Attractions near The Briar Rose Holiday Cottage
The North East of England has so much to offer the visitor, yet remains off the beaten track for many. With excellent trunk roads nearby, getting about by car is quick and easy. Want to avoid driving or parking in town centers then there are excellent bus services locally available to Sunderland, Newcastle, Beamish Museum and many other place.
The natural beauty of the area explains why there are so many walking groups which invite guests to join their organised walks be they along our long pristine blue flag beaches, or the rugged beauty of the nearby Pennine dales (Teesdale, Weardale & Tynedale). Baldhiker.com is great website if you want inspiration on places to visit in the beautiful dales which are on our doorstep.
There are a number of SSIs (Sites of Scientific Interest) along several of the walks which will be of interest to those with knowledge or geology and or biology. Selected list of local SSI’s
The National Trust own a number of listed places in the area, the closest being #Penshaw Monument which is walking distance from The Briar Rose. This is where the mythological #Lambton Worm wrapped itself around Penshaw hill 7 times. Listen to the song on this Youtube link.
#Washington Old Hall is another National trust property nearby and worth a visit . The entire #Durham coast is also under National trust control noted for its beauty and prolific seabird colonies. Further up the coast is #Souter Lighthouse, another popular visitor attraction. Going inland a little Gibside is worth a visit for its stunning 18th-century landscape garden and haven for nature
There is a plethora of golf clubs within a short distance of the property, all offering the opportunity for a solo round or to participate in their organised competitions. If you fancy trying your hand at water sports then you are spoilt for choice. The closest activity centre is at Roker Beach, Sunderland, but there are many others too.
The area is steeped in History with many old monuments and buildings nearby made from the local yellow limestone. Hadrians wall and its forts are probably the oldest historical monuments in the area, #Durham Cathedral (scene for a shoot in #Harry Potter and the philosophers stone”) is a must visit attraction as is St Peters Church in Sunderland which dates back to 674AD. The industrial heritage of the area is also very important with several attractions.
Beamish is a world famous open air museum telling the story of life in North East England during the 1820s, 1900s and 1940s. #Beamish Museum has become a popular venue with various themed activities taking place all year round. The Briar Rose is an approved accommodation partner for this attraction and guests are entitled to discounted passes to this fantastic museum. #Tanfield-railway, the worlds oldest railway, is also another popular attraction. The #Quayside Sunday market is also a popular venue for visitors.
Durham, an ancient historical city, is a well known tourist destination. A book festival is held in October and a traditional Christmas festival will be held early December. In recent years it has hosted the very popular #Lumiere festival, (festival of light), every second year. This will next take place 14 – 17 September 2019.
#Tynemouth Priory hosts its Mouth of the Tyne Festival in Jul
Set against the magnificent backdrop of Auckland Castle in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, Kynren (an epic tale of England) is a show crammed with special effects that bring each scene to life. The sound track by award-winning composer Nathan Stornetta will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end.
Attractions : This document gives a number of suggested places to go and things to do and see. There is list of walking groups, golf clubs and other activity groups in the area. Theaters, arts and entertainment venues abound and a short list has been collated within the document. It is far from comprehensive but gives a guide of the many nearby options open to guests at the Briar Rose.
www.artscentrewashington.co.uk for folk music, Christmas craft fair, shows and other events
Sunderland Empire Theatre – whats on
Weardale maps
Wear Valley – Sunderland & Washington
Follow us on social media
