Middle Rainton Picnic Area

The Wear Valley between Durham and Wolsingham holds a scatter of riverside stopping points, and Middle Rainton is the kind of place you stumble upon rather than plan for. It's a straightforward picnic area sat beside the River Wear, offering benches, a bit of grass, and the sort of peaceful riverside setting that works brilliantly if you're breaking up a drive or fancy an hour away from the car.

What you get is basic but genuine: tables, some shelter, and direct access to the water's edge. The river here moves slowly enough that you can stand and watch it without feeling rushed, which is the whole point really. There's no visitor centre, no gift shop, no faffing about. Walk the towpath if your legs need stretching, bring a flask and sandwiches, let the kids throw stones into the water.

This works perfectly if you're based at Finchale Abbey Residential & Touring Park or Durham Grange Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite - both within two miles - and need somewhere low-key for lunch without driving far. It's not a destination in itself, but it's proper value as a free stop on a North East cycling or walking trip. Families with young children will get an hour or so out of it before they're ready to move on. History types heading to Finchale Abbey itself won't find much here, but it's a pleasant spot to sit after exploring those ruins.

No entry fee that I can find, open all hours being the riverside kind of place it is. Go when the weather's reasonable - it's exposed to the elements, and muddy footpaths are standard after rain.