Car parking

The North Pennines National Landscape team is responsible for looking after Bowlees Visitor Centre and the wider North Pennines. When you give a donation for parking you are helping to look after Bowlees and the wider area.

Suggested donations:

• half day (up to 3 hours): £2-3
• full day (3+ hours): £3-4

Our payment machine only accepts cash. You are welcome to donate using digital payment at the desk inside the Bowlees Visitor Centre.

Your donations help us to:

• maintain the centre and its surroundings
• run educational initiatives
• develop new trails, routes and activities

Thank you for contributing – by working together we can make a difference by helping to care for Bowlees Visitor Centre and the wider North Pennines.

For electric vehicles, there is a Mer charging point outside the visitor centre. You will need to install the Mer App to charge your vehicle. Mobile phone reception is patchy at Bowlees, so download the App before your visit or  make use of our public wifi in the building

Coach and group travel

Please note that coaches are unable to use the main car park.

Coach drivers can drop passengers off at the bus stop and then park for free in the nearby layby or the entrance to the lane to the car park. Alternatively coach drivers can drive to the High Force Hotel (1.5 miles west along the B6277) to park (charges apply and you may need to book), returning to Bowlees later to collect their passengers at an agreed time. All coach drivers are entitled to a FREE hot drink at the café.