SEE AND DO
Ice Cream, Cheese and Chocolate!
We know our dairy products, click here to see our favourite picks!
Shopping
Nearest supermarkets
Morrisons at Barnard Castle, Lidl at Barnard Castle, Co-op at Barnard Castle (approx. 8 miles)
There is also a small Retail Park at St Helens near Bishop Auckland which has Sainsburys, Tesco, Marks and Spencer’s, Lidl, Aldi, Home Bargains, Boots etc... Sat Nav: DL14 9TE - approx. 10 miles.
Nearest Local Shops/Newsagents
Staindrop – Spar Grocery Store, Off Licence and Newsagent - 5 min drive
Staindrop – Post Office & Newsagent
Gainford – Grocery Store, Off Licence and Newsagent - 5 min drive
Larger Retail
St Helen’s – Bishop Auckland – Abraham Retail Park offers various shops including: Next, TK Maxx, JD Sports, Boots, Superdrug, Poundland, Home Bargains.
Darlington is the nearest major town with many of the larger retail stores on the high street, including House of Fraser, Next, and many more in the Cornmill shopping centre.
Teesside Park shopping centre is home to a number of large retail outlets, including Marks and Spencer, J D Sports, Next, H&M and many more.
Farm Shops
We have some amazing farm shops in the local area – be sure to try them out!
Mainsgill www.mainsgillfarm.co.uk Just across the A66. Absolutely massive farm shop. Has a huge range of their own meats, deli, cakes, homewares, clothes and gifts as well as a café, a couple of Camels and some huge Tortoises!
Broom Mill www.broommillfarm.co.uk Just down towards Bishop Auckland. They do a really good breakfast and an excellent roast dinner as well as selling their own meat and produce.
Cross Lanes www.crosslanesorganics.co.uk Organic Farm shop, a bit further up the A66 near Rokeby. Organic produce and they also do food and homemade pizzas!
Piercebridge Organic Farm www.piercebridgeorganics.co.uk Small organic farm shop just down the road at Piercebridge with a little café for light lunch and tea and cake.
Eating Out
Although there are lots of good eating places in the area, here are a few of our ‘Local’ pubs!
The Bridgewater Arms www.thebridgewaterwinston.co.uk in the village has recently re-opened again about 3 mins walk – nice county pub and they are finding their feet after recent reopening. They are doing more specials now as well as a restaurant menu.
The Brownlow Arms, Caldwell www.brownlowarms.co.uk approx. 5 min drive way - A menu to suit all, both bar food and restaurant and a good Sunday lunch but Sunday booking essential. At busy times service can be a bit slow.
The Four Alls, Ovington The Four Alls (thefouralls-ovington.co.uk) 5 mins drive away (Open for meals Wednesday to Saturday) – Family friendly pub grub at reasonable prices
The Cross Keys, Gainford approx. 5 mins drive www.thecrosskeysgainford.co.uk/menus-the-cross-keys-gainford/ has a good reputation for Sunday Lunch and does a Pie and Parmo night on a Friday evening which is proving very popular.
The Bridge Inn at Whorlton www.facebook.com/thebridgewhorlton/ - approx. 5 mins drive. Sunday lunch and a good Pub menu including weekly and daily specials that they post on their FB page.
The Fox Hole, Piecrbridge www.the-foxhole.co.uk 6-7 mins drive - Very good and excellent service!
The Black Horse, Ingleton www.facebook.com/blackhorseingleton/menu approx. 10 mins drive away – Italian menu and also Sunday lunch
The Raby Hunt Inn & Restaurant, Summerhouse www.rabyhuntrestaurant.co.uk 2 Star Michelin Restaurant – Fine Dining - Unfortunately I’ve never been but the reviews are excellent!
Rose and Crown, Romaldkirk, www.rose-and-crown.co.uk Lunch, Dinner and Fine Dining – Always nice.
Here are some of the restaurants and takeaways in the nearest town of Barnard Castle and a couple at Gainford. Please see their websites for opening times and menus
Indian Restaurants (Also Take Away)
Babul’s Spice Island Barnard Castle www.spiceislandrestaurant.co.uk 01833 630575 – also does amazing Porn Star Martinis and other cocktails!
