Summerhill force (waterfall)

The walk down to Summerhill Force takes you through proper countryside just outside Bishop Auckland, and when you finally reach the waterfall itself, you understand why locals bother making the trip. Water tumbles over dark stone into a pool below - nothing dramatic, but genuinely lovely on a clear day, especially after rain when it's got some real power behind it.

It's a walker's spot more than anything else. You'll need a good 45 minutes to an hour return journey depending on fitness, and the path can be boggy in places. Not one for very young kids unless they're already confident on uneven ground, though teenagers will be fine. History enthusiasts might get something from knowing the Durham landscape shaped by water and stone, but don't expect interpretation boards or anything like that.

Best visited after wet weather when the fall's actually worth seeing. Free, obviously - it's just a waterfall in the countryside. Allow yourself enough daylight, particularly in winter months when it gets dark early.

If you're staying at Leekworth or Mickleton Mill nearby, this makes a decent half-day excursion to break up caravan life. Won't blow your mind, but it's a proper walk that gets you away from the sites and into the landscape. Westgate and Hill Top Huts are also within reasonable distance if you want something more active than a park stroll.