20 Attractions to Explore Near Rokeby Park

A rare example of an abbey that was temporarily converted to a manorial seat and later stripped for building materials when the aristocrats who owned it decided to build a much larger mansion nearby. The site buildings are protected as a Scheduled Ancient Monument and they are maintained by English Heritage.

The Bowes Museum is a hidden treasure, a jewel in the heart of beautiful Teesdale. Housing internationally significant collections of fine and decorative arts. Picnic Area & Playground. The magnificent building stands proud in the historic market town of Barnard Castle housing internationally significant collections of fine and decorative arts. Purpose built in the 19th century by John and Joséphine Bowes, the Museum has a wonderful story to tell.

A majestic and beautiful castle which was set on a high rock above the River Tees. It sits on the fringe of an attractive working market town also known as ‘Barney’ so there is plenty to do for families on a day out. The castle, an English Heritage property, was named after its 12th Century founder, Bernard de Balliol, and was later developed by Richard III whose boar emblem is carved above a window in the inner ward.

A hidden natural fountain with supposedly healing water that tastes like rotten eggs. This mineral spring can be found in Gainford. With a very high sulphur content the gases omit a foul bad egg smell which may put you off tasting it, but as soon as the smell clears the water appear fresh and cold. The noticeably sulphurous minerals contained in the water were thought to be health-giving and the well soon became a tourist attraction and there were unfulfilled plans to pipe the water to a pavili

Bowes Castle is part of a small cluster of English Heritage sites in the south of County Durham. It was constructed to guard the strategic route known as the Stainmore Pass, and was occupied from the late 1st century AD to the late 4th century. The importance of this route and the crucial defensive position of the fort were recognised by Henry II who built the keep in the north-west sector of the fort.

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.

Baldersdale is a dale, or valley, on the east side of the Pennines in England, northwest of Barnard Castle. Its principal settlements are Hury and Briscoe. Baldersdale lies within the traditional boundaries of the North Riding of Yorkshire. The river flows through three reservoirs on the way: Balderhead Reservoir, Blackton Reservoir, and Hury Reservoir. Running roughly parallel to Baldersdale to the north is Lunedale.

A beautiful reservoir located in the Balder Valley near Romaldkirk and Cotherstone and is a must for traditional fly fishing enthusiasts. The fishery enjoys lots of open space and is well stocked with rainbow trout. It is the ideal venue for anglers who like to match the hatch and cast wets, nymphs and dry flies as well as lures.

Dramatic moorland situated on either side of the arterial A66 road. Little changed since Roman times. most of it covered by blanket bog, which supports significant breeding populations of a number of wading birds. Many Roman artifacts have been found here over the years, including a Roman aqueduct.

Blackton Reservoir is located in Baldersdale and is one of a chain of three reservoirs on the River Balder. It sits immediately downstream from Balderhead Reservoir and it was covered with beautiful scenery and also you can have a walk around this place which will give you a new experience in the middle of nature.

Hannah’s Meadow Nature Reserve is a Durham Wildlife Trust site with species-rich upland hay meadows and grazing pasture in Baldersdale, County Durham. This meadow was once owned by, and is named after, Hannah Hauxwell who was featured in a famous TV documentary series in the 1970's - Too Long a Winter. The reserve consists of two species rich, unimproved upland hay meadows and a grazing pasture in a traditional farming landscape in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Hamsterley Forest is a commercial forest in County Durham operated by the Forestry Commission. It is the largest forest in County Durham and covers more than 2,000 hectares. It is a fantastic day out for the whole family. From wildlife watching to stargazing, and adventure play for all the family to exhilarating mountain biking, there is something to keep everyone busy.

Grassholme Reservoir is a large reservoir in County Durham, England. Try the beautiful reservoir walk that showcases the views across the water and surrounding landscapes, giving you the perfect atmosphere to reconnect with your loved ones or yourself. It offers a great variety of fishing. Grassholme also enjoys the luxury of its own local fish farm with some of the stocked fish tagged with cash prizes available. You can ‘loose feed’ and ground bait around the reservoir.

Balderhead Reservoir is a reservoir in Baldersdale, County Durham, England. It is one of four of the very best wild brown trout fisheries in the UK that we have in the stunning Teesdale countryside. Surrounded by the fantastic scenery of the North Pennine grouse moors, there are few more tranquil and relaxing ways to spend a day’s fishing than roaming the banks of these waters, and even fewer places where you can catch truly wild browns.

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.

Selset Reservoir is a reservoir in County Durham, England. It is situated in Lunedale which is a side valley of the River Tees. It is one of four of the very best wild brown trout fisheries in the UK that we have in the stunning Teesdale countryside. This iconic location is a best place to relax and also you can spend a good time here.

Escomb Saxon Church is one of the oldest Anglo-Saxon churches in England and one of only three complete Anglo-Saxon churches remaining in England. The church was built around 675 AD with stone probably from the Roman Fort at Binchester. Escomb church is on the national register of the Small Pilgrim Places Network. These places are small, spiritual oases, offering an atmosphere that encourages stillness, prayer and reflection for people of all faiths or none.

Locomotion, previously known as Locomotion: the National Railway Museum at Shildon or Shildon Locomotion Museum is a railway museum in Shildon, County Durham, England. At Locomotion, you can see highlights of the national collection of railway vehicles in the world’s first railway town. The town of Shildon has had an exciting story to tell since the earliest days of the rail industry, making it the perfect place to explore the rich seam of local railway history and discover how the railways have

Bishop Auckland Town Hall is a multi-purpose cultural venue situated in the Bishop Auckland marketplace. The Hall with its theatre, gallery, library, and café has undergone a major refurbishment program and was due to fully reopen to the public earlier in 2020. The building held a prominent position in the town and dominated the area with its strong mansard pavilions, spires, and associated ironwork.

Teesdale is mostly an upland area within the northern Pennines. Its bleak basalt and limestone moorlands gradually descend eastward from an elevation of about 2,500 to 600 feet (760 to 185 metres) and border the Tees valley on both north and south. One of the nice trekking destination and also you can spend some nice time in the middle of nature.