Staycation ideas around our region
Posted on 28th June 2017
Isn’t it time you took a staycation?
With summer approaching, we know how difficult it can be to hear every Tom, Dick and Harry talking about their fancy holiday plans, when you don’t have any.
If you’ve not planned to head overseas this summer, don’t fret, as there are plenty of affordable, relaxing breaks to be had right here in County Durham.
As we always like to help you put as much as possible, we’ve pulled together a list of lovely spots in and around County Durham, which are perfect for a staycation.
Durham Dales
Dotted with market towns and picturesque villages, The Durham Dales are perfect for a peaceful escape. Who needs to travel abroad for breath taking views when there is a North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty right on our doorstep? Grab a bike and explore the calming hills and moors, or pop on your walking boots and take a family hike through the valleys.
For the adventurers, The Dales are also home to Hamsterley Forest and High Force Waterfall. Hamsterley Forest is 2,000 hectares of tranquil woodland for the family to explore, perfect for an escape from technology.
If excitement is what you’re after, one of England’s most impressive waterfalls, High Force, will be a perfect way to impress the kids and a great photo opportunity. To make extra savings, why not pack a picnic and keep the whole family happy for next to no money?
If you do want to get refreshments when out and about, The Dales offers an array of cosy cafes and tearooms, perfect for a place to hide away with a book. Who wants to fight over sunbeds by a busy poolside, when you can relax in a peaceful tearoom after a day of taking in beautiful scenery?
Heritage Coast
If it’s a sandy beach you’re dreaming of, why spend money to travel abroad when there are beautiful coastlines, right here in our region?
The Durham Heritage Coast, which stretches from Sunderland to Hartlepool, is perfect for exploring by foot, bike or car and provides breath taking, dramatic views over the North Sea, great for those scenic photos.
With a costal footpath of 14km and beach access points, the whole family will enjoy taking a coastal stroll and there are plenty of maps and planned routes available online, so younger children can get involved and lead the way in exploring the Magnesian Limestone cliffs and shallow bays.
We can’t think of a better way to spend a summer’s day, than taking in the calming sounds of the ocean, before retreating up to the coast front for a chippy tea.
Beamish Hall, Woods and Museum
For an activity filled staycation, Beamish is the perfect place to visit. Start the get away by booking a room in Beamish Hall, which has moved on from its 13th century roots, to become the four-star hotel it is today.
From here, the family can take a picnic and enjoy a relaxing country-esque walk around Beamish Woods, crossing streams and stiles, before reaching Flint Mill, the earliest building recorded in the valley.
Beamish Museum is one of the prides of the North East, as a living, working museum. The family can experience first-hand what life was like in the 1820s, 1910s and 1940s, as costumed staff bring schools, shops and mines to life. Beamish has been rebuilt, brick by brick, from original historical buildings, so you can get an accurate representation of what life was like in those times. Ride a real tram, visit the public house for a Victorian menu, or grab a bag of sherbet from the old-fashioned sweet shop. Not only will it entertain, but it’s also great value for money as a ticket for the museum can be used an unlimited amount of times for day visits within the year.
We hope we’ve inspired you to make the most out of your staycation this summer. We’d love to see any photos from your trips, so tweet us at @ventureprop.