Consett

Former steeltown turned walker's paradise, Consett sits high on the Pennine plateau with proper wind-swept character. The steelworks may be long gone, but what's left is a surprisingly green landscape peppered with remnants of industrial heritage and some cracking countryside walks.

Burnhill Nature Reserve offers peaceful trails through reclaimed land where steel once ruled. Much better than you'd expect. The surrounding hills provide decent exercise - Skaylock Hill rewards the climb with views across County Durham's rolling countryside, while The Scrogg and Lumley Ling Wood offer woodland rambles when the weather turns.

Smiddy Shaw Reservoir makes for a lovely circular walk, especially popular with dog walkers and families. Industrial archaeology buffs will appreciate the old Lime kiln at Lead Mill and Backstone Bank Depots - fascinating glimpses into the area's working past.

Getting here's straightforward enough from Newcastle, about 45 minutes by car through some pleasant Derwent Valley scenery. The A68 runs right through town, making it a handy base for exploring both the Durham Dales and Northumberland's southern reaches.

Staying at one of the holiday parks dotted around Consett makes perfect sense if you're after proper countryside access without the tourist crowds. Allensford Holiday Park sits nicely positioned for riverside walks along the Derwent, while the glamping options like Hidden Retreat offer something a bit more luxurious after a day tramping the moors. You're close enough to Durham city for a day trip, yet far enough out to feel like you've properly escaped.