Hetton Centre Library

You won't find Hetton Centre Library in many guidebooks, but that's partly what makes it worth knowing about. It's a working community library in County Durham, about 3 miles from Durham itself, serving the local area with books, computers, and reading space. The sort of place where you can actually sit down in peace without fighting for a plug socket or dealing with coffee-shop noise.

It's genuinely useful if you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks - Finchale Abbey, Durham Grange, or Strawberry Hill Farm - and need somewhere quiet to spend an hour or two. Kids can browse the children's section; adults can read proper books or use the free Wi-Fi. No frills, no Instagram moments, just functional and free.

Truth is, this isn't a destination in itself. You won't plan a day trip around it. But if you're based at a local campsite and fancy escaping bad weather or want somewhere to decompress away from the caravan, it does the job. Durham city centre is close enough for a proper outing - the cathedral, the riverside walks, the old town itself are all worth your time instead if you've got a full day.

Check opening hours before you go. It's a council library, so they vary, and you'll want to confirm free admission, though that's standard for public libraries across the UK. Not essential, but decent to have in your back pocket.