St Romald

The church sits quietly on the outskirts of Barnard Castle, stone-built and modest in a way that makes you wonder how many travellers pass by without noticing it. St Romald's is medieval at heart, though it's been tinkered with over the centuries - as happens with these places. The interior has that particular smell of old stone and polish that takes you straight back several hundred years. Stained glass catches the light nicely if you time it right, and there's proper carved work on the chancel if you look properly.

This is the sort of church that appeals to architecture enthusiasts and local history buffs more than casual tourists. You won't need more than twenty minutes here unless you're really into the details. The churchyard itself is rather pleasant for a wander, especially if the sun's out. It's the kind of place you visit whilst exploring Barnard Castle itself - the market town has far more to offer in terms of dining and amenities, so don't expect facilities at the church.

If you're staying at Hetherick Caravan Park, it's only a short drive away, making it an easy half-hour stop on a morning exploring the wider area. Worth the detour if you're already in town, but don't plan your whole holiday around it. The real draw of the region is the castle, the River Tees, and the walks around Teesdale - St Romald works best as part of that bigger picture rather than a destination in itself.