Bowlees Visitor Centre
Bowlees Visitor Centre is one of our favourite places. Why? Because the car park is always open and the walks are all accessible at any time, no opening or closing times. The visitor centre itself has set seasonal hours, but the surrounding paths are free to enjoy all year round.
Bowlees at a glance
-
Postcode: DL12 0XE
-
Nearest town: Middleton in Teesdale
-
Parking: Donate and display car park (always open)
-
Toilets: Open when the centre is open
-
Café: Seasonal hours
-
Accessibility: Level access around the centre. The Low Force route includes accessible sections across fields.
Visitor centre opening times
Opening times
The visitor centre usually opens seasonally between March and November, with shorter hours in winter. Double-check the official Bowlees Visitor Centre page for the latest opening times before you travel.
The centre is run by the North Pennines National Landscape team and acts as a gateway to the North Pennines National Landscape and UNESCO Global Geopark. Inside you’ll find information about things to see and do across the North Pennines, take part in themed events, and explore exhibitions. It’s also a great place to grab a drink, use the facilities, and pick up maps before heading out.
Why start at Bowlees
-
You can reach multiple waterfalls on foot without moving the car.
-
Family-friendly distances with plenty of picnic spots and photo opportunities.
-
Helpful staff, maps and events inside the centre.
-
Dark skies for stargazing and photography after dark.
Walks from Bowlees
1) Summerhill Force and Gibson’s Cave (0.8 miles, 30 mins)
This lovely walk starts right from the car park and is well signposted. Follow Bow Lee Beck upstream and count how many little waterfalls you pass on the way. Keep an eye out for the remains of a mine shaft near a dismantled bridge before reaching Summerhill Force. Behind the curtain of water lies Gibson’s Cave, legend says a 16th-century outlaw named Gibson once hid out here.
Good for: Short legs, quick visits, and family photography.
Tip: The beck can be dramatic after rain.
2) Low Force (0.5 miles each way, 30 mins)
Another family favourite, Low Force is perfect for a short stroll or a riverside picnic. From Bowlees, cross the B6277 carefully and follow the path to the Tees. The historic Wynch Bridge adds to the adventure (one person at a time only). For more of a challenge, cross the bridge and climb the steep path past the two stone sheep sculptures. Turn right and follow the Pennine Way towards High Force.
Look out for: The wide viewpoint over the River Tees.
3) Bowlees to High Force (4 miles return, 2–3 hours)
This classic walk continues upstream from Low Force to High Force along the Pennine Way. You’ll find several natural viewpoints above the falls. If you want a quieter moment, carry on past High Force for five minutes and look left to spot Bleabeck Force — a peaceful hidden waterfall.
4)Bleabeck Force (add-on after High Force, 5 mins further)
For a quieter moment, carry on past High Force for about 5 minutes. Look left and you’ll spot Bleabeck Force, a peaceful hidden waterfall. It’s a lovely reward if you want to go that little bit further.
5) Hidden gem under the bridge
From the visitor centre car park, look towards the main road. Tucked underneath the bridge is a small but beautiful hidden waterfall. Worth a quick detour if you like discovering lesser-known spots.
Stargazing at Bowlees
Bowlees is one of the darkest spots in the North Pennines AONB, making it a brilliant place for stargazing or night photography. Next to the car park you’ll even find a star-gazing hammock where you can lie back and take in the Milky Way on clear nights.
For the children
The Molluscarium
A special sculpted seat beside the centre shaped like a snail’s shell, built from sandstone and limestone. Part of the Cold-blooded and Spineless project, it celebrates snails including the rare door snail (Clausilia dubia) and helps visitors learn about invertebrates, their habitats and what makes them important to our countryside. It’s a lovely quiet spot for families and curious explorers.
Mud kitchen play area
Right beside the visitor centre you’ll find a little mud kitchen play area a big hit with younger children. It’s a simple outdoor play spot with logs, pots, pans and plenty of mud to get creative with. While the kids are happily “cooking up” nature pies, grown-ups can enjoy a break at the nearby picnic tables or grab a drink from the café. It’s a great way to let children burn off some energy before or after a walk.
Facilities
-
Parking: Donate and display.
-
Toilets: Open with the visitor centre.
-
Café: Warm drinks, cakes, and light bites.
-
Picnic tables: Around the site and along the beck.
-
Wildlife: Look out for meadows full of flowers in late spring and summer.
