Castle Eden Dene

Castle Eden and its adjoining dene is one of the most interesting and picturesque parts of Durham. It is currently managed by Natural England and is a world where magical yew, oak, ash and dying elm create a home for other plants and creatures. 10,000 years of wild growth in a deep gorge has created a place you can explore again and again. Castle Eden Dene is also home to an extraordinary variety of birds, more than 450 species of plants, and some of our favourite mammals, including roe deer and fox.

There are two nature walks in the Dene, the Yew Tree trail (2 miles) and the Squirrel trail (1.8 miles), both walks leave from Oakerside Dene Lodge. [Please note that it is unadvisable to undertake these walks during or just after severe weather, paths can be very slippy and there is also the risk of land slippage].

There is a weekly guided walk led by Durham County Council Thrive Team leaving from the lodge every Thursday at 10.30 a.m.