Willington Town Park

The riverside walk through Willington Town Park is one of those local spots that doesn't shout about itself but absolutely delivers on a fine afternoon. You get proper views of the Wear as it winds through County Durham, with decent paths that are manageable for most abilities - though it can get a bit muddy after rain, so decent shoes are worth the bother.

It's the kind of place where families with young kids will happily kill an hour or two without anyone getting fractious. The open green spaces mean children can actually run about, and the water keeps things interesting. If you're into a gentle stroll rather than a proper hike, this ticks the box nicely. Dog walkers seem to love it, which tells you most of what you need to know about the accessibility.

The park sits just outside Bishop Auckland, making it a natural add-on if you're based at one of the caravan parks nearby - Witton Castle or High Farm are both within easy striking distance. It works well as a morning outing before heading into town for lunch, or an early evening amble when the light's good.

There's nothing flashy about it. No café, no fancy facilities that I could spot. But that's rather the point. It's a proper community space where people actually spend time rather than tick off their list. Worth the detour if you're in the area, though don't expect dramatic landscapes. What you get is straightforward, honest green space by the river.