Pow Hill Country Park

The views from Pow Hill sweep across the Derwent Valley in a way that justifies the climb to get up there. It's proper Durham moorland - open grassland, bracken, and enough space to feel like you've left the world behind, even though Consett's only a short drive away.

What you're doing here is walking. There's no visitor centre, no cafe, no attractions in the traditional sense. You come for the landscape, the fresh air, and the chance to work your legs on decent moorland paths. On a clear day you can see for miles. On a grey day - which is most days up there - it's moody and atmospheric in the way that upland England does best.

It works well as part of a wider walking holiday in the area. If you're staying at Village Green Holiday Park just a mile away, or venturing from Allensford or Springhouse further out, you can easily build this into a morning or afternoon walk. Bring proper footwear - the ground gets boggy in places - and don't expect it to take less than an hour for a reasonable circuit.

Families with younger kids might find it a bit exposed and windswept; walkers and anyone after genuine moorland will think it's time well spent. The kind of place that matters more in your memory than on the day, if you know what I mean.