Toadlands Shepherd Huts

If you’re keen to get out exploring the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, now’s your chance. Landmarks you’ll want to include on your outings include dramatic High Force Waterfall, reached by a walk along the River Tees from Bowlees Visitor Centre (15 minutes’ drive). An easier stroll from the visitor centre leads up to Summerhill Force and Gibson’s Cave. Grassholme Observatory (five minutes) is a must-visit on clear nights, when you’ll hopefully get to see millions of stars in the heavens above. For a walk with no driving, take the Tees Valley Railway Walk (five minute' walk) to the Bronze Age burial site atop Kirkcarrion (45 minutes), or the scenic shores of Selset Reservoir. If that sounds a bit too sedate, head for Grassholme Reservoir (five minutes) for sailing and other watersports. What about pretty towns and villages? Well, yes. Middleton-in-Teesdale (10 minutes' drive) turns up indie shops and plenty of pubs, while Barnard Castle (15 minutes) has the sprawling remains of a riverside castle to explore, and a famous silver swan on show at The Bowes Museum (20 minutes).