Village Green Caravan Park

The second biggest reservoir in the north-east, Derwent, is on Village Green’s doorstep and is a well-known wildlife haven, particularly for wildfowl; it’s been managed as a nature reserve since the 1960s and flutterers can spot many feathery species roosting and feeding here including greylag geese, mallard, tufted, pochard and goosander ducks, coots, moorhens and the occasional barnacle and white-fronted goose. Bring a picnic in summer and hike the path to the shores of the reservoir where there are benches to watch the birds (the path is closed in winter so the roosting birds aren’t disturbed).

You’ll also be able to sail on the reservoir or take in an event with the Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club, and fish for trout of up to 20lbs with the help of the folk at Northumbrian Water. Coarse fishing is additionally available from the reservoir’s south shore and dam wall, and the Derwent Reservoir fishery shop sells rods, tackle and Environment Agency fishing licences.

Pick up Derwent Reservoir info and ideas at its visitor centre and take the easy two-mile walk to nearby Pow Hill Country Park, a mix of woodland, marshland, grass and heather and with plenty of picnic tables throughout for post-hike alfresco bites.

Several of the picnic areas are wheelchair accessible and there’s a wheelchair-friendly trail to Pow Hill from the south end of the Derwent Reservoir dam, and to Millshield picnic site from the dam wall’s north shore. The park also has an easy access trail from its north-west corner, leading to Facebook-worthy views across the reservoir towards Castleside and the Hownsgill Viaduct.

Urbanites will find quite a bit to do around here too – historic Durham is a quick drive away, Newcastle upon Tyne is within an hour, and the towns of Consett, Stanhope and Hexham are close by.

Take a trip to Hexham for its Tuesday and Saturday markets, dating back to the eighteenth century, its shopping streets and its medieval buildings overlooking the Tyne Valley; the seventh century Hexham Abbey is a bit of a must too. It's also a fine idea to head up to Yarridge Heights in the Hexham hills for racecourse meets and more spectacular views, or to spook oneself at fourteenth century Hexham Gaol and take in the museum and one of the many galleries.

There’s more marketeering – and street entertainment in summer – in Durham’s cobbled marketplace, and once you’ve finished with that and the cathedral, there’s a monthly farmers’ market to pick up some local produce; prize-winning floral displays for yet more photos, and riverbank walks within a few minutes of the city centre: look out for university rowers or take to the water yourself on a Prince Bishop river cruiser.