Morden Tower

The tower itself is a squat, sturdy bit of medieval stonework that commands views across Stanley and the surrounding valleys. Built in the 15th century, it's one of those structures you don't expect to find standing alone in the landscape - no castle attached, no grand estate, just a tower doing what towers do: keeping watch. The climb up is tight and steep, but worth it for the vantage point across the Tyne Valley. On a clear day you can see for miles.

It's the sort of place history buffs will find genuinely interesting - there's real substance to the medieval fortification rather than just a pretty ruin. Families with older kids won't find much to occupy them for longer than an hour, and the surrounding area is fairly unremarkable, so don't make it your sole reason for visiting. But if you're based at Beamish Holiday Park just down the road, it's a decent leg-stretch and a proper piece of local history worth understanding.

The tower is free to look at from the outside, though access to the interior depends on current conditions. Ring ahead to check if it's open to climb - the stone steps are original and unforgiving. Summer is obviously better than winter, though the wind can be fierce up there even in decent weather. Allow 30 to 45 minutes if you're going all the way up. It doesn't feel touristy, which is either a blessing or a warning depending on what you're after.