Stainton Hill Plantation

A proper woodland walk rather than a manicured tourist trap, Stainton Hill Plantation sits just outside Barnard Castle and delivers exactly what it says on the tin - trees, paths, and fresh air. The forest isn't vast, but it's the sort of place where you can actually breathe without dodging crowds. You'll find decent walking trails threading through mixed woodland, the kind of terrain that feels local and lived-in rather than aggressively developed for visitors.

This suits walkers and families with kids who won't melt if there's no gift shop. The paths are straightforward enough for a couple of hours' rambling, though it's not a day-long expedition. Bring a decent pair of boots if it's been wet - the ground can turn boggy in places. Being a working plantation rather than a showpiece, opening times and facilities aren't always crystal clear, so ring ahead or check locally in Barnard Castle before you go.

If you're basing yourself at one of the nearby caravan parks - Hetherick is barely a mile away, or Teesdale if you want something slightly further out - this makes a solid morning or afternoon escape without needing the car. It won't compete with a trip to Barnard Castle itself, but as a way to stretch your legs between park days, it's worth knowing about. Real woodland, no pretence.