St Aidan's Church

You'll find this medieval church sitting quietly on the edge of Peterlee, its stone walls a reminder that this part of County Durham had a life well before the 20th-century town sprouted up around it. St Aidan's is properly old - the kind of place where you can still feel the weight of centuries in the architecture. The interior has that particular calm that only old churches manage, with enough historical detail to keep anyone interested in local heritage occupied for a good half hour.

It's the sort of stop that works brilliantly if you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks - Donnewell Farm or The Barn at Easington are both within easy striking distance - and you fancy a gentle walk into Peterlee itself. History buffs will get more from it than others, but there's something about medieval stonework that tends to impress regardless.

The walk there is pleasant enough, and it won't demand much of your time. No fancy entrance fees or complex opening hours to navigate - just turn up and have a look around. If you're based at either of those parks and the weather's turned decent, this makes a solid morning out before lunch in town. Don't expect crowds, and don't come if you need constant activity, but if you appreciate a bit of local history and a quiet corner away from the holiday park hustle, it's well worth the detour.