Bowes museum grounds

The grounds here are what pull you in before you even think about the building itself. Rolling lawns that drop away toward the River Tees, mature trees dotted about like they've been there for centuries (they probably have), and that sense of space you don't often get near a museum. The Bowes Museum sits just outside Barnard Castle, and the gardens are free to wander whether you're visiting the collection inside or not.

It's a proper country estate feel, which matters if you're staying at one of the caravan parks nearby - Teesdale Barnard Castle or Pecknell Farm are minutes away. You could easily spend an hour here just walking the grounds, letting the kids run about a bit. The building itself is a Victorian château, all French-influenced architecture that looks frankly daft plonked in County Durham, but that's rather the point. Inside is a significant collection of paintings, furniture, and decorative arts - the sort of stuff that appeals to art-focused types more than casual visitors.

Allow a couple of hours if you're doing both grounds and interior. The walks are gentle, nothing strenuous, and it's the sort of place that works well as a half-day excursion while based at one of the local campsites. Check the website for admission prices and opening hours before you go - they do vary seasonally. Winter can be moody and atmospheric here; summer brings out the picnic crowd. Either way, the grounds themselves are worth the detour if you're touring the area.