Green Tourism

Green Tourism Business Scheme - http://www.green-tourism.com/consumer/about-us

We’re the natural leader in green grading

We are proud partners to over 2000 eco-friendly accommodation providers and attractions in the UK and abroad. Green Tourism is a not-for-profit organisation established in 1997. Our mission is to encourage and enable people to make sustainable choices that reduce their impact on the planet.

Why choose a Green Tourism member?

Choosing to visit / stay with a Green Tourism member means you’re supporting a business that is positively working towards this.
So when you enjoy a day out at one of our accredited destinations, you know you’re in the company of people who care.
Green Tourism is considered one of the most rigorous certification programmes of its kind. It is the only one independently validated by the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT) on behalf of VisitEngland, VisitWales and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, and is endorsed by VisitScotland and Failte Ireland.

How to get to the Farm by Public Transport

Hall Hill Farm is a rural attraction, it is not serviced by public transport. The nearest train station is a Durham, Bus services run to Consett, Lanchester or Durham from where you will then have to take a Taxi to the farm. For your safety we do not recommend walking as there are no footpaths.

Travel Line - http://www.traveline.info/

Weardale Travel - http://www.weardale-travel.co.uk

A very limited rural bus service (764-Rural Ride) Operates from Consett Bus Station (stand J) during weekdays, but is only available by prior arrangement by contacting Weardale travel, arrangements have to be made before 4pm on the previous day
http://www.weardale-travel.co.uk/service-764.html

Environmental Footprint - Offsetting your Carbon

WWF

How big is your environmental footprint?

Our lifestyle choices make up our environmental carbon footprint. Measuring yours takes less than 5 minutes and could change the way you live… http://footprint.wwf.org.uk/

World Land Trust

Why offset your emissions? It is estimated that an average UK household emits around 4 tonnes of CO₂ each year. Measure - Carbon Balanced personal calculators http://www.worldlandtrust.org/eco-services/offsetting/individuals

Carbon Calculator

Carbon footprint calculator for individuals and households

This carbon calculator is provided free to use, to enable everyone to easily understand their own carbon footprint.

Following your calculation you have the option to support carbon offset projects that reduce carbon emissions, help local communities around the world and help combat climate change.

Do this by clicking the "Offset Now" button following your calculation, or maybe choose to plant a tree (or two) in the UK or Kenya. You also get the option to download a personalised certificate, which can make an ideal gift. http://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx

Access Guide to the farm - External Audit

DisabledGo.com

On our website you'll find detailed access information to thousands of venues across the UK and the Republic of Ireland: shops, pubs, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, railway stations, hotels, universities, hospitals and more.

Established over 14 years ago, our mission is to maximise independence and choice for disabled people in accessing their local area and the places we all want to visit.

We work on behalf of Local Authorities, top Universities, NHS Trusts and private sector organisations to publish detailed access information on well over 125,000 places of interest across the UK and the Republic of Ireland. We also have a number of prominent strategic partnerships, particularly in the travel and tourism sector, with organisations such as Visit England, Visit London (London & Partners / Greater London Authority), Tourism For All and Open Britain.

http://www.disabledgo.com/access-guide/durham-county-council/hall-hill-farm

Local & National Networks

North Pennines - http://www.northpennines.org.uk

The North Pennines is one of England’s most special places – a peaceful, unspoilt landscape with a vibrant natural beauty. It was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1988. Tumbling waterfalls, sweeping moorland, dramatic dales, stone-built villages, snaking stonewalls and friendly faces – this is the North Pennines. The AONB is also a European Geopark. The Partnership takes action to conserve and enhance the area.

Defra - https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs

Learning Outside the Classroom - http://www.lotcqualitybadge.org.uk

National Farm Attraction Network - http://www.farmattractions.net/about.htm

Local Walking & Cycling Path Links

Durham Railway Paths - http://www.durham.gov.uk/article/3691/Railway-paths

Walking & Cycling in England - http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-8xdh2x

We've got the trails, you bring the bike! With over 1100km of cycle trails, from easy family routes to bike skills areas and adrenaline fuelled downhill climbs, there's a trail for all bike adventures.

Crook and Weardale Ramblers Group - http://crookramblers.org/

Ramblers Association - http://www.ramblers.org.uk

Cycle Routes - http://www.sustrans.org.uk

Cycling Organisation - http://www.ctc.org.uk

Cycle Hire in Hamsterley - http://woodnwheels.org.uk

Wide range of cycles available from children's (5 years and above) to adults', together with child seats, trailers and tag-alongs. Also a range of full suspension and jump bikes for the more adventurous.

