High Force in Upper Teesdale is in the North Pennines AONB and is part of a Global Geopark. This beautiful landscape has been shaped by millions of years of Earth processes and thousands of years of people living and working here. Upper Teesdale is home to some of the UK’s rarest plants and most iconic upland birds. You’ll discover rocks with dramatic origins, ice age features, ancient settlements, lead mining heritage and wonderful wildlife.
Special Interest Breaks
We hold ‘special interest breaks’ throughout the year so you can enjoy your hobby or interest in comfortable surrounding and in beautiful, relaxing, unspoilt scenery.
If you are interested in our any of our workshops then please contact us to find out what we have to offer to individuals or groups and the available dates.
Our breaks include:
Stargazing
Photography
Walking
Black Grouse Shoots
Botany
Wildlife
Outdoor Pursuits
Fishing
A lively market town on the north bank of the River Tees, named after its medieval castle of the same name, Barnard Castle offers an array of cosy coffee shops, historical gems and river walks.
For those who love cycling, look no further than Hamsterley Forest. Full of walking, mountain biking and even horse riding trails galore, Hamsterley offers an adventure playground for all ages and abilities.
If you’ve come to the Dales for an adventure or two, make sure to stop by Bowlees Visitor Centre to find out about local walks, cycle trails and outdoor attractions.
Raby Castle offers a fantastic day out for history buffs, wildlife enthusiasts and outdoor lovers galore. Explore the beautiful castle interiors or enjoy a walk in the 200 acre deer park, stop by the yurt cafe and stables shop while children run riot in The Plotters’ Forest adventure playground.
The area has been an attraction for botanists for many years – below is an extract from an article detailing ‘A Botanical Excursion In Teesdale, July 1840′
“The next morning, accompanied by Mr Thomson, the landlord of the Talbot Inn we started for High Force Inn, a distance of five miles, calling in our way at New Bigging. Thence we passed over the fields to Winch Bridge, where the Tees is crossed by a foot bridge. Here the troubled stream of the tees is confined by rocks, upon which and on the adjoining ground grow Serratula tinctoria, Cnicus heteropohyllus, Galium. To this day it is the only place in England where you can see what is known as The Teesdale Violet.”
