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Local Attractions and Places of Interest


With the Cities of Durham, Newcastle and York and the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and East Coast all within easy driving distance, this is an ideal base from which to visit the sights of North East England. 

Durham Castle and Cathedral and Auckland Castle and the spectacular Kynren are within easy reach of Merrington Grange, along with Low Barnes Nature Reserve, which is considered one of Durham Wildlife Trust’s premier reserves. Weardale is at the heart of the Durham Dales and provides breathtaking scenery and fantastic walks. It is the perfect location for getting outdoors and going walking or cycling and there are many exhibitions, festivals and events throughout the year. Spectacular waterfalls, sweeping moorlands, magnificent castles and ancient market towns are all to be found in nearby Teesdale. You can also find an excellent selection of country pubs and quality restaurants in the area. 

Hartlepool Marina

Nestling on the Tees Valley in the North East of England the Hartlepool Marina is ideally placed for access to the open sea

Killhope Lead Mining Museum

Killhope is a multi-award winning 19th century mining museum in the centre of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Crook Hall Gardens

The 13th century Grade I listed Medieval hall in Durham City provides spectacular backdrop to the stunning gardens.

Hardwick Park

Hardwick Park is a country park with a difference, a Visit England accredited attraction, and a great place to visit at any time of the year.

National Railway Museum

A fun day out for the family with lots of interesting exhibits, restored engines and packed with herritage and history from Darlington, the home of railways.

Durham City

In Durham City you will find historic buildings, museums, galleries, guided walks, Durham University, shopping and more.

Durham Cathederal

Durham Cathedral is one of the great buildings of Europe. Set grandly on a rocky promontory next to the Castle with the medieval city huddled below

Barnard Castle

Barnard Castle offers a host of family-run shops, some excellent pubs and the medieval ruins of the 12th Century Castle.

Bowes Museum

The Bowes was designed and purpose-built as a public art gallery by the French architect Jules Pellechet and opened in 1892.

High Force Waterfall

Take a walk around Teesdale and the Waterfall at High Force.

Beamish Open Air Museum

Beamish is a living, working experience of life as it was in the Great North in the early 1800s and 1900s.

Hadrians Wall

Designated a World Heritage Site in 1987, Hadrian's Wall ranks alongside the Taj Mahal and other treasures of the great wonders of the world.