Burdon Moor

The walk up to Burdon Moor rewards you with proper views across the Durham moorlands, especially on a clear day when you can see for miles. It's not a dramatic peak - nothing like you'd find further north - but it's a solid stretch of legs from Stanley, the nearest town, and the open country up here feels genuinely wild compared to the urban sprawl below.

You're looking at moorland terrain with bracken and rough grass underfoot. On a decent weather day, families with older kids will find it manageable, though younger ones might struggle with the distance. History types will appreciate the industrial heritage visible from the summit - the whole landscape here is scarred by coal mining, and that context makes standing up there feel quite different from other hills. Allow two to three hours for a round trip depending on your fitness and how long you linger.

The moor itself is free to access, though parking arrangements will depend on where you start your walk - it's worth checking locally in Stanley before you head out. Visit in spring or autumn when the weather's most stable and the light's better for photographs.

If you're basing yourself at Beamish Holiday Park or the five-star Beamish Glamping, Burdon Moor makes a proper addition to a day out. You could easily combine it with Beamish Museum itself, which sits between your accommodation and the moor. The Beamish site offers enough interest for a full day, so working this walk in gives you variety without feeling rushed.