Blackfriars Church

The ruins of Blackfriars Church stand quietly on the edge of Stanley, a Dominican monastery from the 13th century that's somehow managed to survive longer than most medieval religious buildings. What you get here is the chance to wander around actual medieval stonework - proper old walls, arches, and the kind of architectural detail that makes you realise how skilled builders were back then, even without modern kit.

It's not a grand affair. No roof, no crowds, no gift shop. Just you and some seriously ancient walls. That's exactly why it works. You can spend twenty minutes or take an hour depending on how deep you want to dig into the history - there's enough here to keep archaeology enthusiasts happy without turning it into a slog for people who just fancy a walk.

Families with restless kids might find it a bit sparse unless they're genuinely into medieval stuff. But for anyone with a genuine interest in North East history and religious architecture, it's worth the detour from a park holiday at Beamish, which sits just six miles away. The two actually pair up nicely - see the remains in the morning, then head to Beamish for the living, breathing museum experience in the afternoon.

Access appears to be free, and there's no formal opening hours listed, which means you can rock up when it suits you. Just check locally in Stanley first - weather and ground conditions can sometimes restrict access.