Laverock Indoor Dog Agility Arena

Your dog gets to run a proper obstacle course, which honestly beats another lap round the local field. Laverock Indoor Dog Agility Arena, just outside Barnard Castle, is an indoor facility where dogs leap, weave, and scramble through jumps and tunnels while you watch and (if you're brave enough) have a go at handling them through the course yourself.

It's brilliant if you've got a young, energetic dog that needs mental stimulation as well as physical exercise. Working terriers and spaniel types absolutely love this sort of thing. Even older dogs can take it at their own pace on easier courses. You'll need to ring ahead to book - it's not a walk-in situation - and bring your dog's vaccination records. Cost varies depending on whether you're doing a group session or private slot, but expect to pay a small fee.

Allow about an hour. The arena stays busy with serious agility competitors, so it's not a casual dropping-in kind of place. Go on a quieter weekday if your dog spooks easily.

If you're staying at Hill Top Huts or Mickleton Mill Caravan Park nearby, this makes a decent half-morning activity before exploring Barnard Castle's castle ruins or the shops along the main street. The countryside around here is stunning for walks afterwards - you'll have a knackered, happy dog for the rest of the day. Worth the trip if your dog's that type.