Limestone Hill

The walk up Limestone Hill from Barnard Castle is straightforward enough, but the views across County Durham's rolling countryside make it worth the leg work. It's not a mountain - more a proper local hill that rewards you with sight lines stretching across the Pennines on a clear day. The limestone geology is the thing here; you'll notice the pale rock faces as you climb, and the summit itself sits on exposed stone that's clearly been quarried at various points.

This suits walkers more than families with small children. The ascent is steady rather than brutal, taking most people 30 to 45 minutes from the town, but it's not a pushchair-friendly route. Once you're up top, there's not much to do except stand about, enjoy the air, and take photos. An hour's visit covers it.

It's free, obviously - it's a hill. Combine it with Barnard Castle itself (the ruins are proper worth seeing), then head back toward the caravan parks that ring the area. Leekworth and Mickleton Mill are both within walking distance if you're staying put, though neither park's got star ratings to suggest anything special. The real appeal is walking country; this hill connects to broader routes across the Pennines if you fancy extending it. Come on a dry day when visibility's decent, or you'll just be trudging through cloud.