Low Shipley Mill

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.

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.

Barnard Castle is a ruined medieval castle on the edge of the County Durham town that shares its name. A stone fortress was begun here in the 12th century by the Balliol family, and the mighty round tower still stands over the gorge. Later owners included Richard of Gloucester, who went on to become Richard III.

Tip: Head first for the great chamber window to find Richard's carved white boar and the view of the river.

Locomotion is a railway museum in Shildon, County Durham, part of the Science Museum Group. It sits beside the Stockton and Darlington Railway, the world's first public railway, and houses locomotives from the National Collection, including Sans Pareil and the unique APT-E and Deltic units.

Tip: Pets aren't admitted, though working assistance dogs are welcome. Check the website for event days before you go.

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.

Auckland Castle, also called Auckland Palace, was the home of the Prince Bishops of Durham for centuries. It is a Grade I listed building above the River Wear, and the site's story spans almost 1,000 years. Restored rooms each take you to a different moment in time, from the Throne Room to the Bishop's Study and the Long Dining Room.

Tip: Check opening days and times on the Auckland Project website before you set off, as the palace is not open every day.

Brough Castle is a ruined English Heritage castle on a ridge overlooking the Stainmore Pass, built within the walls of an old Roman fort. Its towering keep dates from about 1200, and the site was a frequent target of Scots raids. The Clifford family later added more comfortable living quarters, which were accidentally burnt after a great Christmas party in 1521.

Tip: Parking is limited in the village, so don't use Brough Castle Farm. Farm livestock may be present and the ground is uneven, especially the gatehouse cobbles.

Hopetown Darlington is a railway-themed visitor attraction spread across 7.5 acres of heritage railway land, on the 1825 route of the Stockton and Darlington Railway. It mixes indoor and outdoor sights, from the Victorian North Road Station Museum to the Carriage Works, where the Stores display a collection of more than 30,000 items from Darlington's railway history.

Tip: Head for the Goods Shed first: it is the main entrance to the site.