Teesdale

Teesdale is the most southerly of the Durham Dales. 

Sweep of moor and crag

The sweep of the moors and crags of the upper dale have an unrivalled drama which many visitors come back to savour time and time again. Raby Estate's white farmhouses and barns are a distinctive and memorable element in the landscape of Upper Teesdale and the stunning spectacle that is England's biggest waterfall - High Force - adds a vibrant natural beauty to the mix.

Middleton

Middleton-in-Teesdale is the 'capital' of the upper dale and is an excellent base from which to explore the area. The information centre in the village is an excellent place to plan a trip to the upper dale. Be sure to explore the rest of the village, which was the headquarters for the London Lead Mining Company in the middle of the 19th century.

Places to visit, things to do

Teesdale Rocky Weekend - 8 & 9 September 2012 - Bowlees. Weekend of 'rocky' activities to help you unlock the geological and landscape secrets of the North Pennines.

High Force Waterfall

Walks to Gibson's Cave and Low Force waterfall from Bowlees.

Eggleston Hall Gardens

Newbiggin Methodist Chapel

Moor House-Upper Teesdale National Nature Reserve - one of England's largest NNRs (01833 622374).

Grassholme (visitor centre and exhibition), Cow Green and other Northumbrian Water Reservoirs.

Barnard Castle and Middleton in Teesdale Farmers' Markets.

Walks on the Teesdale Way and Pennine Way National Trail.

Hannah's Meadow (0191 5843112) - A Durham Wildlife Trust nature reserve in Baldersdale.

Ark on the Edge - animal rescue centre and sanctuary.

Bowes Castle

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Further afield

The castle at Barnard Castle - Set on a high rock above the River Tees, imposing Barnard Castle was the stronghold of the Balliol family. Taking its name from Bernard de Balliol, who rebuilt it in the 12th century, it includes a fine great hall and a dominating round-towered keep.

Raby Castle - Impressive medieval castle. See herds of deer roaming in the parkland, enjoy ornamental gardens, relax in the tearooms and explore the towers and turrets!

Hamsterley Forest - Walks, traffic-free cycle routes, visitor centre and orienteering.

The Bowes Museum - Magnificent French chateau-style museum set in 8.5ha of parkland.

Eggleston Abbey - The charming ruins of a small monastery of Premonstratensian 'white canons', picturesquely set above a bend in the River Tees near Barnard Castle.