Barnard Castle

Standing at that famous car journey destination, this handsome market town commands impressive views across Teesdale's rolling countryside. The castle ruins perch dramatically above the River Tees, while the cobbled streets below house independent shops that feel properly lived-in rather than touristy.

Barnard Castle itself - the structure, not just the town - offers cracking views across the valley, though it's the surrounding landscape that really impresses. Buck Hill provides proper hiking territory for those wanting to stretch their legs, while Percy Myre Rock delivers panoramic vistas without too much effort. The countryside here feels genuinely wild, with North Gill Wood offering decent woodland walks when the moors feel too exposed.

Cotherstone, just a short drive away, adds another layer to any visit. The village centres around St Cuthbert's Church, but it's the ruins of Cotherstone Castle that catch the eye - atmospheric stonework scattered across a hillside site that most tourists miss entirely. The old Quaker Meeting House here speaks to the area's nonconformist heritage, while Doe Park Mill's archaeological remains hint at the region's industrial past.

Getting here means either the A66 from the west or winding roads from Darlington to the east - about 20 minutes from the nearest big town. The journey itself becomes part of the appeal, threading through proper Pennine scenery that changes with every mile.

Staying at one of the nearby parks makes perfect sense for exploring this corner of County Durham. You're within easy reach of the Yorkshire Dales, yet far enough from the crowds to enjoy some peace. The Tees Valley offers riverside walks, while the higher ground delivers that sense of space that's increasingly rare down south.