11 must-see sights in the North Pennines AONB
Are you visiting the north of England? Here's why you should make space in your itinerary for the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
There's loads to see and do in our cosy corner of the planet. The magnificent towers of Durham Cathedral. The exciting nightlife of Newcastle. We even have our very own New York. (OK, it's a small village close to Whitley Bay… but the point still stands.)
And if you're a nature lover – even better. Break out of the cities and suburbs and you'll discover a world of outdoor adventure, waiting to be, well, adventured.
One of our most beautiful natural spots is the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Here, rolling hills crash down into deep valleys and rushing rivers. Waterfalls (20 of them!) dot the landscape. And there's so much wildlife you might think you've woken up in a Disney dreamland.
This charming haven is full of sights and activities for all the family. Here are just a few of them.
High Force
One of the most spectacular waterfalls in England, High Force is a pleasure to visit whether there's rain, shine or snow. The surrounding areas boast beautiful moorlands and meadows, woods and wildlife, while a nearby hotel allows exclusive out-of-hours access to the falls.
Admission is £3 for adults (16 or over) and £1.50 for children (five to 15). Under fours go free.
There are more falls nearby too, including Summerhill Force and Low Force. So make sure to research the area if you want to make the most of your trip.
Moor House – Upper Teesdale
Moor House – Upper Teesdale is one of the UK's largest National Nature Reserves.
It's particularly well known for its plants, which originally colonised the North Pennines after the last Ice Age. It's also home to an abundance of wildlife, making it the perfect destination for nature lovers and hikers.
The Pennine Way
Starting in the Peak District in Derbyshire and ending near the borders of Scotland, the Pennine Way is a terrific 268-mile trail.
Don't worry, we're not recommending you travel the whole length. As luck would have it, a significant stretch of this trail goes through the North Pennines. The Way passes places like High and Low Force, Cauldron Snout and the source of the River Tees.
Why not take a few walks along it and enjoy the stunning landscapes and diverse terrain?
Cauldron Snout
If you read that last entry and thought, 'What in the world is "Cauldron Snout?", fear not. We're here to explain.
Cauldron Snout is yet another beautiful waterfall on the River Tees. It was formed by glacial activity during the last Ice Age.
The falls cascade down a steep slope of basalt rock, carving out a series of ledges and boulders. This creates a cauldron-like effect – hence the name.
Beamish
Located in County Durham, just outside the North Pennines, this living museum offers visitors a chance to experience life during the late 19th and early 20th century.
You can explore historical buildings, visit a wartime farm and even take a trip down a real mine that was constructed back in 1855.
Beamish is a wonderful and interactive museum that promises an educational day out for all the family. It also holds events and festivals so make sure to check its website for more family-friendly fun.
The North Pennines Observatory
If you thought the landscapes looked amazing, wait until you see the
skyscapes.
See, the North Pennines is home to some of England's darkest night skies. Thus the North Pennines Observatory was founded, allowing visitors to enjoy thousands and thousands of stars and even see the Milky Way.
The recommended time to go is on a clear night when the moon is at its darkest. There are plenty of hotels nearby so you can enjoy the views for as long as you like. Dazzling!
Local towns and cities
If you're a history lover, you'll love exploring the area's interesting and quirky towns.
Take Hexham and Corbridge, for instance. These towns have castle-like buildings slap bang in the centre, with plenty of historical museums nearby.
Durham is spectacular too. The city centre was built on a hill with a castle at the top, surrounded by the River Wear.
It's not all castles and cathedrals, though. The city has a thriving nightlife too, with plenty of bars and restaurants to enjoy.
Raby Castle
Located on the outskirts of the North Pennines, Raby is a fantastic medieval castle that dates back more than 600 years.
The castle's extensive grounds house gardens, woodlands and a deer park. These have been carefully maintained over the centuries and are open for the public to explore.
Adult tickets cost £13 for entry to the castle and gardens, while child tickets cost £6.50. Be sure to check the official website, though, as family tickets and concessions are also available.
Barnard Castle
Located near Raby Castle, Barnard Castle is a quaint English town. It features a castle (also called Barnard), as well as the Bowes Museum and the Deepdale Nature Reserve.
It's perfect for history fans or hikers. Either way, the views over the River Tees are not to be missed.
Killhope Lead Mining Museum
The North Pennines have a rich history of mining that dates back centuries. The mining industry played a crucial role in shaping the local economy and landscape.
Want to immersive yourself in this fascinating story? You could do far worse than paying a visit to the Killhope Lead Mining Museum. Reviews rave about how helpful and informative the staff are – and the cakes in the visitors' cafe also get a mention. Tasty!
So strap on your hard hat, wellies and headlamps and get ready to learn all about the life of miners over the years.
The natural beauty
You can't go wrong when visiting the North Pennines if you're looking to enjoy nature and landscapes. There are too many to name here, but here are a few points of interest to get you started:
- Slaley Forest
- Derwent Reservoir
- Pow Hill Country Park
- The stepping stones at Stanhope
- South Tynedale Railway
Need to hire a car for your adventure?
If you're looking for a car to make the most of your explorations, we hope you'll consider Metro Vehicle Hire.
We're based in Swalwell – a suburb of Gateshead – so it's only a short hop from our forecourt to the vast, rocky landscapes of the North Pennines AONB.
All our cars are well looked after and thoroughly cleaned before every hire, so you can be sure of a comfortable trip.
To get started, take a look at our range of
rental cars.