Plan Your Visit to the Area

i-know north east - http://www.iknow-northeast.co.uk

Lets go with the children - http://www.letsgowiththechildren.co.uk

North East England Tourism - http://www.visitnortheastengland.com

Visit County Durham - http://www.thisisdurham.com

Once Brewed TIC - http://www.heartofhadrianswall.com/internet-access/224-national-park-centre-once-brewed-visitor-centre

National Park Centre at Once Brewed. For more than 40 years, the National Park Centre at Once Brewed has provided a gateway and haven to many thousands of visitors who come to explore Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site, Northumberland National Park and the wider region as a whole. As a networked Tourist Information Centre, located centrally to the Wall, it is staffed by friendly, knowledgeable information assistants, who welcome, orientate, inform & inspire visitors of all ages. Visitors are actively encouraged to explore the finest landscapes, the best historical sites and the top attractions throughout the region. To enhance their visit, a wide range of published guides together with merchandise of local provenance, fresh tea and coffee and other refreshments are provided.

Railway Paths in County Durham - https://www.ldwa.org.uk/ldp/members/show_path.php?path_name=Durham+Railway+Paths

Places to Stay Locally with Green Credentials

Dowfold House - http://www.dowfoldhouse.co.uk

Dowfold House B&B provides a warm welcome in a peaceful location near Crook. This charming and comfortable Victorian house has delightful gardens and our rooms have stupendous views over the north Pennines. A traditional full English breakfast is served each morning, with fresh local produce. Take afternoon tea in our lounge. On cold winter's evenings, snuggle into our comfortable sofas around an open fire.

The Hytte - http://www.thehytte.com

A warm welcome to the website of the Hytte (pronounced "hutta"). Award winning, accessible self-catering accommodation for eight guests. Browse through our website to discover the character of this Norwegian inspired traditional timber hytte or mountain lodge with its grass roof.

Radisson Blue Durham - http://www.radissonblu.co.uk/hotel-durham

Jury’s Inn Newcastle - http://www.jurysinns.com/hotels/newcastle/newcastle

Jury’s Inn Gateshead - http://www.jurysinns.com/hotels/newcastle/gateshead

Places to visit within the Local Area

Beamish - http://www.beamish.org.uk

Experience a real sense of your past at Beamish, and discover what life was like in North East England in Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian times. Beamish is a living, working museum, set in 300 acres of beautiful Durham countryside. Costumed folk bring to life the Town, Pit Village, Home Farm and Pockerley Old Hall. Experience firsthand how the Industrial Revolution transformed agricultural life in the region. The buildings you see at Beamish are not replicas, but have been brought, brick by brick, from around the region and rebuilt to give visitors a real sense of history. Throughout the year Beamish hosts an exciting programme of events, The Great North Festival of Transport, a Georgian Fair, The Great North Festival of Agriculture and much more besides, including a whole season of Christmas!

Bowes Museum - http://www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk

The Bowes Museum is the jewel in the heart of the historic market town of Barnard Castle in the beautiful Durham countryside. Housing internationally significant collections of fine and decorative arts, the Museum was purpose built in the 19thC by wealthy businessman John Bowes and his French actress wife Josephine. Their romantic story is revealed as you wander around this graceful and elegant Grade I Listed building.

Durham Cathedral - http://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk

Welcome to Durham Cathedral, the greatest Norman building in England, perhaps even in Europe. It is cherished not only for its architecture but also for its incomparable setting. For this reason it was inscribed together with the Castle as one of Britain's first World Heritage Sites. Durham Cathedral is the burial place of both St Cuthbert, a great northern saint, and the Venerable Bede, author of the first English history. We are open all year round and do not charge a fee for individuals to visit the Cathedral. However, we do ask for a donation as it costs £12 a minute to maintain this wonderful building together with our mission and ministry. With more than 1,500 services and events each year, access can be limited at times. We suggest that if you are proposing to visit us, check the website or contact us to make sure you are not disappointed.

Killhope Lead Mining Museum - http://www.killhope.org.uk

HIGHLY COMMENDED - Green Tourism Week 2012 Killhope is an award winning museum where visitors can discover the lives of Lead Mining families. Park Level mine is a real adventure. Equipped with hardhat, lamp and wellies you are guided down the original tunnel. On the surface, work as a washer boy and find your own lead ore. See the North of England’s largest working water wheel. Quiet Woodland Walks, Exhibitions, Shop and Café enhance your memorable day out.

Knitsley Farm Shop - http://www.knitsleyfarmshop.co.uk

We stock a full range of meats in our quality butchery department with an extensive range of supporting products including fresh fruit and vegetables, jams, preserves, dairy products, cakes and biscuits right through to ales and wines. Our cosy granary cafe is very popular serving a varied menu of home cooked quality foods with meat from the butchery.

Washington Wetlands Centre - http://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/washington/

Explore 45 hectares of diverse wetland, woodland and wildlife reserve at WWT Washington Wetland Centre. Whatever the season, there’s always something to fascinate, inspire and engage people with the wonders of wetland birds and their habitats. Get nose to beak with rare waterbirds at Close Encounters and meet our pink Chilean flamingos.