Whitworth Hall is ideally situated 8 miles from historic Durham City where you can explore the breathtaking Cathedral and Castle then wander through the cobbled streets or take a boat trip down the river Wear.  Durham has an exciting selection of shops and eateries and has a park and ride scheme so there is no problem with car parking.

Further a field we have Newcastle and the Metro Centre - a shoppers dream.  All the big high street names are to be found in Newcastle along with lots of designer shops or perhaps if you prefer to do all you shopping under one roof the Metro Centre at Gateshead is the place for you.  The Metro Centre is the biggest shopping centre of its kind in Europe and also is home to a cinema complex, ten pin bowling and fun fair.

For those of you who prefer to explore we are also close to Beamish Open Air Museum, Bowes Museum, Locomotion, Binchester Roman Fort, Crook Hall and Washington Old Hall.  For the children we have Diggerland, Washington Wildfowl park and Wet and Wild all within driving distance.

If you want to use Whitworth Hall as your base why not travel up the coast to Northumberland and take in the breathtaking views of Bamburgh Castle, Holy Island and Lindisfarne.  Visit the towns of Morpeth and Alnwick and visit the castle where Harry Potter was filmed or just enjoy the beautiful countryside with little villages like Rothbury & Alnmouth. Walk along Hadrians Wall, a world heritage site and visit one of the many attractions along the wall.

Driving south you head toward York, only an hour and half away, or within 20 minutes drive you can be in the middle of the dales.  Weardale, home to Killhope Lead Mining Centre and interesting villages such as Stanhope, Wolsingham and Alandale or why not try Teesdale and visit High Force (the highest waterfall in England) or stop and have lunch in Romaldkirk or the market town of Barnard Castle.

One thing is for certain there is plenty to do and you will find you need to come back again and again just to see all that we have to offer.