
Teesdale is an area of outstanding natural beauty; a land of castles, dramatic waterfalls, forests and wild moorland. Be inspired, as so many writers are, by its rugged beauty. Listen to the warble of the curlews and shriek of the oyster catcher.

There is something about Teesdale that inspires creativity, as is evident by the wealth of local artists and writers. The area was a favourite haunt of writers , before the Lake District became popular. Even Charles Dickens stayed here and was inspired to write Nicholas Nickleby. Dotheboys Hall is just a couple of miles from Barnard Castle in the village of Bowes. Outdoor performances of Shakespeare’s plays take place in the grounds of Bowes Museum every summer and it also hosts concerts and exhibitions, throughout the year.
