Low Force

The River Tees drops about 21 metres at Low Force, and it's genuinely worth the walk if you're staying around Bishop Auckland. You won't find tourist crowds here - it's a proper working waterfall rather than a polished attraction, which is exactly why it's good.

The walk in is straightforward enough, following the Tees Valley Way with decent riverside paths. You can see the force from a viewing platform, and on a wet day when the water's really moving, it's quite dramatic. The whole outing takes a couple of hours from the carpark if you're not rushing, so it fits neatly into a morning before heading elsewhere.

It's a solid choice for walkers who like their destinations low-key, and the surrounding countryside along the river is lovely for a longer ramble if you want one. Families with kids will manage it fine - the paths are manageable and there's proper payoff at the end. If you're based at Leekworth or Mickleton Mill caravan parks, it's close enough to combine with a proper day out without burning half your time in the car.

Go when there's been rain for the best show - summer droughts can make it feel a bit anticlimactic. Free to visit, obviously. It's the kind of place that's better in autumn or winter when the light hits differently and the riverside's quieter. Worth your time if you're in the area, but don't plan a trip around it alone.