Bowlees Visitor Centre
Overview
A fantastic base for walks, the centre provides information and displays on the landscape, wildlife and people of Upper Teesdale.
Within walking distance of both High Force Waterfall and Moor House-Upper Teesdale National Nature Reserve
A mezzanine gallery provides an exhibition space for local artists and photographers to display their work.
Visit the Bowlees Visitor Centre website
What makes it special
- Fantastic base for walks, including to High Force Waterfall
- Information about the Upper Teesdale area
Opening times
16 March to 29 September- Daily 10:00 to 17:00
30 September to 3 November - Daily 10:00 to 16:30
Weekends outside these dates, except spring half term
Hostels nearby
Other things to do nearby
High Force
High Force waterfall suddenly and spectacularly drops 70ft into a plunge pool, making it England's highest uninterrupted drop of water. Park at the nearby car park, also on a bus route, and walk
Watersports at Langdon Beck
Kingsway Adventure Centre, six miles away, offers guided tuition in a range of outdoor activities. YHA Langdon Beck is right by the River Tees, with a variety of paddling from beginner sites to
Mountain Biking in Langdon Beck
Hire a bike at Hamsterley Forest, about 20 miles away, and explore the graded trails including serious levels of descent and lovely family routes through the tranquil woods.
Walking and Rambling in Langdon Beck
The Pennine Way in on the hostel's doorstep, with two of the best stretches of the route in the area up to High Cup Nick.
Cycling in Langdon Beck
The hostel is close to the Coast to Coast cycling route. Local roads offer great cycling for all abilities for anyone who wants to enjoy stunning views over the North Pennines landscape. see
Eggleston Hall Gardens
Four acres of garden full of surprises with winding paths, borders, organic vegetables and fell views - a truly magical place. Visit the Garden website
Killhope
Killhope, The North of England Lead Mining Museum, is a fully restored nineteenth century lead mine, where you can experience for yourself the life and work of the lead mining families of the Pen
Barnard Castle
This fortress has stunning views over the Tees Gorge. Don't miss the sensory garden of scented plants and tactile objects. Visit the English Heritage website
Mountain Biking in Edmundbyers
15 miles from Edmundbyers, Hamsterley Forest offers something for everyone.
Bowes Museum
The greatest collections of European Fine and Decorative Arts in the North of England - a great day out for all of the family. Visit the Museum website
Ashgill Force
The highest waterfall in the area, the gill falls a spectacular 50ft into a pool in the wooded valley below.
Nenthead Mines Heritage Centre
See the mineral mining past of the North Pennines, with underground tours and interactive waterpower demonstrations. See samples in the nearby museum and tea-room. Visit the Mine website for
Cycling in Dufton
There's fantastic road cycling around Dufton with lots of quiet roads making it suitable for all cycling abilities.
Walking and Rambling in Dufton
You can approach Cross Fell, the highest point along the Pennine Way from the hostel. Don't miss High Cup Nick, an impressive geological feature popular with walkers, and the North Pennines very
Raby Castle
This dramatic medieval castle, set within a deer park, has a lovely walled garden, fine furniture and fantastic art collection. Visit the Castle website
Appleby
Appleby-in-Westmorland ia an attractive, historic, market town, famous for its horse fair that attracts a huge gypsy gathering each year. While here visit the Appleby Castle. Tours of th