The Fens

Tunstall Hills Local Nature Reserve

Hendon · 17 miles

Tunstall Hills, an area of open space in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, forms part of a Local Nature Reserve that also carries the designation of a Site of Special Scientific Interest for both geological and biological reasons. The reserve comprises two prominences known locally as Green Hill and Rocky Hill, together with the surrounding land, and the hills have historically been called the Maidens Paps because of their distinctive shape. According to OpenStreetMap, the nearest town to the reserve is Hendon, while the site itself lies within the jurisdiction of the local authority that owns all the land. The slopes support a species-rich Magnesian Limestone grassland, where upright brome, blue moor-grass and crested hair-grass dominate, accompanied by herbs such as common rock-rose, salad burnet and wild thyme. Notable plant records include a small population of perennial flax at the northern edge of its British range, as well as locally uncommon species like frog orchid, autumn gentian and purple milk-vetch. South-facing, steeper sections above a reclaimed railway line host a more open herb-rich grassland with common quaking-grass, yarrow, hairy violet and fragrant orchid, alongside rarities such as pale St John’s-wort and lesser meadow-rue. The reserve’s management by the local authority ensures that the area remains accessible for observation of its diverse flora, though specific visitor facilities or admission details are not provided in the source material.

The Pottery Loft

Wolviston · 3.1 miles

Unique Pottery Painting Studio Arts and Crafts

Charlton's Pond

Cowpen Bewley · 3.7 miles

Charlton’s Pond is the oldest designated nature reserve in the Tees Valley. A peaceful, secluded nature reserve with two ponds, areas of woodland and grassland, a network of easy access footpaths and a small car park.

Billingham Green

Billingham Green · 4.3 miles

Park, Place of relaxation

Stony Beck Lake

Bishop Middleham · 9.3 miles

Formerly seasonal lake that is now virtually permanent

Tittybottle Park

Urlay Nook · 9.9 miles

Original Route of the Stockton to Darlington Railway.