High Park

Rolling moorland and steep wooded valleys define High Park, a proper slice of Durham's upland landscape just outside Bishop Auckland. You're walking through working countryside here - it's a nature reserve, not a manicured park, so expect rough paths, exposed ridges, and views that stretch for miles when the weather plays ball.

The reserve covers heathland and woodland habitats that shift with the seasons. Spring brings birdsong and wildflowers; autumn turns the bracken a luminous gold. There's real walking to be had if you want it - the terrain gets steep in places and footwear matters - but you can also potter about on gentler sections without committing to hours of hiking. Birdwatchers will find it worthwhile. Families with younger kids might find the exposed bits nerve-wracking, though older children who can manage uneven ground and don't mind a bit of scrambling will enjoy it.

Being free and unrestricted, you can arrive whenever suits you. There's no visitor centre or facilities, so bring water and a map - it's not a casual stroll place. Allow at least two hours to do it justice, longer if you're keen on spotting wildlife or photography.

It slots well into a Durham holiday based around the nearby parks - Witton Castle and Country Glamping are both within reach for a morning or afternoon outing. You get proper countryside without the crowds, though it won't appeal to anyone after tame, signposted nature trails.