Welcome to Upper Teesdale
Upper Teesdale is a stunningly beautiful and fascinating hidden corner of England that possesses a wealth of natural beauty for you to enjoy. Quieter than the more southerly dales, it is a unique, relaxing location for a holiday or short visit. Its landscape and history have been forged from its unusual geology and the effects and retreat of the last Ice Age. Plants, wildlife and people have lived here for thousands of years – and some relics of the last ice age can still be seen in the flora and the land formations, including its dramatic waterfalls.
Upper Teesdale is covered by the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and includes the Moor House Upper Teesdale National Nature Reserve. Many rare plant species have survived here, including the Spring Gentian and there are several Sites of Special Scientific Interest. The North Pennine area now has UNESCO Global Geopark status in recognition of the richness and diversity of local geology. The Bowlees Visitor Centre is an official Dark Sky Discovery Site.
Middleton-in-Teesdale is the main village and the gateway to the natural beauties of Upper Teesdale. Further north on the road into Cumbria you will find the small settlements of Newbiggin and Forest in Teesdale, areas of magnificent scenery in a landscape dominated by vast wooded valleys, open moorland and attractive whitewashed farm houses. At the heart of the landscape is High Force, England’s highest single-drop waterfall. Southwards lie the villages of Mickleton, Romaldkirk, Cotherstone and Eggleston.
Click on the links below to find out more about the area, its history, its geology and its wildlife
