Frosterley is famous for the distinctive black fossil encrusted limestone, known as Frosterley marble, which is still quarried here.  It was used for some of the columns in Durham cathedral, as well as for the font in St Michael's church in the heart of the village. A good example of the limestone in its natural environment can be seen in the riverbed of the Bollihope Burn which runs into the river Wear on the outskirts of Frosterley.

 

For information about walks around Frosterley to see its unique black limestone, check out the leaflet In Search of Frosterley Marble. 

You can find more information about places to visit in our stunning landscape on the Durham Dales website, the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty website, and the Visit County Durham website.

In Weardale we strongly recommend visiting: 

The Harehope Quarry Project: demonstrating a more sustainable way of living

A ten-minute walk from our camping barn you'll find Harehope Quarry, which runs a range of events throughout the year, from Medieval Days, Halloween events, pruning courses, green craft fairs and the like, to special events for children.  Internationally renowned botanist David Bellamy recently called the quarry project 'one of Weardale's hidden miracles' (Weardale Gazette, June 2009).

The bird hide and trout lake at Harehope Quarry 

Weardale Railway: Trains through Weardale 

The Weardale Railway operates a regular service and runs occasional special events during the year, including steam train specials like this one above.  Frosterley station is a five-minute walk from our camping barn, opposite the Black Bull pub.

Durham Dales Centre: tourist information, tea room, crafts and shopping 

The tourist information centre is excellent, plus you can take in a stroll around the craft shops and stop off for a snack, lunch or afternoon tea in the very friendly tea room.  Well worth a visit if you're passing through Stanhope.

The Weardale Museum: Preserving Weardale's Heritage 

Run by volunteers, this museum tells the story of life in Weardale.  It houses various collections, including the Weardale Tapestry, a 16 foot embroidered tapestry in five large panels which tells the history of Weardale from when our geology was formed to the present day.

Panel 2 of the Weardale Tapestry

Killhope Mine: The North of England Lead Mining Museum 

There's lots to see and do at Killhope, including an underground tour, seeing how the miners lived and worked, and visiting the exhibitions.  You can also explore the woodlands behind the mine and may be lucky enough to spot one of the red squirrels that live there.

Slightly further afield, but within easy reach and worth a visit are: 

High Force: one of the most spectacular waterfalls in England 

It's about a 30 minute drive to get to High Force which is in neighbouring Teesdale.  On the way you can stop off in the picturesque village of Middleton-in-Teesdale, and also take in a visit to Low Force Waterfalls and the Bowlees Visitor Centre.

A view not to be missed - looking East from the top of High Force

Lomotion: The National Railway Museum at Shildon 

Shildon was the birthplace of the modern railway.  This project opened in 2004 and, apart from some special events, entry remains free.  It combines the refurbished buildings of the former Timothy Hackworth museum with a huge brand new collections centre which contains seven tracks and houses several engines and railway vehicles.

Eggleston Hall Gardens: The Secret Garden of the North 

This is one of our favourite local gardens - it's more of a nursery really (and sells good quality plants), but is located in a large walled garden on the hillside below Eggleston village and is a real pleasure to saunter round.  There's also a very good cafe/tea room in the adjacent Eggleston Hall grounds.

The Bowes Museum: A Collection of Treasures 

Well worth a visit, the museum was founded by John and Josephine Bowes and houses a range of exhibitions and displays, including a new Silver and Metals Gallery, as well as a stylish new Textiles and Dress Gallery.  The museum is also home to the famous Silver Swan musical automaton.

Beamish: The Living Museum of the North 

Beamish is an award-winning, open-air, working museum which recreates how the people of North East England lived and worked in the early eighteen and nineteen hundreds.  

Hamsterley Forest: Woodlands, Walks, Cycle Routes and Special Events 

Hamsterley Forest runs various special events, including den building courses for children (our kids helped build the one pictured above) and hosting a 'green' Santa Claus at Christmas!

Hall Hill Farm: a family run farm, with animals to meet, tractor rides, and children's play area 

A must if you're visiting with kids.  Ours never tire of the opportunity to hold baby chicks, guinea pigs and rabbits, take part in bottle feeding the lambs, visit the chipmunks, and go on the tractor ride.  There's also a great playground, where the kids can have fun while you relax and enjoy the magnificent view across the valley.

Nenthead Mines Heritage Centre: showing the story of the mineral mining past 

Slightly further up the dale than Killhope, Nenthead is also worth a visit.  You can go panning for minerals, gaze down the deep Brewery Shaft, and take the underground tour. 

Broom House Farm: farm events, woodland adventure trail, cafe and butchers

The farm has a lovely cafe and play area, but the exciting bit is exploring the woodland adventure trail - there's obstacles and challenges for the kids to try out (including a great zip-wire and a new oak tree walk), but also a nature and wildlife quiz to do along the way.