Dalden Tower

A squat stone tower rising from the Durham countryside near Peterlee, Dalden Tower is one of those places that stops you in your tracks precisely because you weren't expecting to find it. Built sometime in the 14th century as a defensive stronghold - a pele tower, to be precise - it's the kind of structure that makes you wonder what anxieties gripped the people who thought they needed one.

What you get is a proper piece of medieval architecture standing largely intact, though access inside varies depending on the season and upkeep. The walls are thick enough to suggest some serious medieval thinking went into the design. The surrounding landscape is fairly open moorland, so you can see why the tower was positioned here - decent vantage point, nowhere for trouble to sneak up unannounced.

This isn't a major attraction with visitor facilities and a gift shop. It's more of a worthwhile detour if you're walking or exploring the area around Peterlee, particularly if you've got an eye for medieval military architecture. Families with young children might find it interesting for ten minutes or so, though there's not masses to do. History buffs and walkers will get more from it.

If you're staying at The Barn at Easington just down the road, it's easily accessible and adds another layer to understanding how this part of Durham was defended centuries ago. Free to visit and best tackled as part of a wider walk rather than a destination in itself.