Forest of Light

The Forest of Light near Stanley is essentially a woodland walk that's had some proper artistic intervention. What started as a fairly standard bit of County Durham greenery has been transformed with light installations and sculptures threaded through the trees - the sort of thing that sounds a bit gimmicky until you're actually wandering through it at dusk and it genuinely stops you in your tracks.

It's not vast. You're looking at a couple of hours maximum, depending on how long you linger at each piece. The installations change seasonally, so there's a reason to come back. Families with kids aged seven and up will find it engaging without being patronising. Teenagers might roll their eyes at first, then actually find it moody and interesting. Older walkers appreciate it as an excuse for a gentle stroll through actual woodland rather than yet another manicured park.

The nearest proper town is Stanley, which gives you a sense of scale - this is proper North East hinterland, not somewhere touristy. If you're staying at Derecroft Glamping, you're only 5.6 miles away, making it an easy evening outing after a day exploring the wider Durham area.

Timing matters. Go when it's getting dark - that's when the installations earn their keep. Daytime walks are pleasant but unremarkable. Bring a torch and expect muddy paths; this isn't a tarmacked heritage trail. Worth a detour if you're in the region, but don't rearrange your holiday around it.