Bishop Auckland

A proper railway line runs straight through the heart of Durham's countryside here, with the Weardale Railway chugging between Wolsingham and Frosterley stations like something from a bygone era. Bishop Auckland sits at the gateway to this spectacular valley, where old lead mines dot the hillsides and Weather Law peak offers cracking views across the North Pennines.

Wolsingham makes for a lovely base camp. The town's got everything you need - a community pool for rainy days, sports hall for the active types, and several historic churches including the impressive St Mary and St Stephen. But it's the surrounding landscape that really draws you in.

Those old workings tell quite a story. Lead mining shaped this entire valley for centuries, and you can still trace the industrial heritage as you walk the fells. St. Botolph's Chapel and various medieval settlements scattered about remind you this land's been worked for far longer than the Victorian boom years.

Mellbutts Plantation provides proper woodland walks when you fancy a change from the open moorland. The whole area feels wonderfully unspoilt - midweek especially, you'll have the footpaths largely to yourself.

Getting here couldn't be simpler. Bishop Auckland's well connected by road and rail, making it dead easy to reach from Newcastle or Durham city. Several holiday parks dot the surrounding countryside, putting you right in the thick of Weardale's dramatic scenery without the trek into town each morning for supplies. It's that sweet spot where you get proper countryside but aren't completely cut off from civilization.