- Safety: This is an open countryside site close to becks, rivers and drops. Care must be taken around all these areas, especially with children and dogs.
Getting there
-
By car: From Middleton in Teesdale, follow the B6277 towards Alston. Bowlees is signed on the right after Newbiggin.
-
By bus: A limited local service runs between Middleton in Teesdale and Langdon Beck on certain days. Check timetables.
Why we love it
Bowlees Visitor Centre really does make family days out simple. You can park once and enjoy a choice of walks from short leg-stretchers to longer adventures by the River Tees. Along the way there are waterfalls to discover, meadows to wander through, and even starry skies to look up at if you stay into the evening.
We’ve always found Bowlees to be one of those places where you can slow down, spend proper time together, and still feel like you’ve had a real adventure. If you do visit, we’d love to see your photos — tag us on Instagram @outdoorexploringfamily
or share them with us on Facebook and we’ll help inspire more families to explore Teesdale.
Nearby towns
If you’re staying in Middleton in Teesdale, Bowlees Visitor Centre is just a short drive from the town, only a few minutes by car, and makes a perfect starting point for family walks. From here you can easily explore Gibson’s Cave, Low Force and even stretch on to High Force without needing to move the car. It is one of the best things to do in Middleton in Teesdale if you want a mix of short adventures, waterfalls and picnic spots.
Visitors based in Barnard Castle will also find Bowlees an easy day trip, around 20 minutes by car through the lovely Teesdale countryside. If you are looking for things to do in Barnard Castle and the surrounding area, a visit to Bowlees adds waterfalls, riverside walks and a peaceful picnic into your plans. Many people combine a morning at Bowlees with time in Barnard Castle itself, where you will find cafés, shops and the historic castle ruins.
Facilities
-
Parking: Donate and display.
-
Toilets: Open with the visitor centre.
-
Café: Warm drinks, cakes, and light bites.
-
Picnic tables: Around the site and along the beck.
-
Wildlife: Look out for meadows full of flowers in late spring and summer.
- Safety: This is an open countryside site close to becks, rivers and drops. Care must be taken around all these areas, especially with children and dogs.
Getting there
-
By car: From Middleton in Teesdale, follow the B6277 towards Alston. Bowlees is signed on the right after Newbiggin.
-
By bus: A limited local service runs between Middleton in Teesdale and Langdon Beck on certain days. Check timetables.
Quick FAQs
Is Bowlees Visitor Centre good for families?
Yes, it’s ideal for family days out. There are short signposted walks to waterfalls, picnic tables, meadows to explore, and plenty of space for children and dogs.
What is there for kids at Bowlees?
Children enjoy spotting the little waterfalls on the way to Gibson’s Cave, crossing the Wynch Bridge at Low Force, and running in the meadows. The visitor centre also has information boards and family-friendly events in summer.
Are there snack options at Bowlees?
Yes, the café serves drinks, cakes and light bites during opening hours. There are also picnic tables if you want to bring your own food.
How long is the walk from Bowlees to High Force?
Around 2 miles each way along the Pennine Way beside the River Tees. Allow 2–3 hours for a relaxed return walk.
Where do you park for Low Force from Bowlees?
Use the donate-and-display car park at Bowlees Visitor Centre (postcode DL12 0XE). From there it’s a short, flat walk across the fields to Low Force.
Is Bowlees accessible for wheelchairs or prams?
The centre itself is accessible and the path towards Low Force can be suitable in dry conditions. Gibson’s Cave has steps and uneven ground.
Are dogs allowed at Bowlees?
Yes, dogs are welcome on leads. Keep them close near livestock, rivers and drops.
What wildlife can you see at Bowlees?
In spring and summer the meadows are full of wildflowers and butterflies. Birds, insects and even rare snails (celebrated in the Molluscarium) can be spotted too.
Is Bowlees good for stargazing?
Yes, it’s one of the darkest places in the North Pennines. There’s even a star-gazing hammock by the car park for clear night skies.
Is there a play area at Bowlees?
There isn’t a traditional play park, but children love the small mud kitchen play area beside the visitor centre. It has logs, pots and pans for imaginative play, and the surrounding meadows are also great for kids to explore safely.
Disclaimer
We are not affiliated with Bowlees Visitor Centre or the North Pennines National Landscape team. This guide has been written to share our own experiences and to help more families step outside into nature for a better mindset.