Hamsterley Forest - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

One of the picturesque locations where you can spend some nice time from wildlife watching to stargazing, and adventure play for all the family to exhilarating mountain biking, there is something to keep everyone busy. 2000 hectares of mixed scenic woodland lying between the Wear and Tees valleys on the edge of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The Harehope Quarry Project is based in a former limestone quarry near the village of Frosterley in County Durham. The project aims to demonstrate a more sustainable way of living through its education and events programme and through the development and management of this Local Wildlife Site.

A beautiful and majestic castle, which was set in the bustling market town of Stanhope, surrounded by the beautiful countryside fields and hills of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It comprises of a beautiful lawn to the front of the house, and side elevation and beautiful woodland pathways lead to the river.

One of the unique venues with a range of attractions such as a tearoom offering homemade hot and cold meals, specialty coffees and teas, gift shops and speciality craft shops, gardens, visitor information, function room, and business offices. The grounds of the Centre boasts a wonderful site, also home to a wonderful sculpture, covered in lots of fossils, known as Frosterley Marble.

Weardale, one of the Durham Dales, was once the hunting ground of County Durham’s Prince Bishops. This spectacular dale has beautiful historic settlements, great attractions and exhilarating landscapes to discover. Explore this stunning area either by car, on foot, on horseback or by bicycle or motorbike – there’s actually more miles of foot and cycle paths in the county than roads, so visitors feel far away from their busy lives.

Raby Castle isis a medieval castle located near Staindrop in County Durham, England, built by John Neville, 3rd Baron Neville de Raby, between approximately 1367 and 1390. It was surrounded by 200 acres of lush green parkland, where herds of red and fallow deer live wild. Explore the park and amble around the ponds to spot plenty of wildlife that inhabit this remarkable setting.