Staying at The Barn Oakenshaw puts you right in the heart of County Durham — one of the North East’s most stunning and activity-rich regions. Whether you’re planning a family break, a hen or stag weekend, a milestone birthday celebration, or a pre-wedding group stay, there’s no shortage of brilliant experiences right on your doorstep.
From sky-high adventures and outdoor pursuits to historic landmarks and scenic countryside walks, here’s your complete guide to things to do near The Barn Oakenshaw.
Unique Experiences & Adventure Activities
Looking to make your stay truly unforgettable? These local experiences are all within easy reach of the estate and are ideal for groups seeking something out of the ordinary.
Hot Air Balloon Flights — Witton Castle
Imagine drifting peacefully above the rolling fields and woodlands of County Durham as the sun rises over the horizon. Hot air balloon flights from Witton Castle — operated by Virgin Balloon Flights — offer exactly that: a breathtaking, once-in-a-lifetime experience just a short drive from The Barn Oakenshaw.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, planning a romantic surprise, or simply want to see the North East from a completely new perspective, this is an activity that will be talked about long after your stay.
What to expect:
- Sunrise and sunset flights available throughout the year
- Panoramic views across County Durham, the Pennines, and beyond
- Flights typically last 60–90 minutes in the air
- Suitable for adults and children aged 10 and over
- Champagne toast included upon landing
- Ideal for couples, birthday celebrations, anniversaries, and hen groups
Witton Castle is one of Virgin Balloon Flights’ most popular launch sites in the North East, and it’s easy to see why. The surrounding countryside is spectacular, and the castle grounds make for a memorable departure point.
🔗 Book your hot air balloon flight here
Skydiving — Peterlee
If a hot air balloon sounds a little too serene and you’re after a proper rush of adrenaline, look no further than SkyHigh Skydiving in Peterlee — one of the UK’s most highly rated skydiving centres, and just a straightforward drive from The Barn Oakenshaw.
Tandem skydiving means you’ll be securely harnessed to an experienced instructor throughout, so no prior experience is required. You’ll freefall from up to 15,000 feet before a parachute opens and you float gently down with the most spectacular coastal views you’re ever likely to see.
Key details:
- Tandem jumps available — no experience needed
- Jumps from 10,000 to 15,000 feet
- Freefall speeds of up to 120 mph
- Stunning views of the North East coastline and Durham countryside
- An ideal bucket-list experience for stag parties, birthday groups, and thrill-seekers
- Gift vouchers available
SkyHigh Skydiving regularly features in lists of the best jump centres in the country, with instructors who are experienced, encouraging, and safety-focused. Whether it’s a personal challenge or a group experience to remember, it doesn’t get much more exhilarating than this.
🔗 Book your tandem skydive here
Clay Pigeon Shooting, Archery & Outdoor Pursuits
For something that combines fresh air, a little friendly competition, and genuine skill, the North East Outdoor Centre is the perfect choice. Conveniently located nearby, this professionally run centre offers a fantastic range of outdoor activities that are particularly well-suited to group stays.
Clay Pigeon Shooting
Clay pigeon shooting is a classic country pursuit that genuinely suits all abilities — even complete beginners. With expert instruction provided, you’ll be hitting targets in no time. It’s sociable, competitive, and surprisingly good fun for everyone involved. Many guests at The Barn Oakenshaw have made this a highlight of their stay.
Archery
Channel your inner Robin Hood with a guided archery session. Whether you’re a complete novice or have tried it before, the qualified instructors at the North East Outdoor Centre will have you drawing back your bow with confidence. It’s a wonderfully focused, calming activity — and, of course, quietly competitive.
Air Rifle Shootin
Air rifle shooting offers another layer of precision and concentration to your outdoor day. This activity works brilliantly alongside clay shooting as part of a broader country sports package, and is particularly popular with corporate and stag groups.
Team Building & Group Experiences
The North East Outdoor Centre specialises in designing bespoke activity packages for groups, and can combine several pursuits into a full-day programme. This makes it an excellent option for corporate team-building days, hen and stag parties, or group celebrations where you want to keep everyone engaged and entertained.
Ideal for:
- Hen and stag groups
- Corporate retreats and team-building days
- Birthday celebrations and family group stays
- Pre-wedding activity days
🔗 Explore activities at North East Outdoor Centre
Outdoor & Family Days Out
If you’re after something a little more relaxed — or if you’re travelling with children — County Durham offers an exceptional range of days out for all ages. Here are some of the best within easy reach of The Barn Oakenshaw.
Hamsterley Forest
One of the North East’s most beloved green spaces, Hamsterley Forest covers over 2,000 hectares of woodland in the heart of County Durham. It’s a brilliant destination for a relaxed family day out, with something for everyone regardless of age or fitness level.
Highlights at Hamsterley Forest:
- Waymarked walking and cycling trails for all abilities
- Dedicated mountain biking trails, including a trail centre
- Go Ape high-ropes adventure course (seasonal — booking recommended)
- Children’s play areas and open picnic spaces
- Forest visitor centre with café facilities
- Beautiful bluebells in spring; striking colours in autumn
The forest is just a short drive from The Barn Oakenshaw and makes for a wonderful morning or full-day outing before returning to the estate to relax in the hot tub.
