The valley, or dale area east of the Pennines in County Durham in northeast England is known as Weardale. High fells and heather grouse moors, the highest at Burnhope Seat, which reaches up to 2454 feet, surround the upper valley. Renowned for its harsh, prolonged winters with reular snowfall, it was popular with skiers using the ski-run at Burnhope Head. With the effects of climate change however, the winters in recent years have been much milder. The main settlements in the dale are St John’s Chapel, Stanhope and Wolsingham. The river Wear runs through the dale before reaching Bishop Auckland and Durham and then to the sea at Sunderland. Roughly parallel and to the south, runs Teesdale. Famous for its Black Grouse, wildlife in Weardale also includes upland birds, sea-trout and salmon, with adders often found on the moors. Early historical findings in the area include altars built by Roman officers, black fossiliferous limestone (“Frosterley Marble”) used by the Normans in the building of Durham Cathedral and other churches and the Heatheryburn Bronze Age collection of gold and other objects, now housed in the British Museum, John Wesley visited the dale on a number of occasions during the 18th century and the valley became a Methodist stronghold. High House Chapel near Ireshopeburn is said to have the longest history of continuous use as a Methodist chapel in the world.
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Tour Guide
Places to Stay near Weardale
Whitworth Hall Country Park (1.48 miles)
South of Durham city and close to the A1, the welcoming Whitworth Hall Hotel is set in the heart of a 73-acre deer park. The parkland setting is home to red and fallow deer, an ornamental ... More | visit website
Nafferton Farm (2.48 miles)
The farmhouse itself dates back to 1750 and has been carefully ... More | visit website
Honest Lawyer Hotel (2.53 miles)
Located on the A167, this hotel offers easy access to Durham Cathedral and Castle in the city centre, as well as Durham University colleges and campuses. Beamish Museum, Durham County Cricket Ground, ... More
The Old Mill (2.88 miles)
The old mill has a welcoming atmosphere in a friendly village location. We are open for food and drink all day from Lunch time through to close making us the ideal choice for a quick ... More | visit website
Parkhead Country Hotel (3.05 miles)
Bishop Auckland is a convenient base for reaching ... More | visit website
Park Head Hotel (3.05 miles)
Park Head Country Hotel and Restaurant is situated in the heart of County Durham and offers a warm, friendly welcome and free Wi-Fi in public areas and guestrooms. The spacious and comfortable en suite rooms are ... More | visit websiteDays Inn (3.56 miles)
Days Inn have 14 great locations across the UK, our Durham hotel is ideally situated to be perfect for business, personal, families or just a quick overnighter if you’re stuck. The Days Inn hotel in ... More | visit websiteLittlewhite Farm Cottages (3.69 miles)
Sheep Pen Cottage single storey new barn conversion surrounded by peaceful countryside only 15 mins from Durham City. Open plan living fully fitted kitchen - fridge stocked with water milk ... More
The Castle Hotel (3.72 miles)
Situated within a few yards of the historic Auckland Castle, in the centre of Market Town in Bishop Auckland, The Castle Bar Hotel features a bar and free Wi-Fi. Durham is a 21-minute drive away. Spread ... More | visit websiteThe Queens Head Hotel (3.78 miles)
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