8 breathtaking reasons to visit Durham in summer 2020
ADVERTISING FEATURE
TAKE a deep breath, fill your lungs with fresh air and open your eyes wide to enjoy some of the most beautiful sites in the world - all situated in Durham.
We’ve spent months in lockdown, so experiencing the fabulous scenery and heritage closer to home is a glorious way to ease yourself back into normal life, while staying safe.
Bars and restaurants are cautiously re-opening, but if you’re not ready to try out social distance socialising, why not treat yourself and your loved ones to an invigorating walk or cycle ride through Durham’s luscious dales, stunning coast, parks and historic sites.
Durham was recently ranked as one of Britain’s top 10 places for a Staycation, with judges from the Guide to a Very British Staycation impressed with its amazing open spaces, so don’t miss out.
It’s important to ‘Know before you go’ - and be aware of the latest Covid-19 restrictions ahead of any trip, indoors or outdoors, you can click here to check out the latest guidance before you head out.
Here are eight fabulous places to enjoy the great outdoors in Durham with some top tips on how to keep safe and make the most of your visit in line with social distancing requirements:
Relax and escape the trials of the last few months amid the peaceful and tranquil landscape of moors and hills, valleys and meandering rivers dotted with picturesque villages and market towns.
Incorporating Teesdale and Weardale, the Durham Dales are part of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a European and UNESCO Global Geopark.
You can explore the stunning scenery on foot or bike - with the area boasting some of the best hiking and biking routes in the UK.
Whichever way you decide, we guarantee you will relish the breathtaking views.
Especially popular are the two-official Walkers are Welcome Towns - Middleton in Teesdale and Wolsingham.
Another Durham Dales highlight is Hamsterley Forest which has 2,000 acres of woodland to explore - a fabulous place for a walk or a bike ride and to ensure you get the most out of your visit check the latest updates on their Facebook page and website during busy periods. Midweek visits are recommended too.
And be sure not to miss the perfect photo opportunity at High Force one of England’s most impressive waterfalls.
Bring a picnic or visit one of the tasty tearooms, cafes and traditional country pubs which are starting to open along many routes - don’t forget it’s best to know before you go, so check ahead for opening times and availability to avoid disappointment!
This truly stunning location is the perfect place to blow off the lockdown cobwebs.
There’s plenty of space to social distance and drink in the North Sea air amid this colourful and dramatic landscape, with its beaches, rugged cliffs and imposing headlands which stretch from Sunderland to Hartlepool.
Admire the internationally renowned rare plants and wildlife as you amble through a colourful mosaic of grasslands, wildflowers, flora and fauna.
The limestone grasslands of the yellow Magnesium Limestone cliffs are one of the UK’s most protected habitats.
Inland from the coast are hidden denes containing ancient yew and ash woodland.
Other points of interest include Seaham - a lively harbour town which is home to one of the oldest churches in the country and an award-winning spa hotel.
Set against a backdrop of some of Durham’s best attractions and landscapes, the Northern Saints Trails are a fascinating opportunity to forget about the recent issues of lockdown and reflect on the fascinating history of the area - including its most famous landmark, Durham Cathedral.
Marked routes are launching later this month (July).
The six routes mirror the saint’s journeys and their connections with the North East and also recognise the significance of Durham Cathedral as a destination for pilgrims for centuries - from connections with St Cuthbert, who was brought to Durham Cathedral from Lindisfarne by monks in the 9th Century, to the Venerable Bede, regarded as one of the greatest Anglo-Saxon scholars whose shrine has lay in the Galilee Chapel at Durham Cathedral since the 14th Century.
There are routes to suit all ages and abilities, whether you are looking to take on a walking challenge, get back to nature, discover stunning landscapes, uncover fascinating history, enjoy family time in the great outdoors or focus on wellbeing, be guided by the Northern Saints as you take a step back in time.
The Trails position the North East as the Christian Crossroads of the British Isles and offer a great opportunity to enjoy family time in the great outdoors.
Please note that, due to the Covid-19 outbreak, a number of attractions, accommodation and food and drink businesses along the Northern Saints Trails are just reopening, so don’t forget to check directly with businesses before you head out.
Revitalising riverside walks, tasting fabulous local produce and exploring fascinating antiques shops are all popular past-times in this charming market town.
It’s been featured in The Guardian’s 10 of the UK’s best small towns due to its independent shops and beautiful Teesdale countryside, which inspired Walter Scott’s epic poem Rokeby.
Steeped in history, Barnard Castle takes its name from the nearby English Heritage property named after its 12th century founder, Barnard De Balliol and was later developed by Richard III.
In the centre of the town stands an octagonal building, the Market Cross known locally as, the ‘Butter Market’, built by Thomas Breaks and given to the town in 1747. Two bullet holes in the weather vane are reputed to be the result of a shooting competition between a volunteer soldier and a local gamekeeper in 1804.
Don’t miss Eggleston Hall Gardens, known as the ‘Secret Garden of the North’ the gardens consist of 4.5 acres of winding paths and walls that lead you along planted borders, complete with a stream and a 16th Century churchyard.
Keen walkers are guaranteed a warm welcome too, with the town nationally recognised as a Walkers are Welcome town in 2017.
Built by the mighty Nevills in the 14th Century, and home to Lord Barnard’s family since 1626, this is a fascinating place to enjoy a summer’s day.
The dramatic architecture is surrounded by fabulous outdoor scenery, including the 200 acre Deer Park, waterfall and 18th century Walled Gardens - but the attraction is not fully open yet.
The gardens re-opened on June 24 and you can visit the Walled Gardens, Deer Park and Refreshment Kiosk at the attraction, near Staindrop.
From July 4 more facilities will be available with Raby Castle advising: “As with the facilities we have opened so far, we are taking a gradual approach to reopening additional areas, which will eventually include the Castle, Woodland Play Area and the Stables Café and Shop at Raby Castle, and High Force Hotel and restaurant.
“We are following guidance closely to make sure we do this in a safe and controlled way, so that when you visit Raby Castle and High Force the experience is both safe and enjoyable. The experience will feel a little different to how we’ve opened in the past, but we can promise that your visit will still feel special!”
The source of many a happy memory for children and families through the ages, Wharton Park dates back to 1857.
A £3million regeneration has helped to ensure this green oasis retains its prime position to welcome visitors to enjoy its wealth of outdoor activities.
Commanding spectacular views across Durham City, it truly deserves its VisitEngland accreditation.
The play areas are open. The café and visitor centre are currently awaiting plans to reopen. For now, enjoy the open spaces, charming community garden and stunning views of the city - you may catch a glimpse of a train across the magnificent viaduct.
Welcoming visitors since the 18th century, this Grade II listed site is a fascinating place to enjoy a breath of fresh air as lockdown eases.
Featuring beautiful views, rich heritage, archaeological remains and ecological diversity, Hardwick Park is so well managed it’s been awarded green flag status and it’s accredited by VisitEngland.
Situated on the west side of Sedgefield it is easily accessible by car and foot - and there are public transport links too. A fabulous spot for a picnic, or to walk the dog - there are plenty of swans to admire too.
The play areas are now open although the café and visitor centre are currently closed and expected to open during the summer. For now, you can enjoy the play area, extensive parkland and open spaces.
From secret gardens to majestic treasures, hidden gems come in all shapes and sizes in the Vale of Durham and offer a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors.
One popular place you may like to visit is Escomb Saxon Church, which revels in mystery and inspires many visitors with its amazing history of 1,300 years of Christian worship. The ancient building is a fascinating place to experience.