Candy Cane Crossing

The red and white striped poles that mark Candy Cane Crossing sit on a quiet stretch of road between Stanley and the wider Tyne and Wear landscape - the kind of landmark that stops you in your tracks because you weren't expecting it to be there at all. It's a simple thing, really: a pedestrian crossing painted in bold candy cane colours, more art installation than functional crossing, though it does still work as one.

This is the sort of spot that appeals to photographers and families after something a bit different. Kids find it daft and charming in equal measure. There's no visitor centre or facilities to speak of - you pull up, take your photo, and move on. It won't occupy your afternoon, but it's worth a five-minute detour if you're in the area.

If you're based at one of the nearby parks - Beamish Glamping is genuinely excellent if you can stretch to it, worth the extra cost - Candy Cane Crossing makes for an easy between-activities stop. Beamish Holiday Park is more budget-friendly and closer to Stanley town centre. The crossing itself is free to view and accessible year-round, though early morning light works best for photographs.

Don't expect grandeur or history here. It's quirky local charm, the kind of thing that makes a North East road trip feel properly lived-in rather than just ticking boxes. Some will think it's brilliant; others might find it a bit thin for the drive. Depends what you're after, really.