County Durham

The Durham Dales - a tranquil and distinctive mix of high moorland, dramatic dales, stone built villages, a tapestry of stone walls and a variety of characterful public houses and picture-postcard villages. A recognised Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Dales form a perfect backdrop to some celebrated and cherished attractions - from mining heritage at Killhope to the French Chateau-inspired opulence of the Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle.

And its not far from here that you'll discover the medieval splendour of Raby Castle (one of the largest and most impressive castles in England), the excavations at Binchester Roman Fort (the biggest in County Durham) and Auckland Castle with its beautiful hall.

A day can easily be spent walking through the historic, winding, medieval cobbled streets and alleyways of historic Durham City together with visits to the Cathedral and Castle. Also on offer are guided walks and river cruises on-board the "Prince Bishops River Cruiser". This vibrant University City attracts students from across the world, creating an eclectic atmosphere evident in the wide range of shops, cosmopolitan bars, cultural attractions and restaurants.

The County is also home to the award-winning Beamish - The North of England Open Air Museum - set in 200 acres of County Durham countryside. Here, you can discover what life was like during the 1800s and 1900s. Like Tees Valley, this is railway country and the award-winning Locomotion incorporates the workshops of Timothy Hackworth a friend and rival of George Stephenson, responsible for the first ever commercial passenger railway in 1825.