Cocksure Hill

Standing 298 metres above sea level, this modest summit sits just west of Bishop Auckland and offers proper countryside views across County Durham's rolling farmland. The name might raise a few eyebrows, but locals have been using it for centuries without batting an eyelid. Getting to the top involves a decent walk across open moorland - not especially challenging, but you'll need proper walking boots and waterproofs given how exposed it gets up here. The views on a clear day stretch well into the Yorkshire Dales, making the effort worthwhile for anyone who enjoys a bit of fell walking. Families with older children who don't mind a proper hike will find it manageable, though it's not one for pushchairs or very young ones. The approach can be boggy after rain, so pick your day carefully. Allow a couple of hours for the round trip from wherever you park up. It works well as part of a longer walking day if you're staying at one of the holiday parks around Bishop Auckland - Cragwood is closest at just a mile away, though the facilities there look pretty basic. Worth combining with a visit to Bishop Auckland's market town centre afterwards for a proper pub lunch.