With stunning stretching beaches, tranquil spots and romping walks, there are so many beautiful places to visit in County Durham.

Here are five of the area's best secret spots to enjoy this autumn.

County Durham's best kept secrets to visit this autumn:

Bowlees Visitor Centre

Surrounded by some of England's finest hay meadows and nestled amidst Teesdale's beautiful woodland, Bowlees Visitor Centre offers an unforgettable North Pennines experience.

Its location by High and Low Force waterfalls and an abundance of accessible countryside complements its appeal.

With miles of quiet rural roads and vast expanses of unspoilt land and sky, it truly is a nature lover's paradise.

For self-guided outings, visitors can make the most of the provided booklets that detail various walks, bike rides, and nature-spotting opportunities.

The centre also abounds with hands-on events and activities meant to engage children and increase their appreciation for nature.

Eggleston Hall Gardens

Eggleston Hall Gardens, dating back to the late 16th century, potentially thrived as a physic garden under monastic influence, amid a blossoming scientific interest in plants.

This was a time marked by botanical adventurers such as John Fraser, David Douglas, Robert Fortune, Sir Joseph Hooker, George Forrest, and Frank Kingdon-Ward, who fuelled the growth of botanical gardens by narrating tales of exotic plants to the eager public.

These days, the gardens are visited regularly by families, couples and solo people alike. 

Take in the stunning views of the gardens.

East Durham Coast

From Blackhall to Crimdon and Seaham - the East Durham Coast, isn't the 'industrial wasteland' it once was, according to visitors on TripAdvisor. 

Instead, it's got plenty of views of coastal paths and stunning views.

People use these beaches for dog walking or long walks with friends or family. 

In Seaham, you can even pick up some sea glass.

Finchale Priory

Remains of 13th-century Finchale Priory, managed by English Heritage Trust, can be freely visited with charges only applying for car park exits.

The site lies near Durham, by River Wear.

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With a score of four out of five stars - people loved the attraction, with one person saying: "Beautiful, magical place, and the drizzle the day we went intensified the green of the grass and the dark grey of the stones. The low traffic and free admission made it especially enjoyable."

Old Durham Gardens

Established over 350 years ago, the 17th century restored Old Durham Gardens graces Durham City Centre's east.

The public space, reachable through several riverside walks, features a charming walled garden with structured planting and terraces cascading into a restored orchard.

The gardens remain open 24/7 with the upper regions accessible on designated days.

The volunteer group 'Friends of Old Durham Gardens' sustain the gardens' beauty and invite the public to join their maintenance sessions every Thursday and Sunday afternoon from 2 to 4pm.