The Bengal Merchant Barnard Castle www.bengalmerchant.co.uk 01833 695857
Italian Restaurant (Also Take Away)
Capri - 23 Newgate Barnard Castle, www.capriitalian55.co.uk (Really Lovely, authentic Italian restaurant and very reasonable and child friendly!)
Chinese Takeaway
Golden Gate – 34 Galgate, Barnard Castle DL12 8BH - 01833 638942 – Really good Chinese!
Fish & Chips
Barnard Castle Fisheries – 15 Horsemarket, Barnard Castle DL12 8LY - 01833 638282
www.facebook.com/barnardcastlefisheries/
149 Fish and Chips - 36 Galgate, Barnard Castle DL12 8BH - 01833 637332
www.149fishandchips.co.uk/visit-us-in-barnard-castle/
Debbie and Rachels Plaice - Gainford
www.debbieandrachelsplaice.com
Pizza Takeaway
Pizza Cottage - 16 Market Place, Barnard Castle DL12 8ND - 01833 631784
www.pizzacottage.business.site
Pizza Delivery
Gainford Pizza delivery - www.facebook.com/gainfordpizzadelivery - actually delivers – it is all on line and you have to order through the details on their Facebook page
Attractions
There are a number of local attractions that you may like to visit while you are in the area that are both adult and child friendly.
The Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk, Worth a trip just to see the Silver Swan!
Locomotion at Shildon www.locomotion.org.uk (free entry) small train museum showing the birth place of Stephenson’s Rocket. Excellent for a morning or afternoon visit but still plenty to see.
Beamish Open Air Museum www.beamish.org.uk (a whole day out in itself) Transport yourself back to a number of yester years as you explore all that this amazing living museum has to offer. There is so much to see it is best to get an early start!
Auckland Castle www.aucklandproject.org, Tickets can include entrance to Auckland Castle to experience the seat of the Prince Bishops the amazing Zurbaran paintings the Miners Museum and the Spanish Art Gallery in Bishop Auckland. Lots to see here!
Raby Castle, www.raby.co.uk to visit the castle, gardens and see the deer in the park. They have just opened a woodland playground called The Plotters Forest and sometimes they have outdoor cinema on as well. This is our local Castle just 2 miles away so you can even just pop in for a hot chocolate in the café.
Eggleston Hall Gardens www.egglestonhallgardens.co.uk . There is also a café that does a good afternoon tea.
Hall Hill Farm at Lanchester www.hallhillfarm.co.uk is an open farm, fun for younger children and has a large indoor soft play area.
The Forbidden Corner near Leyburn www.theforbiddencorner.co.uk is quite literally enchanting and totally bonkers at the same time! Find it just 8 miles from the market town of Richmond and the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales. If you are over that way, The Blue Lion at East Witton is lovely for food, www.thebluelion.co.uk
Durham Cathedral is spectacular to see while you are in the area and just over 30 mins from Town Farm. www.durhamcathedral.co.uk While you are at Durham go and have your picture taken under the street of umbrellas …and take a trip on a river boat cruise or even hire rowing boats. www.facebook.com/PrinceBishopRiverCruiser/
Killhope Lead Mining Centre. Killhope is a fantastic example of the lead mining industry that was so important within the Dales and North Pennines in the 1800’s. www.killhope.org.uk
Alnwick Castle and Gardens www.alnwickcastle.com is good if you are venturing towards Northumberland but it is about 1 hour 40 mins away. Also, in Northumberland is Holy Island but a long run at 2 hours 10 mins from Winston. A trip to the Farne Islands to see the seals and Puffins is always a different day out but unfortunately the Farne Islands are closed at the moment due to an outbreak of bird flu.
If you fancy a trip to the seaside, Whitby is about 1 hour 20 mins away and is a lovely ride out. As you would expect the fish and chips are so fresh you can taste the sea. However, Saltburn is closer – about 40 minutes, has a lovely beach a funicular railway up the cliff face, a pier and a fish and chip take away and restaurant on the sea front. They always taste better sitting on the sea wall!
