Dog Kennel Bank

Dog Kennel Bank is a proper woodland walk tucked away near Durham, the sort of forest patch that locals know about but tourists often miss. It's essentially an unassuming stretch of broadleaf woodland - nothing too dramatic, but genuinely pleasant if you're after a break from urban sprawl. The trees here are dense enough to feel like you've actually left the city behind, even though Durham's only a few miles away.

You're looking at a straightforward ramble through mixed woodland rather than anything staged or visitor-centre-heavy. Bring sensible boots because the ground gets muddy, especially after rain, and allow a solid hour if you want to properly stretch your legs without rushing. There's no charge and no facilities that I could find, so come prepared.

This works well for families who don't want to commit to a full-day adventure, or for walkers after a quick woodland fix between other stops. If you're staying at The Barn at Easington for a park holiday, it's close enough for a morning outing - though honestly, you won't be making it a destination on its own merits. It's the kind of place that's genuinely worth the detour if you're in the area exploring, but not worth driving 40 minutes for specifically.

Go mid-week if possible. Weekends bring the local dog-walkers (hence the name, presumably), which rather defeats the peaceful woodland experience. Spring's lovely here when the undergrowth greens up properly.