Relax Adventure Explore
In A Nutshell...
Walking & Cycling
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Hadrians Wall
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Off road forestry tracks
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Derwent Valley railway path
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Local footpaths
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Waskerly Way moorland walking routes
Wine & Dine
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Riverside cocktail bars in Durham City
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Huge range of restaurants
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Quiet country pubs
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Scenic beer gardens
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Quaint coffee shops
Leisure Activities
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Beamish Museum
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Durham Cathedral
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Angel of the North
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Hall Hill Farm
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Diggerland
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Derwent Reservoir
Further Afield
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Heritage coastal routes of Northumberland
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Holy Island
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Alnwick Gardens
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Visitor Centres & Attractions
Within 30 minutes drive:
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Beamish Museum
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Botanic Gardens, Durham
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Wheelbirks Farm & Ice cream Parlour
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Durham Cathedral & Castle
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Angel of the North
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Hadrians Wall Visitor Centres
A little further afield:
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Heritage Coastal Routes of Northumberland
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Holy Island
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Alnwick Gardens (Largest treehouse in the world)
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Railway centres
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Killhope Mine Museum
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Living Museum Of The North
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Outdoor Adventure Centres
Family Attractions:
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Diggerland
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Hall Hill Farm
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Centre For Life, Newcastle
Our local towns offer relaxing riverside walks and outdoor parks. Taste the best Northumbrian ice cream at local farm parlours. Local golf courses include Durham City, Ramside Hall, Slaley Hall and Hexham Golf Club. A little further afield there are championship courses such as Close House and Matfen Hall.
Whatever you are interested in, we are always on hand to answer questions and give great recommendations. Further suggestions such as Durham Cathedral & Castle, Angel of the North and Railway Centre's such as Weardale and Tanfield are all within a 20-40 minute drive.
Outdoor Leisure & Sports
Within 30 minutes drive:
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High Force Waterfall
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Lanchester Valley Walk
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Hamsterly Forest Heritage Walking Trail
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Derwent Reservoir Water Sports
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Slaley Forest Cycling & Walking
A little further afield:
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Hadrians Wall
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Heritage Coastal Routes of Northumberland
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Holy Island
The Derwent Reservoir Waterside Park (a short 20min drive), offers windsurfing and paddleboarding and try the beautiful reservoir walk that showcases the views across the water and surrounding landscapes.
We also have fantastic adventure centres on our doorstep, such as All Out Adventures Slaley, to suit all ages! Including off-road driving, quad biking, archery, clay pigeon shooting, zip wires, climbing and more!
Journey under towering trees to the spectacular High Force Waterfall, one of the County of Durham’s most impressive natural landmarks and one of the biggest waterfalls in England. Beginning its journey on the fells of the North Pennines AONB, the River Tees swells before plunging 21 metres into a gorge below.
Walking Routes
Relax in picturesque valleys, uncover hidden histories and learn more about our wildlife and habitats. Visit spectacular waterfalls and woodland or walk through ancient palaces and beautiful hay meadows. Leave the tarmac behind and go trail running, cycle out on quiet country roads or challenge yourself on two National Trails.
The 2000-year-old, 73-mile Hadrians Wall stretches across the National Park. Bike, hike or wander alongside it while you take in its poignant history. Fascinating sites, temples, and Roman bathhouses are scattered along the 73-mile wall that dips and dives across the UK. This striking feat of engineering, impressive enough to inspire Game of Thrones, spans Northumberland's countryside. Walltown crags, Housesteads, Vindolanda and Chesters Roman Fort offer History excitement for all ages!
The Waskerley Way is a beautiful 9.7 mile route passing through a varied landscape, from urban fringe through to upland sheep farms and on to exposed heather moorland. You will pass through one of the most impressive railway structures in North East England at Hownsgill Viaduct
Cycling Routes
You are spoilt for choice with walking and cycling routes in the area, wether you are looking for a gentle stroll with a pint at the pub or a day full of adrenaline, there's lots of choice. Hamsterly and Slaley are both forestry trails nearby providing a more challenging route, with fell land such as Blanchland to enjoy stunning views.
County Durham contains scenery and towns full of character so there is plenty to enjoy for the cyclist. There are several National Cycle Network signed routes in the county that can be easily reached from the site.
Lanchester Valley Walk is close-by (4 minutes drive or take country roads from the farm to connect to this via local cycle ways) - Stretching for 20 miles (32 km) through the countryside, Lanchester Valley Path is perfect for cycling and hiking. The path follows the old Lanchester Valley railway line which ran from 1862 until 1965. Trains once carried iron to Consett steelworks and coal from Langley Park along this route.
You should be able to spot old station houses, platforms and historical ruins en route. There's also plenty of benches and picnic areas.
Hamsterley Forest Local Heritage Trail - Taking in existing footpaths and following parts of the Coast 2 Coast cycle route, the Heritage Trail has magnificent views across areas of outstanding natural beauty.
Wine & Dine
The Pavillion, Iveston (2mins drive)
The tasty flavours of Cantonese and Chinese cuisines attract a lot of guests.
Crinnions, Lanchester (5min drive)
Geat British cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere throughout the day and evening.
Ravello Ristorante, Lanchester
Tasty Italian dishes
Yannis, Lanchester
Specialises in Greek and Mediterranean cuisines.
The Greenhouse Restaurant at Lanchester Garden Centre (6min drive)
Offers a warm welcome and deicious food from snacks to meals.
The afternoon tea and a perusal of the attached gift shop is highly recommended.
Knitsley Farm Shop & Granary Café (4min drive)
Award winning farm shop and restaurant based in the Derwent Valley and a great stop off for barbeque supplies or sumptuous cakes and coffee after taking a stroll along the Derwent Valley Railway Path.
The Beaumont, Hexham (30 minute drive)
A beautiful Victorian townhouse, with stunning abbey views. Perfect for treat night with delicious menus, a great wine and cocktails selection and heated outdoor seating.
Corbridge
A great selection of coffee shops in the market square for breakfast, brunch, cake or lunch
Shopping
Lanchester
A thriving village centre just over a mile away with bakery, deli, butchers, gift and coffee shops.
Consett
A wide range of supermarkets, just 5 mins drive away. Morrisons and Tesco will also delivery direct to Derecroft on a date of your choice.
Durham
Stroll through the historic streets of Durham City, where you will find high street favourites jostling for attention alongside independent shops, boutiques and quirky craft shops in the shadow of the Durham Cathedral and Castle UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Corbridge
You’re spoilt for choice for great places to shop, eat and drink in Corbridge. They have some of the best pubs, cafes and coffee shops in the region. Other treats include larders and farm shops supplying locally sourced produce, independent local stores such as jewelry, footwear, children's wear and clothing.
Hexham
Stunning architecture, picturesque parks, and a bloody history are all waiting to be explored in Hexham. Hexham is home to the beautiful Sele Park, floral gardens in the town center, and the stunning grounds of Hexham House. Beneath the charming market town, Hexham holds a bloody history of marauding Vikings, and England’s first purpose-built prison, the Old Gaol, which can be traced back to the 1300s.