Cauldron Snout Cascade in Upper Teesdale is famous as England’s longest, largest and most impressive stairway of rapids. It is a mighty and breath-taking feature that impressive countless visitors every year. Today it is located in the Upper Teesdale National Nature Reserve just below the huge expanse of Cow Green Reservoir. This reservoir and its dam now regulate floodwater and prevent this set of cascades from displaying the awesome uncontrollable power of earlier times.

The old Buttermarket also known as the Market Cross is located at the end of the main street in the historic market town of Barnard Castle. It is reputed to have served many purposes over the centuries including a market area for farmers to sell their produce and even a jail. Today it is a major landmark in the centre of the town. Old engravings and even mono photographs show it remains virtually unchanged.

Low Force Waterfall in Upper Teesdale is the little sister of nearby High Force, England’s largest waterfall. Nevertheless, this much lower seaquence of smaller falles is a famous beauty spot favoured by many visitors… and not only white-water canoeists! It was once known as Salmon Leap and it is pleasing to know that the salmon are again returning to their historic spawning grounds. it is not far from Bowlees Visitor Centre and Picnic Area.

Raby Castle is one of Britain’s most complete and magical castles. Set in wonderful expanses of parkland… a Deer Park… it has a fairytale appearance and is very popular with visitors. Located in the village of Staindrop in Lower Teesdale only 5 miles from Barnard Castle, it is very accessible. As well as the castle to explore, there are also Gardens and a Coach House to interest you as well. this is one of my favourite visitor attractions and a high choice on any list of places to visit.

Bowes Museum is a majestic architectural jewel set in this green rural dale of Teesdale. Located in the historic market town of Barnard Castle it is a veritable treasure chest of art and history. Indeed this huge museum is of national importance possessing tremendous art collections… but it is the Silver Swan automaton that has always appealed to me personally… perhaps because I first saw it operate when I was a youngster. It is located just a short walking distance from the centre of this capital of Teesdale and is well worth a visit.

The new Discover Teesdale guidebook provides a colourful and informative resource for both planning and enjoying your visit to Teesdale. Retailing at only £3-99 it is available from local outlets or alternatively via our online bookstore www.discoveryguides.co.uk. This excellent and informative publication provides a detailed insight into the geology, landforms, nature, wildlife, history and heritage of this wonderful dale.

The Explore Teesdale guidebook features our selection of the main features and attractions of this beautiful dale. It includes half page display photographs and information and tales about each location. This is the highest part of the High Pennines sitting in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and enjoying its historic position of being the most northerly of the Yorkshire Dales. It is a pleasing blend of history, heritage, landforms, geology and nature… all of which provide ingredients of excellence into the character of Teesdale. This guide book retails at £3-99 and is available locally or via our online bookstore at www.discoveryguides.co.uk.

Upper Teesdale is excellent walking country being crossed by both the Pennine Way long distance footpath and the Teesdale Way. This extremely well-designed walking guidebook features some 14 walks, detailed maps and some lovely colour photographs. Many are centred on the quaint little village of Middleton in Teesdale, the capital of  Upper Teesdale, and radiate out in all directions. This walking guidebook retails at £4-99 and is available locally or via our online bookstore at www.discoveryguides.co.uk.

There are many claims to both national and international importance in this remarkable region… but it is Upper Teesdale’s High Force waterfall which, at around 21 metres, is not only England’s largest waterfall, but to many people is the most dramatic symbol of Teesdale. There are two falls here in wet weather… and on rare occasions one huge frightening boiling mass of water filling the gorge. Another rare occurence in severe winters is when the waterfall freezes into a giant icicle.

This magnificent region of the High Pennines is well worth visiting throughout the whole year as it presents its changing faces to its visitors. Whether Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter the landscape is dramatic and beautiful in different ways. Why not contact the Tourist Information Centres for more details… or treat yourself to our collection of Teesdale guidebooks.