What to see and do

Teesdale is an ideal destination for outdoor activities and adventures. Walkers can enjoy long distance routes, riverside walks, forest and village trails. The National Byway and C2C cycle routes take advantage of quiet country lanes. Hamsterley Forest offers different grades of route for mountain bikes. The River Tees is ideal for canoeing and Selset Reservoir offers opportunities for sailing and windsurfing. There are several riding schools offering cross-country hacks and picnic rides.

Teesdale is also planning the world's longest pedestrian rope suspension bridge across the River Tees. Abseiling, rock climbing, orienteering, team challenge, caving, gorge walking, raft building, ropes and balance course, archery and air rifle shooting, expeditions and bivis are available via the Kingsway Adventure Centre in Upper Teesdale.

Teesdale Leisure Centre offers excellent leisure and sports facilities. These include a 25m swimming pool, sports halls, squash court, fitness suite, adventure play area, floodlit all-weather pitch, tennis court, multi-sport recreational play area, sauna and skate park. For further information telephone +44 (0) 1833 696 366 or fax +44 (0) 1833 695 034.

Teesdale has both public and private golf courses. There are tennis courts and a bowling green in the park at The Bowes Museum.

Use this section to plan group visits. Check opening times at the major attractions. Book activities. Find out about forthcoming events. Plan where to eat en route or extend your visit into a holiday or short break.