Auckland Castle — Bishop Auckland
Just approximately 10 minutes from The Barn Oakenshaw, Auckland Castle is one of the North East’s most significant historic and cultural destinations. Following a major multi-million-pound restoration project, the castle and its surrounding grounds have been transformed into a world-class visitor attraction.
What to see and do:
- Explore the beautifully restored state rooms and chapel
- Wander the walled gardens and deer house
- Visit the Spanish Gallery — housing one of England’s finest collections of Spanish art
- Discover the Auckland Project’s cultural quarter in the town centre
- Enjoy the on-site café and gift shop
- Regular events and exhibitions throughout the year
Auckland Castle is a destination that works for all ages — whether you’re a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply want to explore somewhere genuinely beautiful and impressive.
High Force Waterfall
High Force, located in Teesdale on the edge of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), is the largest waterfall in England by volume. Watching the River Tees thunder over the Whin Sill dolerite rock face is genuinely spectacular — and the surrounding moorland landscape is breathtaking.
Visiting High Force:
- Easy to moderate walking trail through Teesdale woodland
- Best visited after rainfall when the falls are at their most dramatic
- Small admission fee payable at the Raby Estate car park
- The High Force Hotel nearby offers refreshments
- Combine with a visit to Cauldron Snout waterfall for a longer walk
It’s around a 40–50 minute scenic drive from The Barn Oakenshaw and makes for a wonderful half or full-day outing.
Beamish Museum
Beamish — The Living Museum of the North — is truly one of a kind. This open-air museum spans over 300 acres and recreates life in North East England across different historical periods: from a 1820s Georgian town to a 1900s colliery village, a 1940s farm, and a bustling 1950s town.
Why Beamish is unmissable:
- Costumed staff bring each era vividly to life
- Vintage trams and vehicles you can actually ride
- Authentic period shops, pubs, and a fish and chip restaurant
- Huge appeal for children and adults alike
- New “1950s town” expansion adds even more to explore
- Allow a full day — there’s always more to discover
Beamish is located approximately 25–30 minutes from The Barn Oakenshaw and is widely regarded as one of the best family attractions in the UK. Booking in advance is strongly recommended, particularly during school holidays.
Food, Drink & Nearby Towns
The Barn Oakenshaw is perfectly placed for exploring some of the finest towns and cities in the North East. After a day out, you’ll have no shortage of options for dinner, drinks, and a bit of retail therapy.
Bishop Auckland — Approx. 10 Minutes
The historic market town of Bishop Auckland has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, largely driven by the Auckland Project’s ongoing investment in culture, heritage, and regeneration. Today it offers a genuinely enjoyable mix of independent shops, restaurants, and cultural venues.
Worth visiting in Bishop Auckland:
- Auckland Castle and grounds (see above)
- The Spanish Gallery and Binchester Roman Fort
- The thriving local restaurant and café scene
- Traditional market days in the town centre
- Mining Art Gallery — a fascinating collection of North East pitmen painters
Durham City — Approx. 15–20 Minutes
Durham City is one of England’s most stunning historic cities and is well worth at least a half-day visit during your stay. The iconic Norman cathedral and castle sit atop a dramatic sandstone peninsula, encircled by the River Wear, and together form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Not to be missed in Durham:
- Durham Cathedral — one of the finest Romanesque buildings in Europe
- Durham Castle — now part of Durham University and open for tours
- Riverside walks along the River Wear
- An excellent selection of independent restaurants, bars, and cafés
- The Gala Theatre and Durham Miners’ Hall for evening entertainment
- Elvet and Saddler Street for independent shopping
Durham is an ideal choice for a relaxed dinner out — the city has a brilliant and growing restaurant scene, and the evening atmosphere by the river is genuinely magical.
The Perfect Base for Group Stays
One of the things that sets The Barn Oakenshaw apart is how seamlessly it works as a base for group stays built around local activities. Many guests plan their entire itinerary around the experiences listed in this guide — and come back year after year.
The estate is particularly popular for:
- Milestone birthdays — 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th, and 70th celebrations
- Hen and stag weekends
- Family gatherings and reunions
- Pre-wedding stays — including bridal parties, groom’s groups, and overnight stays before the big day
- Corporate retreats and team-building breaks
Guests love the combination of exceptional accommodation and direct access to so many brilliant local activities. You can be shooting clays in the morning, exploring Durham Cathedral in the afternoon, and back at the estate relaxing in the hot tub by evening.
After Your Day Out, Return to…
- Private hot tubs and outdoor spaces
- Spacious social areas designed for groups
- Stunning open countryside views
- On-site entertainment and flexible event spaces
- Fully equipped kitchens for self-catering
Whether your group is after full-on adventure or a peaceful countryside retreat — or a bit of both — The Barn Oakenshaw has everything you need for an outstanding stay.
Plan Your Stay at The Barn Oakenshaw
The Barn Oakenshaw offers a rare combination: luxury self-catering accommodation in a truly beautiful setting, with some of the best activities and attractions in the North East right on your doorstep. Whether you’re planning a weekend break or a longer group stay, we’d love to help you make it a trip to remember.
Check availability, browse accommodation options, and start planning your stay today:
🔗 Visit The Barn Oakenshaw website
Have a question or want to discuss a group booking? Get in touch — we’re always happy to help.
