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Published: 05.09.2024

Guide to the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for Cottage Holidays

Thinking of booking a cottage holiday in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty but want to find out more about what is available in this naturally beautiful area first?  If so, read on to discover more information on the scenic North Pennines.

Find holiday cottage rentals in the North Pennines AONB
 

The Landscape of the North Pennines AONB

Found east of the Lake District National Park and north of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is an expansive unspoilt area covering almost 2000 square kilometres.  Not only is this scenic area an AONB, it’s also a UNESCO global geopark too!

With heather clad moorlands, peatlands, dales, woodlands and hay meadows, as well as rivers, the landscape of the North Pennines is as diverse as it is beautiful. Whether you enjoy walking, hiking, horse riding, wildlife watching or dark sky gazing, it’s all on offer at the North Pennines AONB.  The area is home to walking, cycling and riding trails, as well as geo trails.

The area is rich in biodiversity.

 

Highlights of the North Pennines AONB
 

•    Over 40% of the UK’s hay meadows are found in the AONB and over 30% of England’s upland heathland.

•    A large population of black grouse are found in the area,

•    The area is also home to red squirrels and short eared owl,

•    The North Pennines is home to 16 dark sky discover sites.

•    England’s biggest waterfall; High Force is found in Upper Teesdale in the North Pennines.

•    Visitor Centre at Bowlees with a café and shop.

 

 

Visitor Attractions within the North Pennines AONB


•    Killhope Museum where you can learn about the area’s history of lead mining,

•    Weardale Railway, a 18 mile heritage track which takes passengers through some stunning scenery,

•    Durham Dales Centre with its tea rooms and specialist shops,

•    Hamsterley Forest, discover walking trails, riding trails and cycling trails in this tranquil forest, as well as opportunities for mountain biking and children’s play areas for fun times with the kids,

•    High Force Waterfall; truly one of England’s most dramatic waterfalls where water plunges from an impressive gorge,

•    RSPB Geltsdale Nature Reserve; home to two hill farms and various upland birds such as black grouse, curlews and hen harriers,

•    South Tynedale Railway; England’s highest narrow gauge heritage railway,

•    Weardale Museum; a museum dedicated to the history and heritage of the local area.


With so much to discover in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty just when will you visit?

Whether you want to rent a holiday lodge, a log cabin, a rural retreat, a farm cottage, a barn conversion or even a large country house, we hope you find the perfect holiday accommodation for your self-catering break in the North Pennines on Country Cottages Online.

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