Holiday rental in Durham: Nature, Coast and History

Nature

Hamsterley Forest is the largest forest in County Durham. The woodland has an extensive network of walking trails and paths and offers mountain-biking opportunities. Disc golf is also available; discs can be collected from the visitor centre.

High Force waterfall is 21 metres high. A circular walking route through the forest leads to the base of the waterfall. A large part of the High Force area lies within the North Pennines National Landscape and is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The Durham Dales offer walking routes, scenic experiences and outdoor activities. The North Pennines also have some of the darkest skies in the country, making them suitable for stargazing.

The Castle Eden Dene National Nature Reserve covers 221 hectares of woodland and lowland grassland. It is home to more than 450 plant species, as well as deer and foxes. A short, easily accessible path starts at the car park by the lodge.

Culture and History

Beamish is a living museum where visitors can walk along historic streets, meet costumed performers and see traditional crafts in action. Beamish Museum can be visited without a car.

Locomotion is located in Shildon, the world’s first railway town. The world’s first fare-paying passenger train journey took place on 27 September 1825 on the Stockton and Darlington Railway. Railway sites and transport history are therefore among County Durham’s clearly recognisable historical themes.

The Bowes Museum is a Grade I listed, accredited museum with a Grade II listed parkland setting in Barnard Castle, County Durham. The museum preserves a designated collection of European fine and decorative art. Raby Castle is a castle built in the 14th century by the influential Neville family. Raby Castle’s 200-acre deer park is home to red deer and fallow deer.

Older religious history is also present: the Church of St Mary in Seaham may date from the 8th century and was restored in 1913.

Coast and Paths

A 11-mile coastal path runs along the Durham Heritage Coast. The Durham Heritage Coast is internationally recognised for its rare plants and wildlife. The Durham Coast National Nature Reserve consists of five sections along the Durham Coast and supports an important breeding population of little terns.

Seaham adds further activities to the coastal landscape. There are impressive cycling tours along the cliffs, and visitors can search for Seaham sea glass. County Durham can be explored by train, bus, bicycle or on foot. The Cathedral Bus connects Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle with the railway station and the coach drop-off area at Freeman’s Place.

More Places

The location links also lead to West Auckland, Spennymoor, Shincliffe, Sedgefield, Newton Aycliffe, Durham, Croxdale, Crook, Consett, Bishop Auckland, Barnard Castle, Headlam, Bowburn, Stanhope, Haswell, Chester-Le-Street, Burnhope, Sacriston, Seaham, Hutton Magna, Wolsingham, Middleton-In-Teesdale, Lanchester, West Rainton, Stanley, Peterlee, Shotley Bridge, Hamsterley, Wycliffe, Witton-Le-Wear, Staindrop, Evenwood, Ebchester, Romaldkirk, Byers Green, High Etherley, Hunwick, Pelton, Woodland, Tow Law, Shildon, Horden and Bishop Middleham.

For the higher-level travel overview: North East England.