Prebends Bridge

The Wear curves sharply beneath Durham, and Prebends Bridge is where you actually feel that river doing its work. This 18th-century stone crossing is elegant without fussing about it - five arches that seem to grow organically from the riverbanks rather than sitting on top of them. Walk across and you're following a route monks used to take to the cathedral, though these days it's mostly locals and the occasional tourist who's bothered to stray from Palace Green.

The bridge itself takes maybe five minutes to cross, but that's not really the point. What makes it worth the trip from Durham's centre is the walk down through Prebends Walk - tree-lined, riverside, genuinely pleasant. The views back toward the cathedral and castle perched above are proper spectacular, especially if you time it right with afternoon light. Photographers will find plenty to work with here.

It's free to access and open year-round since it's just a bridge. Allow half an hour if you're walking both ways from the cathedral, longer if you want to sit by the water. The walk is easy but does involve steps down and up, so not ideal for buggies or anyone with serious mobility issues. Families won't find it thrilling for long - kids get the point quickly then want to move on. Walkers and anyone with a camera, though, will find it worth the detour.

If you're based at Durham Grange or Finchale Abbey, it's a straightforward walk into the city proper. The bridge works best as part of a broader Durham afternoon rather than a standalone destination.