Sikehead Dams

Two reservoirs sitting quietly in the Pennine foothills near Bishop Auckland, Sikehead Dams offer a proper dose of moorland peace without the crowds you'd get at the Lake District. The water is the main draw here - it's a straightforward walk around the perimeter if you fancy some leg-stretching, and the surrounding hills give you something decent to look at while you're doing it. The dams themselves are functional rather than spectacular, but that's rather the point. It's the kind of place where you notice the weather properly.

Walkers will find the most value in this one. The routes aren't complicated, and you get a sense of old industrial heritage mixed with nature reclaiming the space. Families with younger kids might find an hour round the water sufficient before heading elsewhere. Fishermen do use the dams, so check locally about access and any restrictions before you go.

The nearest town is Bishop Auckland, which gives you a decent range of amenities if you're basing yourself at one of the nearby caravan parks - Belle Vue Farm at Stanhope is under five miles away. It's not a destination that demands a full day, but if you're touring the North Pennines and staying at Greenfoot or White House Caravan Parks, it's a solid addition to the itinerary. Go early in the day to dodge any other visitors and catch the light properly on the water. The moorland can turn bleak fast when the weather shifts, so check the forecast and dress accordingly.