Gunners Pool Bridge in Castle Eden Dene / Photo by Les Hull

The Castle Eden Dene national nature reserve is a perfect location for a family day out. With twelve miles of rough paths and steep banks the wooded valley is a sure-fire hit for all the family. If twelve miles is only a short day out for you then the beautiful Hamsterly Forest is perfect. With two thousand hectares of horse riding tracks and cycling routes it’s another great family day out.

If it’s not the outdoors you’re after then try the National Railway Museum. With a variety of different locomotives on show, various special events throughout the year and guided tours it’s the perfect indoors activity. If this sounds a bit unexciting to your family then Diggerland will be right up your street. With over 15 rides, it gives adults and children the chance to drive real construction vehicles including the astounding JCB racing!

County Durham isn’t just a picturesque location; you’ll also find cinemas and theatres’ showing great shows all throughout the year. If it’s shopping that’s your kind of entertainment then you’ll certainly be spoilt for choice with small boutiques and large shopping centres in great supply, there’s something to satisfy every shopping desire.

When it comes to eating out in County Durham you may be pleasantly surprised by the diverse range of choices on offer. If you’re looking for a unique restaurant in County Durham then Blagraves House in Barnard Castle will definitely be on the ‘menu’. In a room with oaks beams and a crested ceiling you can eat where Cromwell once did…you can’t find much more unique than that!

Accommodation in County Durham is another area you won’t be short of choices in. No matter what your budget there’s something for everyone; with accommodation ranging from hostels right up to five star luxury hotels. If a hotel isn’t your style then there’s an extensive range of camping and caravanning sites which make them ideal locations for those looking for an ‘outdoors’ break.

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Protected Landscape Area of the Eastern Carpathians was established on July 9, 1977 with the original area of 96 810 ha. Part of the area was included in the National Park of Poloniny in 1997 and the rest stayed as Protected Landscape Area of the Eastern Carpathians with only 25 307 ha. Best preserved parts of the Eastern Carpathians are protected as national nature reserves.

The area is characterized by rich forests, which are a major component of eco-stabilizing the country and a suitable environment for flora and fauna bound on the forest environment. In the small protected areas are still preserved natural fir beech forests located on flysch slopes of Laborecká highlands.

Natural forest stands are also suitable environment for protected and endangered animals, which live here, like wolf, bear, otter, Ural owl, black stork, black woodpecker, lesser spotted eagle and other species.

Protected Landscape Area of the Eastern Carpathians follows the border with Poland. It stretches from southeast to northwest, in the Low Beskydy.

There is Europe’s largest complex of beech forests and native forests in the Eastern Carpathians. You can enjoy there beautiful and wildlife forests, but various national cultural monuments as well. The greatest tourist attractions are wooden churches.

Protected Landscape Area of the Eastern Carpathians is suitable for activities like hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding and skiing in winter.

THE MOST INTERESTING PLACES
Snina Stone (1005m above sea level) providing spectacular views of the surrounding of Snina.

Marine Eye – the largest volcanic lake in the Slovak Republic, is under Snina stone. It is one of the most beautiful natural lakes in the Slovak Republic.

Astronomical Observatory – located in Kolonica village – is equipped with the largest astronomical telescope in the Slovak Republic.

CULTURE
You can visit the main and essential festival of the region Snina, which is the presentation of local folklore (at the turn of August and September). The name of festival is “Podvihorlatský folklórní festival pod Sninským kamenem”.

Or visit Snina fair which held annually on the anniversary of the first written mention of the town Snina (in September).

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