What To Do In And Around Weardale

Exploring Weardale: A Natural Beauty

Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Weardale is a stunning location that has something to offer for everyone. Its rich history, unspoilt scenery, and panoramic hilltop views make it the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a peaceful escape. In this article, we will take a closer look at what Weardale has to offer and the various activities and attractions available.

Walking, Cycling, Fishing, and Golfing

Weardale is a popular destination for outdoor activities, including walking, cycling, fishing, and golfing. The area offers a variety of public footpaths, tracks, and country lanes that allow visitors to explore the natural beauty of the region. Cycling enthusiasts can enjoy the local byways or the nearby Coast to Coast route. The river Wear and local reservoirs offer fantastic fishing opportunities, while bird and wildlife watching is abundant throughout the region.

Westgate: The Ideal Location

Westgate is an excellent location to explore the natural beauty of Weardale. The village offers a great selection of country lane, hillside, and riverside walks, including the renowned Slit Wood. Slit Wood is described as a "secret paradise" and is known for its quaint waterfalls, which draw visitors in from far and wide. The village is also home to the Hare & Hounds pub, which is known for its fantastic Sunday roast and great locally brewed beers. Families will enjoy the play park and multi-sports area, while St Johns Chapel, just over a mile away, offers a Coop, Cafe, post office, two pubs, and a local Village Hall.

Stanhope: The Largest Village in the Dale

Less than ten minutes' drive south of Westgate is the largest village in Weardale, Stanhope. This picturesque village offers a range of local shops and services, including a grocery, bakery, butchers, chemists, hairdressers, newsagents/off-licence, hardware store, takeaways, boutique art and craft galleries, tourist information, tea shops, and cafes. The village also has a bank (ATM machines) and post office, weekly markets, and is an excellent place to support local businesses.

Exploring Surrounding Places of Interest

The North Pennines has much to offer in its unique beauty, history, and easy accessibility to surrounding places of interest. Visitors can explore Durham City with its Cathedral and Castle or Newcastle with its Quayside, famous bridges, excellent shopping, and world-renowned Metrocentre. The Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Hadrian's Wall, Beamish Open Air Museum, and the market towns of Hexham, Barnard Castle, Penrith, and Alston (the highest market town in England) are all within easy reach.

Getting Around Weardale

The villages of Weardale are well-connected with local buses, taxis, and the Weardale railway. 

Weardale is a stunning destination with an abundance of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and attractions for visitors to explore. Whether you are a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a first-time visitor, Weardale has something to offer for everyone. So why not plan your visit today and experience the beauty of Weardale for yourself.