Bishop Auckland

The old market square still holds court every Tuesday and Friday, though the grand Auckland Castle dominates the skyline with its 900-year presence. Bishop Auckland punches well above its weight for a County Durham town of its size - this is the seat of the Prince Bishops, after all, and it shows in the impressive architecture that lines the streets.

Auckland Castle remains the star attraction, its magnificent collection including works by Zurbarán that most major galleries would kill for. The castle grounds sprawl magnificently, and you can easily spend half a day wandering the parkland and formal gardens. Just outside town, the North Pennines offer proper walking country with peaks like Westernhope Moor and Scarsdale Head providing cracking views across the dales.

Gibson's Cave makes for a lovely short walk - about twenty minutes from the town centre through wooded paths. The Molluscarium might sound niche, but this shell gallery is surprisingly engaging, particularly on a rainy afternoon. For something completely different, the old lead mining heritage scattered across the surrounding hills tells the story of this area's industrial past. Pike Law lead mine workings and Old Rookhope ore hearth are fascinating remnants of a bygone era.

Lintzgarth Fell Nature Reserve offers gentler walks if the high peaks feel like too much effort. The town sits perfectly positioned for exploring both the North Pennines AONB to the west and the gentler countryside rolling east towards Durham city.

Getting here is straightforward enough - Bishop Auckland sits on the main train line between Newcastle and London, and the A68 runs right past. The surrounding holiday parks provide an excellent base for exploring both the town's historical attractions and the wild moorland that begins practically on its doorstep.