Low Barns Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre - Bishop Auckland

Claire H.

What an absolute gem of a nature reserve on a beautiful winter's day. There are really good hides from which to view birds on the lake, 1.3 mile walk round and accessible path with a mobility scooter too. Free to visit, but a donation I'm sure is greatly appreciated. Friendly and helpful staff in the cafe, with good food, reasonably priced. Will definitely visit again.

Anne S.

Low Barns Nature Reserve is in Wittwn- le-wear, Durham.
If you want true peace and tranquil surroundings & friendly people then this Durham wildlife Trust is your place to be.
An abundance of wildlife and smells in the air, flowers, woods.. In different parts of the circular walk, which is wheelchair ♿️ friendly. Different hides to peer through.
My hubby & I spent 3 hrs here.
There is a cafe & toilets.
Though we hate travel a bit , Low Burns is are favourite place.
Parking is free for Durham wildlife Trust members, but £2.50 for non members.

Owen W.

Fantastic place to visit. Low Barns is a Durham hidden gem. It's free to get in, but donations can be given.

The walk at Low Barns is a pretty simple circular loop that can be taken in either clockwise or anticlockwise directions. There are plenty of hides around the area, perfect for those looking to do some wildlife/bird spotting. It's never been overly busy when I have been here.

There is a cafe/visitor centre here also, never been in however so I cannot comment on its quality and or benefits.

Finding B.

First time here. Came to enjoy a walk in our lovely countryside and some fresh air and it didn’t disappoint. Ample parking, some signposted trails and a few large bird watching hides dotted around the lake. (Large enough for a small group of 6-8 people). There’s a visitor’s centre and cafe too. Sadly didn’t have time to visit the cafe but used their loo and bought an ice lolly. £2.90 for a Magnum is a bit steep but it is what it is. Will definitely go back and try the cafe which comes recommended by my work colleague.

Christine S.

Lovely peaceful place. Parking donation but otherwise free. Best bit was being able to access the River Wear for paddling and even swim. There’s even a little island you can wade across to where you can have lunch. But it was all good with the hides giving you a chance to spot various water fowl.

Trevor S.

Good find on a rainy day, cafe and toilet on site, free parking with the option of a £2 donation via txt msg.. dog are made very welcome but must be kept On lead All the time.... Not many birds or wildlife to see on our visit, but it was throwing it down.. plenty of hides to shelter and watch to various ducks and the odd heron brave the weather.. hides themselves are clean and tidy, walkways are well kept and signposted for the looped walk.. wheelchair accessible, families with prams and young kids can all use this sight. A former quarry and sewage works, but you wouldn't believe it, fantastic place to sit and watch the wildlife... Just wish it wasn't raining on our visit.... Will come back, on a sunny day when I'm next in the area.... Did I mention "it was raining"..

Harvey

Such a beautiful place. A lovely walk around the pond and meadows, very accessible and great views and bird spotting from the various hides.
Also a very nice cafe and shop
When you visit here you're also supporting the work of the trust, which is more needed than ever.

Isaac J.

Beautiful in all seasons for a nice walk in the outdoors and get a good look at nature much wildlife with spectacular scenery. I have to say the staff in the cafe are absolutely lovely so is the food had a great catch up with friends here definitely recommend