Destination

The North Pennines & Teesdale

Britain's forgotten wilderness — waterfalls, dark skies, empty roads. Chase High Force at dawn BecauseYouVan.

The North Pennines AONB west of Darlington is one of England's least-visited landscapes. High Force, Cauldron Snout, and the Pennine Way all thread through here. Perfect for a slower, quieter van break with proper dark skies.

From our pickups

Darlington

~40 minutes to Barnard Castle.

Scotch Corner

~50 minutes to Middleton-in-Teesdale.

Ripon

~1 hour 15 to Barnard Castle.

Highlights

  • High Force — England's biggest single-drop waterfall
  • Low Force and the Wynch Bridge
  • Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle
  • Hamsterley Forest mountain biking
  • Cow Green Reservoir and Cauldron Snout

Suggested itinerary

A trip you could actually do.

  1. 01Night 1: Barnard Castle Club site — Bowes Museum morning.
  2. 02Night 2: Middleton-in-Teesdale — High Force at first light.
  3. 03Night 3: Low Way Farm at Holwick — proper dark-sky night.

Best time to go: Year-round; winter delivers spectacular waterfalls.

Book on Goboony

Other destinations

The Lake District

England's most beautiful national park — 90 minutes from Scotch Corner. Wake by Derwentwater BecauseYouVan.

The NC500

Scotland's ultimate road trip — start it from Scotch Corner or Darlington. Loop the North Coast BecauseYouVan.

The Yorkshire Dales

On our doorstep — waterfalls, wildflower meadows and proper pubs. Roam the Dales BecauseYouVan.