The Durham Dales Centre in Stanhope was established in 1990 with the aim of stimulating and supporting the economic regeneration of the Durham Dales.

The Centre’s objectives are:

To promote tourism in the Durham Dales

To assess the training needs of the area and either provide or    arrange the provision of appropriate training

To provide on-site business counselling and support

To provide essential office services and support to local businesses    and organisations

To promote the arts, crafts and voluntary associations

The Centre comprises the following:

Tourist Information Centre (TIC)
Tea Room
Craft and business units
Training Room and business support
Conference facilities
Courtyard with seating
A Dales Garden area and landscaping
Toilets
Car Park

The site is owned by Durham County Council and Wear Valley District Council. The Durham Dales Centre Ltd occupies and manages the TIC, Tea Room, and Conference facilities.

The Centre is a high quality attraction and enables visitors to enjoy the Centre, the rest of Stanhope, Weardale and the North Pennines.

For visitors/tourists, the Centre is a destination, comprising TIC, refreshments, toilets, car parking, and retail element. It is also a ‘gateway’ to elsewhere and a service facility.

For local residents, the Centre is a resource centre and asset, comprising an information resource, retail element, tea room, training, business services, tea room, car park, toilets and events.