open air museum tells the history of people from the North East at two important dates in their history; from the rural, thinly populated past through to when heavy industry was at its peak after the industrial revolution. Enjoy this fantastic day for adults and children alike and gain an educational and insightful perspective into our country’s history.

THE BEST OF THE REST

 • The Weardale Railway: built by the Stockton & Darlington Railway in 1847, was used for the transportation of limestone quarried in Weardale heading for Teesside ironworks. This railway then has strong links to the industrial history of Weardale. Today the Weardale Railway is a stunning little scenic railway and an incredibly popular family attraction in Weardale. The Winter Service runs three times a day from Stanhope stopping at Frosterley and Wolsingham. 

 • Hadrian's Wall: one of the most historic attractions in the area. Built in AD122, the wall was built by order of the Emperor Hadrian during his visit to Britain and the remains that stand are a precious memory of our origins and history.

 • The Metrocentre: the country's largest indoor shopping and entertainment arena.

 • Newcastle: the centre of this bustling city is within 40 minutes of the hotel.