Whitworth Hall Country Park

The River Wear cuts through Whitworth Hall Country Park like it owns the place - which, in a sense, it does. This nature reserve near Durham is proper woodland walking territory, the sort where you'll actually see something worth stopping for: kingfishers if you're lucky, roe deer slipping between the trees, and enough birdlife to justify bringing binoculars.

It's a straightforward spot for a couple of hours if you're staying at Grove Farm or one of the other caravan parks within a few miles. The trails wind through mixed woodland and along the river itself, which is the main draw. Not somewhere you'll spend all day, but excellent if you want to stretch your legs without the hassle of heading somewhere massive like Kielder.

Walkers and bird enthusiasts will get the most from it. Kids can manage the paths fine, though it's not a playground - they need to actually want to be outside rather than entertained. Summer's the obvious time, but winter brings a different crowd of birds if you're into that sort of thing.

The nearest proper base is Durham itself, which is worth knowing if you're planning a longer stay. Grove Farm CAMC is close enough to make this a genuine option for an afternoon loop rather than a dedicated drive. Admission details are thin on the ground online, so ring ahead before you commit - local reserves can be a bit opaque about costs and facilities.