Derwent Valley
The Derwent Valley, one of the three Durham Dales, is sometimes an overlooked corner of the North Pennines - but if you venture into its hidden depths you won't be disappointed!
White Lands
The small village of Blanchland (Offsite link) with its honey-coloured cottages, is perhaps the most attractive settlement in the whole of the North Pennines. Blanchland means the 'white lands' - almost certainly a reference to the white habits of the Premonstratensian monks of the old Blanchland Abbey. Today the village, abbey and surrounding countryside are well worth a visit.
Derwent Reservoir
Downstream from Blanchland the flow of the River Derwent is interrupted by the three mile long Derwent Reservoir. It was built in 1967 and is the second largest reservoir in Northumberland. There is a choice of three excellent picnic sites on the bank of the reservoir - with trails, bird hides, nature reserves and fishing opportunities to entice you to stay a while longer. Find out more about the history and wildlife of the area by clicking on Welcome to Derwent Reservoir and Pow Hill Country Park! . This will take you to a series of downloadable short video and sound files, a self-guided trail leaflet and information about the on-site audio trail, all created as part of the AONB Partnership's Living North Pennines project.
Places to visit, things to do
Visit County Durham (Offsite link) - Durham Tourist Information - Find things to do in Durham City and County, hotels and accommodation, what's on, restaurants, special offers and itineraries
Visit Northumberland (Offsite link) - Discover things to do throughout Northumberland, all types of accommodation, where to eat, special offers and itineraries.
Blanchland (Offsite link) - former Abbey and attractive village
Gallery Upstairs (Offsite link) - in the centre of Blanchland village, 01434 675192
Derwent Reservoir (Offsite link) - second largest man-made lake in Northumberland
Pow Hill Country Park (Offsite link) - on the banks of Derwent Reservoir
Further afield
Tanfield Railway (Offsite link) - 0845 4634938 - Working steam railway - see the world's oldest surviving railway bridge, Causey Arch
Highland Cattle Centre (Offsite link) - 01661 843228
Beamish - the Living Museum of the North (Offsite link) - 0191 3704000 - an unforgettable insight into life in the North East in the late 1800s and early 1900s - includes a colliery, drift mine, pit cottages, working farm, railway station and town (print works, stationers, stables, sweet shop, dentist)
Beamish Wild (Offsite link) - 01207 233733 - Birds of Prey Conservation Centre and Ropes Activity Centre set within the grounds of Beamish Hall Country House Hotel
Hexham Abbey (Offsite link) - 01434 602031
Hexham Old Gaol (Offsite link) - 01434 652351
