Sunderland Cleugh Plantation

Sunderland Cleugh Plantation is a proper woodland walk just outside Bishop Auckland, the sort of place locals know but visitors often miss. The forest isn't vast - you're looking at maybe an hour to two hours depending on how slowly you mooch through the trees - but it's exactly what you need if you're tired of manicured park attractions and want something genuine.

The walk takes you through mixed woodland with some decent paths underfoot, though conditions vary depending on the weather and how well they've been maintained that season. It's open access, free, and feels properly wild in comparison to the managed parks nearby. The canopy does what woodland does best: creates shade and shelter, which matters on the hotter days. There's not much else - no visitor centre, no facilities to speak of - so bring what you need.

This suits walkers far more than families with small children. Teenagers who actually like walking will find it pleasant enough. It's the sort of place you pop into during a broader day trip around Bishop Auckland, especially if you're staying at White House & Hagg Bridge Caravan Park or one of the other sites within spitting distance. If you're basing yourself at Westgate or Greenfoot, it's a worthwhile diversion when you want to stretch your legs without queuing for anything.

Worth the detour? If you're in the area anyway, absolutely. As a destination in itself, you'd want to combine it with other Durham attractions to make a proper day of it.