Bowlees

Bowlees Visitor Centre, between Middleton-in-Teesdale and High Force waterfall, is a Grade II listed 19th Century Methodist chapel that the Trust now manages as a visitor centre. The centre is an ideal place to use as a base for exploring the magnificent landscape of Upper Teesdale.

The centre has an extensive new exhibition, which reveals the exceptional natural history and geological features of Upper Teesdale, as well as the agricultural and industrial heritage that has so dramatically influenced the landscape.

As well as describing the unique features that make Upper Teesdale so special, the displays equip visitors with enough information to explore the area to see some of the features for themselves.

Starting from the rear of the centre is a nature trail which winds its way alongside Bowlees Beck to Gibson’s Cave. Summerhill Force cascades over the Five Yard limestone of Gibson’s Cave, formed as the underlying shales and sandstones, which are much softer than the limestone, have been worn away by the erosive action of the beck.

The facilities at Bowlees Visitor Centre include a café, shop, picnic area, disabled access and a leaflet for the Gibson’s Cave nature trail.

The Centre is open from 10.30 am – 5 pm daily between April and October and from 10.30 am – 4 pm at weekends from November to March. Further details are available from Bowlees Visitor Centre on 01833 622292.

Bowlees Visitor Centre
Newbiggin
Middleton-in-Teesdale
Barnard Castle
County Durham
DL12 0XF

Bowlees Visitor Centre is signposted off the B6277 between Middleton-in-Teesdale and High Force waterfall. Follow the road out of Middleton-in-Teesdale, past Newbiggin and the turning for the centre is on your right.