Durham Tower

There's a stocky medieval tower standing just outside Stanley that stops you in your tracks. Durham Tower is what's left of a 14th-century fortified house, built when the Prince Bishops of Durham needed to keep watch over their northern territories. What you're looking at now is essentially a three-storey ruin with thick stone walls and narrow windows - the sort of place that actually feels like it meant business.

You can walk around it freely and peer through the openings, though you won't get inside the structure itself. It's the kind of stop that takes twenty minutes, half an hour tops. History buffs will appreciate the medieval craftsmanship and the broader story of Prince Bishop power in the region, but casual visitors might find it a bit underwhelming without much interpretation on site.

The real appeal is how it sits in the landscape - solitary, austere, completely unbothered by modern life. If you're staying at Beamish Holiday Park six miles away, this makes an easy drive or even a sturdy bike ride. Pair it with a visit to Beamish Museum, which is closer and far more comprehensive if you want to understand the area's history properly.

Come anytime, really. Summer's pleasant enough, but winter actually suits this place better - all grey skies and bare branches. It's free to look at, and there's nowhere to eat or shelter, so bring coffee in a flask. Don't expect much fuss, and you won't be disappointed.