Witton Park

The Wear Valley cuts through here with real purpose, and Witton Park is where you actually feel it. This nature reserve sits just outside Bishop Auckland and does exactly what it says on the tin - gives you proper walking territory along the riverbanks without the fuss of a formal visitor centre or queues.

You get woodland trails that meander between the water and tree cover, decent for spotting waterfowl if you're patient, and the sort of space where kids can actually run about without bothering anyone. The river itself is the main draw - it moves fast enough to be interesting, slow enough that you're not white-knuckling it. Most people spend an hour to ninety minutes here, though longer walks are possible if you've got the legs for it.

Timing-wise, spring and early autumn work best. Summer can get sticky, and winter muddy - bring proper boots. Being free and basically unrestricted, you just turn up and go. There's no entrance fee or booking nonsense.

If you're based at one of the caravan sites nearby - Witton Castle is practically on the doorstep - this fills a gap nicely between days at bigger attractions. It's the sort of place that rewards walkers more than casual strollers, though families will find enough to keep them occupied for a morning. Bishop Auckland itself has shops and cafes if you need sustenance before or after. Not a day-long affair, but a proper bit of breathing space in the Wear Valley.