Natural England - Castle Eden Dene NNR

A steep-sided wooded valley that drops away rather dramatically from the Durham coast, Castle Eden Dene is one of those places you almost stumble upon by accident. The National Nature Reserve stretches inland from the village of Castle Eden, just a short drive south of Hartlepool, and it's proper special - a rare slice of ancient woodland in a part of England not exactly known for its forests.

What you're actually looking at is a deep ravine carved out by a stream, with ash and hazel woodland clinging to both sides. The paths wind down through the dene, crossing the stream at a few points, and the whole thing feels far removed from the industrial coastline you've just left. In spring the bluebells are outstanding. Summer brings the greenery so thick you could almost forget where you are.

Walkers will get the most out of this - it's genuinely lovely for a couple of hours of gentle rambling, though some sections are steep and muddy in wet weather. Families with younger kids might find the descent a bit much on the way back up. There's no visitor facility or car park to speak of, just pull up near the village and follow the footpaths in.

The reserve is free to access and sits well within striking distance of Castledene Holiday Park just down the road. If you're based at any of the caravan parks dotted around Hartlepool, this is the sort of place that justifies a morning visit - not a day in itself, but a proper tonic if coastal walks are feeling samey.