High Force Waterfall

The River Tees drops 21 metres in one dramatic plunge at High Force, and it's genuinely worth the trip from Bishop Auckland. You'll hear it long before you see it - that deep roar of water hitting the pool below - which is half the magic. The walk itself is straightforward enough, following the river path through woodland that's proper lovely in autumn when the leaves turn. The viewpoint gets rammed with day-trippers on weekends, but go midweek and you might have the place nearly to yourself.

It's free to visit, which is the main thing. Allow an hour or so for the walk and a good gawp at the falls from multiple angles. The rocky pools below are tempting on a hot day, though the water's freezing year-round. Families with older kids will enjoy it; younger ones might struggle with the uneven paths, especially after rain when it turns slippery.

If you're basing yourself at one of the caravan parks nearby - Leekworth, Mickleton Mill, or Westgate are all within striking distance - High Force pairs well with Cautley Spout and the broader Pennine walking scene. It's not the only waterfall in the area, but it's the showstopper. Winter can be spectacular when the flow's higher, though the paths are treacherous. Spring's probably ideal - enough water to impress without the crowds of summer.