Begin Your
Durham Dales Adventure Here
Maps, local knowledge, great food and a warm welcome – everything you need to plan the perfect day exploring Stanhope and the surrounding countryside.
Everything You Need to Plan Your Visit.
Located at the heart of the Durham Dales Centre, our Visitor Information Point is here to help you make the most of your time in Stanhope and across the Durham Dales. Alongside a wide selection of leaflets and local information, our team can offer friendly advice to help you plan your day, your walk, or your wider adventure.
We stock a range of maps, guides and books, including Ordnance Survey maps, C2C guides and local walking routes. With the dramatic landscapes of Weardale and Teesdale on our doorstep, you’ll find everything you need to explore some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country.
Walkers
The Durham Dales Centre is the perfect base for beginning or ending a walk in Weardale. Our gift shop offers plenty of useful resources—from walking guides to locally sourced maps—and our staff are always happy to share their local knowledge. Several walking groups regularly meet here to enjoy refreshments before and after their routes, and the centre provides an ideal starting point for discovering the beautiful village of Stanhope. Get in touch if you'd like more information or to arrange a group visit.
Cyclists
If you’re exploring the Dales on two wheels, we make an excellent pit stop. Bikes can be safely secured in the courtyard, and the Durham Dales Tearoom is the ideal place to recharge. You’ll also find cycling books and route guides in the Gift Shop. We actively welcome cycling groups—whether you’re tackling the Coast to Coast or planning a club event—and would love to support your ride with a friendly, convenient stopping point.
Motor Clubs
We’re a popular destination for car and motorcycle clubs, offering the largest car park in Stanhope and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Many groups choose to stop here to enjoy the gardens, browse the gift shops, or dine in the Tearoom. We’re also happy to work with clubs to arrange special events or group visits. Maps and guides are available from the Gift Shop.
Families & Children
Families will find plenty to enjoy at the Durham Dales Centre. Our attractive gardens and courtyard provide safe spaces for children to explore, and youngsters can follow the AONB North Pennines bug trail or try our very own animal trail around the grounds. The Tearoom offers a dedicated Children’s Menu and a play area complete with board games, drawing and colouring activities—perfect for keeping little ones entertained.
Coaches Welcome
The Durham Dales Centre is an ideal stopping point for coach groups visiting the region. We offer onsite parking (4-hour maximum stay), full accessibility, toilets, a 75-seat tearoom serving homemade dishes, a range of craft and gift shops, a Visitor Information Point and our tranquil Walled Dales Garden with pond and seating.
The Tearoom provides a complimentary incentive for pre-booked coaches with a minimum of 15 passengers:
10:00 – 11:30: Bacon or sausage sandwich with a hot drink
11:30 – 14:30: Light bite and a hot drink
14:30 – 15:00: Slice of cake and a hot drink
Hear What Our Visitors Say
John T
Made to feel welcome here. Worth a visit if in the area.
Eddie730
Exceptionally friendly staff make your visit worthwhile.
Christine4521
The staff were lovely, very friendly, and it was a great stop for us - we will definitely return.
Cam
I can recommend this place to everyone . Well done Dales Centre.
Penny H
The facilities are warm, welcoming and I don't think we could have found a better place for what turned into a two hour + visit! I highly recommend it.
Ann E
Good parking facilities, clean toilets, nice little gift shops with lots of local crafts and gifts. Well worth a visit.