Beacon Hill

The walk up Beacon Hill is straightforward enough, but the payoff depends entirely on what you're after. You get a proper vantage point over County Durham's rolling landscape from here - nothing dramatic, but on a clear day the views stretch far enough to make the climb feel worthwhile. The summit itself is modest, no dramatic peak or stone tower, just open moorland with bracken and grass. Allow 45 minutes to an hour for the round trip from Durham if you're not rushing.

It's the sort of place walkers find useful rather than thrilling. Families with young legs might enjoy it as a gentle warm-up walk before tackling something more ambitious nearby. The terrain isn't technical - just steady climbing - so it suits anyone reasonably fit. You won't find facilities up there, so bring water and dress for the weather; these moors catch the wind properly.

What works well is pairing it with a base at one of the caravan parks within a couple of miles - The Barn at Easington or Strawberry Hill Farm are close enough that you could slot this in as a morning outing before moving on to bigger attractions in the area. It's free to visit, obviously. The real appeal is that it breaks up a longer walking trip rather than standing alone as a destination. If you're already in Durham exploring the cathedral and castle, and you want an hour's fresh air with a bit of elevation, this delivers. But drive past it in search of something with more character elsewhere in County Durham and nobody would blame you.