Woodham Park

Just outside Shildon sits Woodham Park, a proper nature reserve that's doing the job quietly without any fuss. It's the kind of place where you can actually hear yourself think - rare enough these days. The reserve protects woodland and grassland habitats, and if you're into spotting birds or just watching dragonflies flit about on a decent day, you'll find plenty to occupy yourself.

Walkers get the most from this one. The paths wind through the natural landscape without being too taxing, making it ideal if you're staying at Eden Grange Glamping just down the road and fancy a morning ramble before breakfast. It's not a destination on its own, but rather the sort of place you'd slot into a wider afternoon in County Durham. Kids will have a decent wander around, though there's no playground nonsense to keep them entertained if they get restless.

The best time to visit is spring through early autumn when you'll actually see wildlife worth photographing. Winter's fine too if you don't mind the damp. Allow an hour or so to explore properly without rushing. There's no entrance fee mentioned, and car parking should be straightforward for a reserve of this size. It pairs well with visits to bigger attractions in the area - you're positioned nicely between several other parks if you're planning a proper nature-focused break. The nearness to The Gables Pod Camping makes it accessible whether you're glamping it up or roughing it slightly.