A quick trip on the A66 and you are only 40 mins from the start of the Lake District at Penrith and Ullswater. Ullswater is a great place to get a trip around the lake on one of its heritage boats. www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk
Out and About
A selection of walking routes and O/S Maps are situated in Town Farm for your use during your visit.
The playing field on the edge of the village of Winston has a small football pitch and a tennis court so don’t forget your tennis racquets and footballs!
There are walks down by the river in the village of Winston itself, lots to do either side of the river from skimming stones to walking to Gainford to see the Gainford Spa – a Sulphur Well that was renowned for its waters or towards Whorlton and Barnard Castle on the Teesdale Way.
Bowlees Visitor Centre www.thisisdurham.com/things-to-do/bowlees-visitor-centre where you can visit Gibson’s Cave and walk down to see Low Force and one of the routes to High Force.
High Force Waterfall www.raby.co.uk/high-force/waterfall is a must to see as England’s tallest waterfall and there are some fantastic circular walks from Low Force to High Force and then further up to Cauldron Snout waterfall where the Tees emerges from Cow Green Reservoir. The rugged riverside path below takes you through a remarkable part of the North Pennines, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a Natural Nature Reserve and a European Geopark.
Hannah’s meadow www.durhamwt.com/nature-reserves/hannahs-meadow
The site has evolved as a result of farming practices over several centuries. Once owned and farmed by Hannah Hauxwell, who lived alone at Low Birk Hatt Farm without the luxury of electricity and running water, the land was managed for hay and pasture and maintains the rich variety of wildlife that has been lost from many other Teesdale meadows. On her retirement in 1988, Durham Wildlife Trust continued the traditional management and created the reserve as it is today. Now a Site of Special Scientific Interest, the meadows are considered to be some of the least improved and most species rich in upland Durham. Visit in June and early July (Note – meadow is cut in mid-July) to see traditional hay meadow flowers, such as ragged robin, wood crane’s-bill, marsh-marigold, yellow-rattle, adders-tongue fern and globe-flower plus rare species such as frog orchid and moonwort.
Hamsterley Forest www.forestryengland.uk/hamsterley-forest is great for walks and bike trails and has a fantastic Gruffalo trail and play area for younger children. It has always been a favourite place of ours for den building, dam building in the river and just being out in nature.
Outdoor activities and Adventures
If you are looking for a bit of adventure or just something different to do …here are a few ideas that might get your adrenalin pumping or your interest peeked!
Hydrospeeding – or river boarding – is a sport that involves jumping into fast-flowing white water, which then carries you along at speed through all kinds of exciting river features. Remaining buoyant on top of your hydrospeed board allows you to descend waterfalls, break through rooster tails, surf standing river waves and execute awesome 360-degree spins. It’s a great alternative to white water rafting and you can do it on the nearby river Tees! www.hydrospeedinguk.co.uk
If water sports are something you are interested in then look no further than the Tees Barrage International Whitewater Centre which has everything on offer from Paddleboarding, Canoeing and Kayaking, Family Rafting down the Whitewater rapids or Powerboating with your family in a rib down the Tees or back on dry land you could attempt the Air Trail and look along the Tees from your lofty perch in the sky. www.tbiwwc.com
If you just fancy an Ariel adventure in the trees then nearby Go Ape at Dalby near Bedale is good for those with a head for heights www.goape.co.uk/locations/dalby.
