Mews Cottage Guidebook
Sightseeing
Pop into the visitor centre to learn about the flora and fauna of the North Pennines and then take a walk to see some spectacular natural features, including Gibson's Cave and Summerhill Force.
23 locals recommend
Bowlees Visitor Centre
Pop into the visitor centre to learn about the flora and fauna of the North Pennines and then take a walk to see some spectacular natural features, including Gibson's Cave and Summerhill Force.
A short drive (or walk if you're feeling up to it) is High Force, the most spectacular waterfall in the area. The river Tees drops 22m (71ft) into a plunge pool. After heavy rain the waterfall is at its most impressive, however in winter it can often freeze, forming amazing ice shapes.
116 locals recommend
High Force Waterfalls
Alston RoadA short drive (or walk if you're feeling up to it) is High Force, the most spectacular waterfall in the area. The river Tees drops 22m (71ft) into a plunge pool. After heavy rain the waterfall is at its most impressive, however in winter it can often freeze, forming amazing ice shapes.
A short walk from High Force is Low Force, a smaller, but no less impressive water fall, which was recently seen onscreen in the second series of 'The Witcher.'
22 locals recommend
Low Force Waterfall
A short walk from High Force is Low Force, a smaller, but no less impressive water fall, which was recently seen onscreen in the second series of 'The Witcher.'
One of the many reservoirs in the North Pennines, Grassholme offers a range of activities. Recently opened is the observatory, offering visitors an unparalleled view of the night sky.
Grassholme Reservoir
One of the many reservoirs in the North Pennines, Grassholme offers a range of activities. Recently opened is the observatory, offering visitors an unparalleled view of the night sky.
The Bowes Museum features an internationally significant collection of fine and decorative arts and is famous for its mechanical swan. Regularly hosting events, exhibitions and activities there's something of interest for everyone at the museum.
104 locals recommend
The Bowes Museum
NewgateThe Bowes Museum features an internationally significant collection of fine and decorative arts and is famous for its mechanical swan. Regularly hosting events, exhibitions and activities there's something of interest for everyone at the museum.
Over the hill you'll find Weardale, an area rich with industrial history. Killhope Museum recreates a historic lead mine, with miner's cottages and offers the chance to go on a mine tour - take your wellies!
40 locals recommend
Killhope Lead Mining Museum
Over the hill you'll find Weardale, an area rich with industrial history. Killhope Museum recreates a historic lead mine, with miner's cottages and offers the chance to go on a mine tour - take your wellies!
About an hour's drive from Middleton is the Beamish Museum, offering a visitors an insight into how life in the North East used to be. Trams and vintage busses shuttle people between the different areas, which showcase the agricultural and mining industries, as well as the recreation of a small 19th Century town.
194 locals recommend
Beamish, the Living Museum of the North
About an hour's drive from Middleton is the Beamish Museum, offering a visitors an insight into how life in the North East used to be. Trams and vintage busses shuttle people between the different areas, which showcase the agricultural and mining industries, as well as the recreation of a small 19th Century town.
Raby Castle dates from the 14th Century and is set in 200 acres of deer park. Visitors can explore the castle and its grounds, whilst the recently opened Plotters Forest provides a treetop activity trail, suitable for all ages.
79 locals recommend
Raby Castle
Raby Castle dates from the 14th Century and is set in 200 acres of deer park. Visitors can explore the castle and its grounds, whilst the recently opened Plotters Forest provides a treetop activity trail, suitable for all ages.
City/town information
Barnard Castle is a market town a short drive from Middleton, which has benefitted from some notoriety in recent years. It has a nice selection of shops, pubs and restaurants and features a number of antique shops. There are also several opticians, should you require an eye test!
96 locals recommend
Barnard Castle
Flatts RoadBarnard Castle is a market town a short drive from Middleton, which has benefitted from some notoriety in recent years. It has a nice selection of shops, pubs and restaurants and features a number of antique shops. There are also several opticians, should you require an eye test!
Food scene
The Three Horseshoes Hotel offers a cosy interior and a nice selection of lunch and evening meals.
10 locals recommend
Three Horseshoes Hotel
7 GalgateThe Three Horseshoes Hotel offers a cosy interior and a nice selection of lunch and evening meals.