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THE DURHAM DALES CENTRE

THE Durham Dales Centre and Castle Gardens offer a wide range of services to both local people and visitors to Upper Weardale.

It is situated in the historic market town of Stanhope, which is the ancient capital of Upper Weardale and the surrounding North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The centre, which stands in what was originally the gardens of Stanhope Castle, has ample car, coach and cycle parking.  Almost all the amenities, including the toilets have disabled access and baby changing facilities are provided.

Features of interest, such as the 1875 summerhouse with a view or Gazebo are explained on the many interpretation boards within the grounds.  These board also assist visitors in orientating themselves around both the centre and the town.

The Dales Garden which adjoins the centre’s car park was formerly an exhibit at the 1990 National Garden Centre held in Gateshead.  It was recreated at the centre, using the plants that were grown in a traditional dales cottage garden.

All the gardens contains sculptures and there is a child’s animal trail.  The Tourist Information Centre provides an illustrated leaflet to enable the youngsters to complete the trail.

A new exhibition at the Centre looks at the interesting features or treasures of Stanhope, Weardale and the surrounding North Pennines.  The Tourist Information Centre provides information on the region and places to visit, UK holiday information, what’s on and wear with a theatre reservation and accommodation booking services.

It also sells a wide range of guidebooks and maps and has an extensive selection of postcards and gifts.

A courtyard setting houses a number of craft workshops.

The tea room, which has a friendly atmosphere, specialises in homemade food, light meals and beverages.  The interesting murals of local scenes and events, designed and executed by local artists provide both a focal point and an interesting topic of conversation in the tea rooms.

The Durham Dales Centre can be contacted on 01388 527461 or emailed on