Durham City is not to be missed, in fact the panoramic view of the Cathedral and Castle has been described as "one of the finest architectural experiences of Europe" and a thousand years of welcoming pilgrims has given Durham a reputation for hospitality. Visitors are encouraged to explore the city and discover for themselves what makes it so special.
It is a compact city, yet offers a wide range of facilities, shops and restaurants co-exist happily with the Victorian Market. Much of Durham’s shopping area is closed to traffic, you can sit in the cobbled Market Place and enjoy some of the street entertainment, particularly during July and August or just soak up the relaxed atmosphere.There is a monthly Farmers’ Market, where you will find fresh local specialities to take back to your caravan for the evening BBQ! In the Spring and Summer, many stunning floral displays adorn the City for which Durham regularly wins prizes.
Situated in the heart of the city is the modern Millennium Place development, the focal point of which is the 500-seat Gala Theatre and Cinema which offers a varied programme of music, drama and comedy.
Yet it is possible to quickly escape the City centre by taking one of the many paths that lead down to the riverbanks; watch the rowers from the university teams, or even hire your own boat. For those with less energy take the ‘Prince Bishop’ river cruiser for a gentle trip along the river with stunning views.
A Park and Ride scheme is available, which is highly recommended, but there is also ample parking close to the City centre provided in 2 multi-storey car parks.
Beamish Museum the "living museum of the north", is another not to be missed attraction; remember to leave at least a full day to appreciate the many attractions, far too many to mention here but including a steam railway, electric trams, a farm and a colliery .There are many special events organised throughout the year, from "The Great North Steam Fair" to "Horses at Work".
Click on the picture to see the events calender.
Hamsterley Forest covers more than 2000 hectares, including a network of graded mountain- bike trails,walking routes, bridleways, a children's adventure play area and Gruffalo trail. The forest really does offer something for everyone.
The Golden Beaches at South Shields, which stretch from the mouth of the Tyne to Trow Rocks more than a mile away are the "crowning glory" of this vibrant seaside resort. On the sea front there is a fun fair, whilst just across the road you can enjoy gentle walks through South Marine Park with its boating lake, birds and miniature steam railway. Take a rest while feeding the swans and ducks or take in a game of bowls or a round of the putting green in North Marine Park.
The magnificent coastline has been fashioned by storms and the uncompromising North Sea and here you'll find wildlife, hidden coves, twisting cliff top paths and cycle ways.
There are numerous places to eat, ranging from traditional fish and chips, serving fresh North Sea cod, to bars and restaurants of every nationality.
Hardwick Park is a great place to spend the day. Stroll through the park and admire the natural beauty of the lake, woodland and wildlife. The visitor centre also has excellent facilities including an interactive display, education room, cafe and toilets.Throughout the year there are a variety of events, activities, walks and workshops for all to enjoy.
The Angel Of The North is a contemporary sculpture, designed by Antony Gormley, located in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, England.Completed in 1998, it is the largest sculpture in Britain. The work faced considerable opposition during its design and construction phases, but is now widely recognised as an iconic example of public art and as a symbol of Gateshead and of the wider North East.
Hartlepool has many unique attractions,including a stunning new multi-million pound Marina complex and an old town steeped in 1,000 years of history . The
Marina is one of the most modern in Europe, featuring one of Europe's biggest boat hoists and attracting hundreds of vessels. The Marina is Hartlepool's most alluring and relaxing location, high fashion, waterside restaurants, entertainment venues and romantic promenades may be more characteristic of a continental port, but here in the North East of England, Hartlepool has definitely made marina life its own.
Hartlepool Marina's centrepiece has to be the award-winning Historic Quay - a superb re-creation of an 18th century seaport, telling the story of life at sea at the time of Nelson, Napoleon and the Battle of Trafalgar, which dares you to experience life aboard a real British Naval frigate two centuries ago. Hartlepool Historic Quay is home to the Tincomalee, Europe's oldest floating warship where you can become entranced by the world of fighting ships and hardy mariners, turn your hand to seafaring games and physical tasks, face the daily challenges, nautical rituals and the hardship of maritime life in days gone by....but most of all you'll have a fabulous day out!
The rugged North East coast line can be appreciated from nearby Blackhall Rocks Picnic Area.
This section of coast line comprises over a mile of 60 foot high coastal cliffs and shore platforms, and is situated approximately 5 miles north of Hartlepool.
The view from the grassy cliff tops over the North Sea is breathtaking and an ideal place to marvel at the aerobatic skills of the multitudes of seabirds. There are places to scramble over boulders down to the rocky shore where there are caves and rock pools aplenty to explore.
Walking
There are many local walks to be enjoyed, just take a look at WALKING IN DURHAM
Wingate Nature Reserve If you prefer to stay closer to Woodside Ridge Caravan Park, then it's only a 15 minute leisurely walk (or a couple of minutes by car) to the Wingate Nature Reserve.
There is a public car park and numerous footpaths winding through the old quarry, which over time has become a haven for wildlife with the weathered quarry faces providing abundant nesting sites for birds. The adjacent woodland is open to the public and is crisscrossed by footpaths; there is also a small lake, which attracts water fowl as well as amphibians and iridescent dragonflies.
Closer still, public footpaths lead down to Kelloe Beck and beyond.
Click here for a map of the local footpaths.
Cycling
The road past the entrance is an official linking route to the National Cycle Network, opening up the possibility of endless miles of safe cycling.
Click here for a map of the Official Cycle Routes
Fishing
Course fishing is available at Kelloe Law Plantation just a short walk from the picnic area through the woods. Although this pond is wild and non-maintained, there is still plenty of fun to be had and plenty of fish to be caught.
Fishing permits are £5.00 per rod and can be purchased from our shop in reception. (See shop door for opening times).