Grassholme Observatory is aimed at creating an accessible facility for visitors to enjoy the iconic scenery and countryside and the superb Dark Skies of Upper Teesdale. Some amazing things to view…even in the summer! Well worth a visit! www.grassholmeobservatory.com/whats-on/
If you are looking for an adventure, then check out The Dales Adventure Company who have loads of exhilarating experiences available for small group numbers at affordable prices. www.thedalesadventureco.co.uk
Anyone for Airsoft? If so, then Dirty Dog Airsoft is just the place to run around getting dirty on a Sunday! To see more, check out the website www.dirtydogairsoft.co.uk
Indoor fun
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Vue Cinema at Darlington www.myvue.com/cinema/darlington/whats-on
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Station Cinema at Richmond, www.stationcinema.com
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Empire Cinema at Catterick www.empirecinemas.co.uk/nowshowing/catterick_garrison
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Cinema and Bowling at Teesside Park. www.showcasecinemas.co.uk www.hollywoodbowl.co.uk/stockton
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Roff 59 www.rof59.co.uk at Newton Aycliffe does a fantastic climbing wall, for all ages and abilities and huge trampolines!
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Planet Leisure also at Newton Aycliffe does ten pin bowling and also has a roller skate rink and trampolines www.planet-leisure.co.uk
Swimming Pools and Leisure Centres
Teesdale Leisure Centre – Barnard Castle www.durham.gov.uk/teesdaleleisurecentre
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Swimming
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Sauna
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Gym and Fitness Classes
Dolphin Centre - Darlington www.darlington.gov.uk/.../healthy-darlington/dolphin-centre
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Swimming
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Sauna
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Gym and Fitness Classes
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Ten Pin Bowling
Stanhope Open Air Heated Pool www.stanhopepool.co.uk
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Swimming
Ice Cream and Cheese …and Chocolate!
As dairy farmers we love to showcase our local producers of the white stuff – who doesn’t love Ice Cream, Cheese and Chocolate.
Teesdale Cheesemakers have taken the T out of Teesdale and declared it Cheesdale! Look at their website to find cheese making experience days, cheese and wine tasting events or just to find the address to visit and buy some of their scrummy award-winning cheeses! www.teesdalecheesemakers.co.uk
Peats Deli at Barnard Castle sells a plethora of cheese from all over the world but ask to try Cotherstone Cheese. Created by Joan and Alwin Cross, Cotherstone Cheese is still hand made by Joan at Quarry House farm near Barnard Castle and it is matured for one to three months to give it a creamy, rich and buttery texture. www.facebook.com/Williampeats
Just down the road at Little Newsham and made from our dairy herds milk, Mark at the Coach Yard Creamery produces an artisan unpasteurised cheese. Mark, an avid historian, retired from his job at the History Channel and London living to move North and make this fabulous cheese. Check out his Facebook page for a video of the cheese process in action. www.facebook.com/coachyardcreamery/ If Mark is around, he is always delighted to talk to fellow cheese lovers and sell his cheese! Please let me know if you’d like me to arrange a visit.
Across the border into North Yorkshire, you can find the Wensleydale Creamery at Hawes. Wensleydale do so many varieties of cheese it is mind boggling! Their Visitor Experience hosts daily cheese making demonstrations and cheese tasting experiences. www.wensleydale.co.uk
Archers Ice cream parlour is just a 10-minute drive away. The ice cream is made on the farm from the milk of their Jersey Herd and you can see the cows while you are there! www.archersicecream.com
If you are across at Masham visiting The Black Sheep and Theakston’s Breweries tour then pop into the ice cream parlour at Brymore. www.brymordairy.co.uk
Last but by no means least…. Chocolate Fayre at Barnard Castle is a chocolate lovers dream. This family-owned business has been operating in Barnard Castle for 35 years! They have a lovely courtyard at the year to sit and have a cup of their delicious hot chocolate while pondering which chocolates to buy! www.chocolatefayre.co.uk
Spa Days
If you fancy a bit of pampering while you are here, there are a number of local hotels that offer fantastic Spa facilities, treatments, spa packages and yummy afternoon teas!
Headlam Hall Spa - Headlam
The hotel also has a nine-hole golf course!
Telephone: 01325 730238
Website: www.headlamhall.co.uk/spa
The Garage Spa at The Morritt Hotel at Greta Bridge
Telephone: 01833 863100
Website: www.themorritt.co.uk/durham-spa-north-east/
Redworth Hall Spa - Redworth
Telephone:01388770600
Website: www.redworthhalldurham.co.uk/spa
The Manor House Spa – West Auckland
Telephone: 01388 834834