Things to Do in the North East
Outdoor Exploring Family is all about encouraging people to reconnect with nature through gentle walks, peaceful places and simple outdoor adventures.
The North East offers everything from dramatic waterfalls and quiet riverside paths to wide open moorland and historic landmarks. This collection brings together our favourite places to explore across Teesdale, County Durham and the surrounding countryside, all personally visited and documented to help you plan your own time outdoors.
Each guide includes clear directions, parking details and honest tips, making it easy to slow down, get outside and discover somewhere special.
Summerhill Force & Gibson’s Cave
A short and magical family walk in Upper Teesdale, taking you through woodland paths to a hidden waterfall and natural cave. Starting from Bowlees, this gentle route is perfect for little legs and curious minds, with stepping stones, mossy rocks and peaceful river sounds along the way. One of our favourite easy adventures when you want big scenery without a long hike.
The Bowes Museum
A grand French style museum set in the heart of Barnard Castle, surrounded by beautiful parkland and open space for children to explore. Inside you will find fascinating exhibitions, art collections and the famous Silver Swan, while outside there is plenty of room to relax or enjoy the play park. It is a brilliant mix of culture, fresh air and family time.
Low Force
A peaceful riverside walk in Upper Teesdale leading to a wide cascading waterfall set among woodland and stepping stones. This gentle route follows the River Tees past swing bridges and quiet paths, making it an easy way to experience one of Teesdale’s most accessible waterfalls. A lovely spot to slow down, listen to the water and enjoy the surrounding landscape.
High Force
One of England’s most powerful waterfalls, reached by a scenic walk through woodland and along the River Tees. High Force is impressive in every season, with dramatic views, rocky paths and plenty of quiet moments along the way. Our guide shows you the best starting point, nearby facilities and simple tips to help you enjoy this iconic North East landmark.
Bleabeck Force
A quieter waterfall hidden just beyond High Force, reached by continuing along the river from Bowlees. Bleabeck Force feels wonderfully peaceful, with mossy rocks, flowing water and open views across Upper Teesdale. It is a perfect choice if you enjoy exploring beyond the main paths and finding calmer corners of the landscape.
Cauldron Snout
A dramatic cascade stretching across the upper River Tees, surrounded by wide open moorland and big skies. Starting near Cow Green Reservoir, this walk follows the water all the way to one of England’s longest waterfalls. It feels remote and rugged, yet remains accessible with steady paths and unforgettable scenery.
Hannah’s Meadows
A gentle countryside walk through wildflower meadows and rolling farmland in Baldersdale, with beautiful reservoir views and a strong sense of peace. Hannah’s Meadows offers a slower pace, perfect for quiet reflection and enjoying nature at ground level. A calming North Pennines walk with an inspiring local story behind it.
Bowlees Visitor Centre
One of the best starting points for exploring Upper Teesdale, with access to waterfalls, riverside walks and open countryside straight from the car park. From here you can reach Gibson’s Cave, Summerhill Force, Low Force and beyond. With café, toilets and picnic areas, Bowlees makes a relaxed base for discovering this beautiful part of the North East.
Egglestone Abbey to Meeting of the Waters Walk
A peaceful riverside route starting at the atmospheric ruins of Egglestone Abbey and following the River Tees to where it meets the River Greta. This gentle walk combines open fields, woodland paths and flowing water, ending at a spot that has inspired artists and writers for centuries.
White Force
A small but beautiful waterfall reached by a quiet moorland walk in the North Pennines. White Force offers wide views, fresh air and a real sense of space. It may be less dramatic than nearby cascades, but its peaceful setting makes it a lovely destination for those who enjoy exploring quieter landscapes.
Black Force Waterfall
A remote feeling walk following Great Eggleshope Beck through open moorland and past old mining remains before reaching this peaceful hidden waterfall. Black Force feels wonderfully off the beaten path, offering big views, wild surroundings and a strong connection to Teesdale’s industrial past.
God’s Bridge Walk
A scenic route from the village of Bowes following the River Greta through woodland and moorland to a natural limestone bridge carved by water over time. Along the way you pass Bowes Castle and wide open countryside, with the option to visit Mill Force on the return. A varied walk combining history, geology and quiet river paths.
Flushiemere Beck Waterfall
A gentle woodland and field walk starting near Bowlees Visitor Centre, leading to a peaceful little waterfall where Flushiemere Beck meets Wester Beck. This short route feels surprisingly secluded and is perfect when you want a quieter adventure without travelling far from Upper Teesdale.
Mill Force Waterfall
A relaxed loop walk from Bowes village to a pretty cascade hidden among trees beside the River Greta. Along the way you pass castle ruins and riverside paths, with signs of the old mill still visible near the water. A lovely short walk that blends nature with local history.
Rowton Beck Waterfall
A quiet hidden waterfall reached by a short walk through open countryside. Rowton Beck offers peaceful surroundings and beautiful views, making it ideal for those who enjoy gentle exploring away from busy routes. Our guide shares where to park and how to reach this lesser known Teesdale gem.
Easter Beck Waterfall
A short moorland walk from Holwick leading to a secluded waterfall with sweeping views across Holwick Scars. This route feels open and airy, with big skies and quiet paths. A rewarding North Pennines walk for anyone who enjoys space, scenery and a sense of escape.
Eel Beck Waterfall
A peaceful walk across open moorland to a small hidden waterfall above Holwick, with wide views over Teesdale. Eel Beck is one of the quietest falls in the area and perfect if you enjoy gentle walking with a feeling of wilderness, without needing a long or demanding route.
Egglestone Abbey
A peaceful riverside ruin set on a quiet bend of the River Tees just outside Barnard Castle. Surrounded by open fields and soft flowing water, this historic abbey feels calm from the moment you arrive. Whether you visit for a short wander or include it as part of a longer walk, it is one of the most relaxing places to explore in Teesdale.
Barnard Castle Town
A historic market town above the River Tees, where everything sits within easy walking distance. From the castle ruins on Scar Top to the Butter Market, independent shops and riverside paths, it is a place that unfolds naturally as you explore. A perfect base for discovering Teesdale or simply enjoying a slower day outdoors.
A moment to slow down
The North East offers everything from dramatic waterfalls in Teesdale and peaceful riverside walks near Barnard Castle to wide open North Pennines moorland and historic landmarks across County Durham. This collection brings together meaningful outdoor experiences and calm places to explore, all personally visited and carefully documented by Outdoor Exploring Family to help you reconnect with nature.