
Guests are always asking us to recommend places to visit and activities. Where do we start, there is so much to do on the doorstep! So here goes: (leaflets on the below can be found in cottage)
England's Highest Waterfall, High Force - The woodland walk leads you to this spectacular sight. As you begin the descent down the gentle slope the well-maintained path twists and turns giving a different view every few yards. From its rise as a trickle, high on the heather covered fells at the top of the North Pennines, to the top of the whin sill rock at Forest -in-Teesdale, the River Tees steadily grows and gathers pace, then it suddenly and spectacularly drops 21 metres into the plunge pool below.

Bowes Museum - The Bowes Museum is a hidden treasure, a jewel in the heart of beautiful Teesdale. 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. John Bowes was a successful businessman who travelled to Paris in 1847 to explore his interest in the arts. It was here he bought a theatre and met the Parisian actress Joséphine Coffin-Chevallier whom he married in 1852. Joséphine was a talented amateur painter who was interested in a whole range of art forms including paintings, ceramics, furniture and textiles.
Barnard Castle is named after the men that built the stone castle and founded the town. In 1125 Bernard de Balliol succeeded to the lands first given to Guy de Balliol in 1095. The original timber castle was rebuilt in stone and expanded by Bernard and his younger son, Bernard de Balliol II. The large castle is built high on rocky cliffs above the River Tees, and is divided into four wards all walled in stone. The inner ward is protected by a deep ditch cut into the rock and within this ward are the remains of the most important castle buildings including the Round Tower and the Great Hall.

Raby Castle - One of the largest and most impressive of English medieval castles, Raby Castle, in County Durham, Northumbria, provides a wonderful day out for all the family. Wonder at its towers, turrets, embattled walls, interiors and artworks from the Medieval, Regency and Victorian periods. See the herds of deer roaming the surrounding parkland, enjoy the ornamental gardens, the horse-drawn carriages, relax in the tearooms and be tempted by traditional and unusual gifts & souvenirs in the gift shop. Built in the mid 14th century on the site of an earlier fortified manor house by the powerful Neville family who owned it until the Rising of the North in 1569, Raby Castle has been the home of Lord Barnard's family since 1626.
Antiques Shops - The town is well known for its antique shops, ideal for browsing on those rainy days. Starting from the historical butter market, the antiques pave the paths of The Bank heading towards the River Tees. The Collector antique shop runs Early Furniture & Restoration Workshops - We Retail Early Oak and Walnut Furniture, Oriental Rugs, Pictures, Metal work, Pottery and Country Furnishings, along with other complimentary objects, that are, or work with the period. We also have a small, but interesting hardware dept. We supply and restore for some of the greatest and earliest Houses in Britain, but we also supply and restore for some of the smallest. Very happy to talk about your collection, or interests. I am almost always, in the shop on Saturdays, although we are open other days. Call any time on 01833 637783, or email me. Looking forward to meeting you. Bob Jordan.
Blagraves Restaurant - Blagraves House is the oldest house in Barnard Castle. It is situated at the centre of this historic market town's other main attractions, namely Bowes Museum, Eggleston Abbey and the Castle itself. With its heavily beamed ceilings and large open fireplaces it has been playing host to weary traveler and businessman alike for some 500 years. So why not dine where Cromwell once dined and experience the atmosphere of this unique 15th Century building whether it be an important business meeting or a relaxing dinner with family or friends.
Walks - The Teesdale Way explores the course of the River Tees for exactly 160km, from its source on the high moors of Cross Fell in the Cumbrian North Pennines to its outlet at Middlesbrough on the north east coast. This is a delightful walk through unmatched river scenery including historic sites, SSSI's, pretty villages, woods, rolling farmland and wetlands. Passing as it does from remote Pennine moorland through traditional dales towns and finally to Teesside's industrial heartland, the Teesdale Way gives a fascinating cross-section of the region's social, cultural and economic life.
Eggleston Hall Shops & Gardens - From the 1970's Eggleston Hall, the family home of the Grays, became increasingly well known for fine food, a nursery garden of unusual plants, and flower arranging and as a striking, wonderfully situated. The tradition founded by Rosemarie Gray who now lives in retirement on the estate is being carried forward by her son William and his wife Juliet. Eggleston Hall is on the north bank of the River Tees in the north east of England just south of the dales village of Eggleston on the B6278 between Barnard Castle and Middleton-in-Teesdale. A classical Georgian country house, the Hall offers an impressive combination of natural beauty and architectural style. Take the opportunity to visit Eggleston's renowned nursery gardens and enjoy the delights of the Coach House Bistro - specialising in locally sourced ingredients.
Rokeby Hall - A Palladian style country house built by Sir Thomas Robinson in 1735. He made several alterations in 1757 and sold it in 1769 to J.S. Morritt in whose family it has remained ever since. Rokeby is principally known as the setting for Sir Walter Scott's ballad of that name, the home from 1805-1905 of Velasquez "Rokeby Venus".
Curlews Book Shop - Browse through thousand of second hand books, were staff will be only to happy to help if looking for any particular book! Located within Barnard Castle market place.
Deepdale 4x4 - Deepdale Off Road can give you a new breadth of knowledge and experience to enjoy a 4x4 vehicle to its full potential whether you drive professionally or for pleasure. Deepdale promotes safe and non damaging use of off-road vehicles so you can enjoy the excitement of driving a Land Rover in a safe but challenging 20 acre site within a working farm.
Paintballing Scotch Corner - The longest established paintball site in the North East, with many varied and exciting gamezones, they offer an action packed, adrenaline fueled experience you will want to repeat, with various scenarios on each gamezone, to challenge you and your team, both physically and mentally. All the elements you need for a great paintballing experience are here: good car parking, professional fully trained and friendly staff with many years of experience in paintballing, qualified game managers, large comfortable covered safe area and the latest equipment.
Tan Hill Pub - The famous Tan Hill Inn. The highest in Great Britain at 1732 feet AMSL. Theakston Ales & Black Sheep Ales 4 - 6 on the bar at all times and our great Cider, Brothers Pears. Served by our friendly Bar Staff, with the biggest welcome you will find anywhere!!! Its a MUST try our very own EWES JUICE ( sheeps P*** ) or take a bottle home for a friend !!!
Raygill Riding Centre - Advance your riding skills whilst enjoying memorable outdoor adventures in beautiful surroundings.
Teesdale Trenchermen - Sells fine foods delivered directly to your door. They have sourced a wonderful selection of local and international products. Why not have hamper delivered for your arrival. Tel: 01833 638370