Fairy Cupboards

Stone crevices in the woods near Barnard Castle hold tiny wooden doors, no bigger than your hand. Local folklore claims fairies live behind these miniature portals, and generations of children have left offerings of berries and flowers on the small ledges below. The tradition continues today, though quite how it started remains a mystery.

Finding the Fairy Cupboards takes a bit of detective work - they're scattered through the woodland paths around the town, with no official signage or visitor centre. Kids absolutely love the hunt, turning a simple walk into a proper adventure. Parents often find themselves as engrossed as their children, peering into hollow trees and checking moss-covered rocks.

This works brilliantly as part of a Teesdale break, especially if you're staying at one of the many caravan parks dotted around Barnard Castle. Hill Top Huts and Pecknell Farm both put you within easy reach. The whole exercise costs nothing and takes as long as you want it to - some families spend ten minutes, others make an afternoon of it.

Realistically, older children might roll their eyes, but anyone under ten will be thoroughly enchanted. The combination of fresh air, local legend, and that satisfying moment of discovery makes this well worth building into a day exploring the area around Barnard Castle.