Huntfun Treasure Hunt - Barnard Castle

A treasure hunt around Barnard Castle town itself - you get a map, clues, and you're off hunting for answers hidden throughout the streets and landmarks. It's the sort of thing that sounds gimmicky but works surprisingly well if you've got kids in tow or fancy something a bit different from the usual museum shuffle.

The appeal is obvious: you're forced to actually look at the town properly instead of drifting through it. You'll pass the actual Barnard Castle (the Norman ruin that gives the place its name), wander down to the River Tees, and poke around the older quarters where the buildings get properly interesting. The clues aren't patronising, and there's a genuine sense of achievement when you crack them.

Families get the most from this, particularly those with children aged seven to fourteen. It keeps them engaged and moving. History enthusiasts will appreciate how the hunt routes you past genuinely significant bits of the town - you're learning as you go, just through a game rather than a guidebook.

We'd suggest allowing two to three hours depending on how thorough you are. Pick a dry day; there's no shelter, and standing about with a soggy map isn't fun. It's free admission territory as far as we can tell, though you'll need to source the actual hunt materials - check locally in town.

Stay at Teesdale Barnard Castle Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite - barely half a mile away - and you've got a convenient base for a couple of nights exploring Teesdale properly.