Place of Interest
North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Visiting the North Pennines National Landscape
Spanning parts of County Durham, Cumbria, and Northumberland, this area of the northern Pennines showcases some of England’s most dramatic landscapes. A National Landscape of open heather moors, charming dales, rushing upland rivers and mystical woodland, the North Pennines is one of England’s most beautiful areas.
Things to do in the North Pennines National Landscape
There’s plenty to do while camping in the area. We’ve listed some of the highlights below.
Walking
Setting off on foot is one of the best ways to appreciate the beauty of the North Pennines. You can set off straight from your campsite, site staff can point you in the right direction if needed or use a walking app to discover the best circular routes. The Pennine Way and Teesdale Way are in the North Pennines too.
Wildlife spotting
The high altitude and open landscape of the North Pennines make it a great habitat for upland birds. Pack your binoculars because these are just a sample of the birds you might see:
- Lapwing
- Curlew
- Hen harrier
- Pied flycatcher
- Redstart
- Wood warbler
Alongside an array of birds, wildlife spotters should also keep an eye out for:
- Red deer
- Roe deer
- Mountain hare
- Otter
- Pine martens
Stargazing
One of the darkest places in the UK, the North Pennines is also one of the best places for stargazing. Wrap up warm to spend a few hours gazing at the night sky. With minimal light pollution, the constellations and astrological events like meteor showers are spectacular here.
Heritage attractions
This area has a strong farming and mining heritage, and you’ll see evidence of it throughout your visit. Some of the best attractions to visit if you’re looking to explore the areas past include:
- Killhope Lead Mining Museum
- Nenthead Mine
- South Tynedale Railway