The best of County Durham is just around the corner, a short drive away. Firstly, head 10 minutes out of the town and you’ll arrive at Raby Castle, which is surrounded by picturesque green fields usually filled with herds of deer.
More castles await, such as Auckland Castle in the nearby town of Bishop Auckland. Another historic market town, you’ll find Binchester Roman Fort one mile to the north, plenty of shops and cafes to enjoy, plus Kynren: a live show, held outdoors during August and September 2020, detailing the history of England.
If the Roman history has piqued your interest, then you won’t want to miss the village of Piercebridge, home to its own fort on the banks of the Tees. Unsurprisingly, the remains are part of an old Roman bridge.
North Yorkshire isn’t far, either. A 40-minute walk (around one and a half miles) away lies Egglestone Abbey, the remains of a small monastery, on a bend of the River Tees.