Bowlees Visitor Centre Parking Guide
Bowlees Visitor Centre car park is one of the best places to park for exploring Upper Teesdale. From here, you can easily reach Low Force, Gibson’s Cave, Summerhill Force and even continue on towards High Force.
It is a simple, well located car park surrounded by woodland and open countryside, making it a great starting point whether you are heading out for a short walk or a longer day exploring the valley.
Bowlees parking map
The map at Bowlees Visitor Centre shows the layout of the car park, walking routes and nearby attractions including Low Force and Gibson’s Cave. It is worth checking before you set off as it gives a clear overview of the area.
Quick Facts
Location: Bowlees Visitor Centre, Newbiggin in Teesdale
Postcode: DL12 0XE
Parking type: Donate and display
Suggested donation: Half day £2 to £3, full day £3 to £4
Payment: Cash machine on site, digital donation inside visitor centre when open
Best time to arrive: Early morning or later afternoon
Good for: Low Force, Gibson’s Cave, Summerhill Force, High Force and Bowlees walks
Where is Bowlees Visitor Centre car park?
Bowlees Visitor Centre is located in Upper Teesdale, just off the B6277 between Middleton in Teesdale and High Force.
If you are driving from Middleton, follow the B6277 towards Alston and look for the brown tourist signs shortly after passing through Newbiggin. The turn for Bowlees is clearly signposted on the right.
The car park is just a short distance down this road, set within woodland near the visitor centre.
The car park is open all year round, even when the visitor centre is closed.
Bowlees parking postcode
DL12 0XE
This postcode will take you directly to the Bowlees Visitor Centre area and car park.
Bowlees parking prices
Parking at Bowlees operates on a donate and display system rather than a fixed charge.
Suggested donations are:
Half day (up to 3 hours): £2 to £3
Full day (3+ hours): £3 to £4
This money helps maintain the site, the visitor centre and the surrounding landscape.
Is Bowlees parking free?
Parking is not strictly free, but it is donation based, meaning you choose how much to pay.
There is no barrier or enforcement system like a standard pay and display car park, but visitors are encouraged to contribute to support the area.
How to pay for parking at Bowlees
There is a ticket machine in the car park where you can make a donation and display a ticket in your vehicle.
The machine:
Accepts coins
Does not give change
Issues a ticket after payment
If the visitor centre is open, you may also be able to make a digital donation inside.
Bowlees Visitor Centre map and what’s nearby
The information boards at Bowlees give a really clear overview of the area and what you can reach from the car park.
From here you can easily access:
Everything is well signposted and easy to follow, making it a great place for families and first time visitors.
If you are planning to explore further, you can read our full Bowlees Visitor Centre guide which covers walks, waterfalls and things to see in more detail.
Where to park for Low Force
Bowlees Visitor Centre is the best place to park for Low Force.
From the car park, it is a short and mostly flat walk across fields and along clear paths to reach the waterfall. It is one of the easiest and most accessible waterfall walks in Teesdale.
Can you park at Bowlees for High Force?
Yes, you can walk to High Force from Bowlees.
The route follows the River Tees upstream, passing Low Force and continuing further into Upper Teesdale. It is a longer walk but avoids the paid parking near the High Force Hotel.
This is a popular option for those wanting a quieter and more scenic approach.
Are there toilets at Bowlees Visitor Centre?
Yes, there are accessible toilets at the visitor centre.
These are located close to the car park and are easy to find.
Is there a café at Bowlees Visitor Centre?
Yes, Bowlees Visitor Centre has a café and small shop.
It is a good place to stop for a drink or something to eat before or after your walk.
Opening times can vary, so it is worth checking ahead if you are planning to rely on it.
Best time to park at Bowlees
Bowlees can get busy, especially:
Sunny weekends
School holidays
Midday to early afternoon
From our experience, the best times to visit are:
Early morning
Later afternoon
These times are usually quieter and you are more likely to find a space easily.
Bowlees car park is one of the most popular places to park in Upper Teesdale.
What to do if Bowlees car park is full
On busy days, the car park can fill up and cars sometimes queue along the access road.
If this happens, it is best not to block the road and instead consider alternative options.
A great nearby alternative is Cow Green Reservoir, which offers:
Plenty of space to park
Peaceful surroundings
Walks to Cauldron Snout waterfall
Views across the reservoir
Remains of old lead mines
It is a quieter and equally rewarding place to explore if Bowlees is busy.
A simple place to start exploring Teesdale
Bowlees Visitor Centre car park is more than just somewhere to leave your car. It is one of the easiest and most accessible starting points for exploring Teesdale.
Whether you are visiting Low Force for the first time, heading further up the valley, or just looking for a peaceful walk, it is a reliable place to begin.
The DL12 0XE postcode takes you directly to Bowlees Visitor Centre car park.
About this guide
This is an independent guide based on our own visits to Bowlees.
Parking details can change, so always check the signs when you arrive.