2-Bedroom Hot Tub Lodge in Allendale

Vindolanda was a Roman auxiliary fort just south of Hadrian's Wall, near the village of Bardon Mill in Northumberland. It was occupied from roughly 85 AD to 370 AD and is one of Europe's most important Roman archaeological sites, with live excavations taking place every year.

Tip: Combine it with the Roman Army Museum on one Saver Ticket, and check the tour timetable for the guided fort tours.

Housesteads Roman Fort is an auxiliary fort on Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland. It sits at the end of a one-mile crag of the Whin Sill, which the Wall runs over, overlooking sparsely populated hills. It has been called the "grandest station" on the Wall and is one of the best-preserved and most extensively displayed forts.

Hall Hill Farm is an award-winning farm attraction near Tow Law in County Durham. It has been open to the public since 1981 and is still a working farm, run by the family who have farmed here since 1925. The land covers 290 hectares of grassland, woodland and crops, and the farm is home to over a thousand sheep.

Tip: Tickets can be bought in advance online, and the farm can be phoned on 01388 731333 for help with pre-booking.

Aydon Castle is a fortified medieval manor house near Corbridge in Northumberland, and is thought to be one of the least-altered examples in England. Begun in the late 13th century, it was progressively turned into a miniature castle as Anglo-Scottish border warfare grew fiercer, and was attacked at least three times by Scots raiders.

Tip: English Heritage lists it as closed for winter, so check it has reopened before you travel.

Prudhoe Castle is a ruined medieval castle on the south bank of the River Tyne in Northumberland, now looked after by English Heritage. It sits on a ridge above the river and guarded an important crossing. You approach past a mill pond, through the 14th-century barbican and over the inner ditch to the formidable gatehouse.

Tip: Check the English Heritage website before you go, as access to the inner ward and chapel is limited to certain days. There is free parking a short walk from the entrance, along a slope with cobbles and loose gravel.

Raby Castle is a Grade I listed medieval castle near Staindrop in County Durham, built by the Nevilles between about 1367 and 1390. It has nine towers, a Neville Gateway with grooves still visible from its portcullises, and a large art collection including works by old masters and portraits. It remains a private family home, and the grounds include 200 acres of deer park.

Tip: Pre-booking tickets online is recommended to get the best price.

Washington Old Hall is a stone manor house in the heart of Washington village, cared for by the National Trust. It includes parts of the medieval home of George Washington's direct ancestors, and the family took its surname from here. The ground floor shows a 17th-century home, with carved oak furniture and a collection of Delft ware.

Tip: Free parking is available on The Avenue, right beside the property.

The Bowes Museum is an art gallery in Barnard Castle, County Durham, built in the style of a French château and set in landscaped parkland overlooking Teesdale countryside. It was purpose-built to house the collection of John Bowes and his wife Joséphine, and opened in 1892.

Tip: Check the museum's website for the current Silver Swan showing times before you go, as they differ on bank holidays and school holidays.