Things to Do
Things to do and places to visit within easy access of Dufton Holiday Barns
Lowther Castle and Estate
Lowther Castle and Gardens - an intriguing day out!
Call 01931 712192
Meander along country lanes or take a stroll by trickling streams through Dufton Ghyll and if you’re lucky spot a red squirrel. For the more energetic you could cycle the quiet lanes (bike storage is available), and there are walks a plenty to choose from including the famous High Cup Nick or Dufton Pike, and all from your door step, without having to take the car.
If you fancy a more sedate pace then visit the many pretty fellside villages of the Eden Valley offering a gentle drive out to numerous gift shops, coffee shops and tea rooms.
Orton Chocolate Factory
Take a walk on Orton Scar and then a visit to Kennedy's Chocolate Factory Shop in Orton!Tel: 01539 624781
Walking the Pennine Way
Dufton is one of the Stage Points on the Pennine Way
Long Meg and her Daughters
Long Meg and Lacy's Cave - Stone Circle
Rheged Centre
Visit the Rheged Centre for shopping, cinema, fresh food and events
Booking office 01768 868000
Larch Cottage Gardens
Nursery, Gallery and Restaurant
Call 01931 712404
Appleby Town Centre
Visit nearby Appleby with a great selection of places to eat!
Aira Force, Ullswater
Enjoy nature trails and spectacular scenery at Aira Force
High Cup Nick
High Cup Nick – a must if you can. Stunning glacial valley which you can’t see until you are upon it. 4 hours there and back. Don’t forget the camera!
Dufton Pike
Dufton Pike offers a fabulous view over the Eden from the top, and you can be done and dusted in about 2 hours.
Hallin Fell, Ullswater
Take in the spectacular scenery as you walk over Hallin Fell with stunning lakeside views.
Blencathra, Lake District
Blencathra is the first Lake District peak you get to when heading to Keswick from Dufton.
Housestead’s Roman Fort
Visit Housestead’s Roman Fort and English Heritage site and part of Hadrian’s Wall.
Acorn Bank, National Trust
Largest collection of culinary and medicinal herbs at a National Trust property.
Ullswater Steamers
Enjoy a gentle cruise around Ullswater.
Call 01768 482229 to book!
Call 01768 482229 to book!
Keswick & Keswick Market
Visit Keswick - the Market is one of the best and takes place every Thursday and Saturday
Barnard Castle & the Bowes Museum
There is much to see in Barnard Castle, an historic market town including the 12th Century castle remains and the Bowes Museum
Fellside Royal Show, Dufton
Takes place on the last Saturday in August each year - be here to witness the amazing Fell Race!
Here are some more suggestions of things to do and places to visit when you are staying at Dufton Barn Holidays:
Walks
Many of the walks in the Eden are much more accessible than those of the Lake District, suit all abilities and vary in length from 30 mins to 5 hours depending on your energy levels and inclination. That said Dufton is on the Pennine Way (between Alston and Middleton in Teesdale) and close to the Coast to Coast route. We provide a variety of marked walks and cycle routes in the Barn to suit all abilities, most starting from the Barn.
• Dufton Ghyll
• Dufton Pike
• High Cup Nick
• Flakebridge circular
• Murton Pike
• Hallin Fell above Ullswater
• Askham Fell
• Nine Standards Rigg accessed from Kirkby Stephen
• Derwent Water circular walk
• Sycamore Gap – Hadrians Wall circular
Historic Houses and Places to Visit
• Acorn Bank (National Trust)
• Appleby Castle and Norman Keep
• Brougham Hall
• Brougham Castle (English Heritage)
• Dalemain Mansion and Historic Gardens
• Housesteads Roman Fort and Hadrians Wall
• Hutton in the Forest
• Long Meg and Her Daughters – stone circle
• Lowther Castle
• Raby Castle, County Durham
• Settle Carlisle Line and Ribblesdale viaduct
Rainy Days
It’s called the Lake District for a reason and it can rain in the Eden too, but you can’t beat a waterfall walk on a rainy day to see them in all their glory.
Equally there are plenty of other activities to keep you busy. Here are some more suggestions for things to do around Dufton:
• Aira Force on Ullswater (National Trust)
• High Force, Middleton in Teesdale
• Rheged – arts centre, shops and local products
• Keswick Market – crowned best outdoor market in 2015 and taking place every Thursday and Saturday
• Alhambra Cinema in Penrith – a quirky old fashioned and intimate cinema that may remind you of your youth.
• Barnard Castle
• Richmond, Durham and Newcastle are within a reasonable driving distance
• Kirkby Lonsdale
• Gretna Gateway Outlet Village
• Carlisle
Getting Active
• Whinlatter, Keswick – mountain biking heaven with trails from black to blue as well as Go Ape
• Paddleboarding, Canyoning & Climbing experiences can be booked from Keswick and Ullswater
• Cycling the quiet country lanes of the Eden
Annual Events
• High Cup Nick fell race, Dufton – February half term
• Appleby Horse Fair – first weekend in June
• Penrith Show – late July
• Kendal Calling, Lowther – end of July
• Potfest, Penrith – end of July
• Art in the Hills, Dufton – end of July
• Appleby Show – 2nd Thursday in August
• Lowther Show – 2nd week in August
• Dalemain Cumbria classic and Motorsport show – late August
• Fellside Royal Show, Dufton – last Saturday in August
• The Droving (Penrith) – end of October
Latest News
Summer News!June 1, 2024 - 10:12 am
Spring News!February 21, 2024 - 4:47 pm
Visit England Rose 2023 AwardSeptember 8, 2023 - 11:10 am
EV ChargingApril 17, 2023 - 8:46 pm
