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Natural Wonders
North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Designated in 2003 as Britain's first European Geopark and now a UNESCO Global Geopark, the North Pennines AONB is internationally important because of its world-class geology, as well as being home to many species of flora and fauna.
Durham Heritage Coast
The magnesian limestone of the Durham Heritage Coast has created spectacular cliff scenery. The grassland of the cliff tops is home to several rare plant species, as well as being a haven for wildlife.
Frosterley Marble
Formed in a shallow tropical sea 325 million years ago, it's actually not a marble - rather it's a layer of dark grey limestone which contains beautiful fossils of an extinct solitary coral. The Chapel of Nine Altars in Durham Cathedral has some fine examples and the courtyard at the Durham Dales Centre in Stanhope.
Scenic Drives
Known locally as Stainmore Gap, the A66 climbs steadily over the high heather moorland along the southern edge of the Durham Dales. Enjoy the stunning scenery, but keep your eye on the road!
Spar Boxes
Visit Killhope, the North of England Lead Mining Museum and stare in wonder at its national collection of beautiful spar boxes - made by lead miners of the North Pennines to showcase the area's beautiful minerals.
Fossil Tree
In the grounds of St Thomas' Church, overlooking Stanhope Market Place, the fossil tree can be seen. Thought to be 320 million years old, it was found near Edmundbyers whilst quarrying and installed in the churchyard in the 1960s.
Heather Moorland
Britain has 75% of the world's remaining heather moorlands. And the upland areas of the Durham Dales give you the ideal opportunity to see vast stretches of heather at its best. Also in the Durham Dales visit Moor House - Upper Teesdale National Nature Reserve which is the largest in England, well known for the plants that originally colonised the High Pennines after the last Ice age and have survived there ever since.
High Force and Low Force Waterfalls
The largest waterfall in England, a woodland walk leads you to the spectacular site of High Force in Upper Teesdale. Venture further downstream to discover Low Force - a smaller series of waterfalls, but just as impressive. Complete your journey by relaxing and refuelling at the Bowlees Visitor Centre which hosts nature-inspired events and exhibitions.
Hamsterley Forest
A man made forest but now a stronghold of Mother Nature. Hamsterley Forest is the county's largest forest and provides a delightful environment to play, relax or be as active as you like.
