Powerleague 5/7 Aside football League

If your kids are football-mad and you're staying anywhere near Stanley, Powerleague's 5-a-side pitches are worth knowing about. It's a proper sports centre with multiple artificial grass courts where you can book time slots for small-sided games - think quick, intense matches rather than the full ninety-minute slog. The setup is straightforward: you turn up with your group, grab a pitch for an hour, and get on with it. Works brilliantly if you've got a squad of mates or family who fancy an active afternoon.

Best suited to teenagers and adults who actually want to play rather than watch. Young kids might find waiting around tedious unless they're kicking a ball themselves. The whole thing feels less about atmosphere and more about utility - it's a functioning leisure facility, not a day out in the traditional sense. Allow an hour to ninety minutes including changeover time between games.

Pricing and exact opening hours vary by location and season, so check their website before planning anything around it. The nearest town is Stanley, which isn't particularly picturesque for a wander afterwards, though if you're staying at Beamish Glamping or Beamish Holiday Park just down the road, you could easily slot a match in as part of a longer day out. Beamish Glamping especially - at 5-star - would make for a decent base if you're keen to keep active during your stay. It's not a destination in itself, but rather a useful option when you've got restless sporty types to keep occupied.