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
Acorn Bank Garden and Watermill
Acorn Bank Garden is a National Trust garden, best known for its collection of herbs. Wander along the beck to the partially restored watermill. Visit the National Trust website
Allendale Forge Studios
A co-operative group of volunteers, producers, artists and makers promoting small businesses and the beautiful North Pennines landscape through the Allendale Forge Studios Art and Craft Centre. Vis
Ashgill Force
The highest waterfall in the area, the gill falls a spectacular 50ft into a pool in the wooded valley below.
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
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
Climbing in Edmundbyers
Howns Gill Quarry is the close by on the southern side of Consett, and offers a large sandstone quarry, 25 metres in places. A bit further south is Stanhope Dene Millstalk (sandstone)
Cycling in Alston
The hostel is a popular stop off for the Sea to Sea bike ride. The secure bike shed and drying room offer all the facilities a cyclist needs. However we do not have bikes to rent out.
Cycling in Dufton
There's fantastic road cycling around Dufton with lots of quiet roads making it suitable for all cycling abilities.
Cycling in Edmundbyers
We're just off the Coast to Coast cycle Route.
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
Cycling in Ninebanks
The Allen Valleys provide distinctive landscapes with great cycling routes.
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.
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.
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
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
Walking and Rambling in Alston
The Pennine Way passes through some of the most beautiful and remote countryside England has to offer. This section boasts the highest waterfall in England.