Weekend in Barnard Castle

A community arts centre and library housed in a former Wesleyan chapel. Hosts free exhibitions by local artists, a cinema screening classic and indie films, and a small free galler

Tip: Pop in on a Saturday morning for the local market stalls outside. Free Wi-Fi. The café does a good flat white and a cheap panini. Check their programming for free film screenings or music gigs.

Ruins of a 12th-century Norman fortress perched on a cliff above the River Tees. Free to explore the outer bailey, walls and keep. The interior is mostly ruins but you get cracking

Tip: Bring sturdy shoes for the uneven steps and the steep slope down to the river. A great spot for a quiet picnic bench or sitting on the grass. No toilets or café on site.

A marked footpath running along the River Tees through Barnard Castle. The section from the castle down to the medieval bridge offers woodland, weirs and a lovely view of the town. You can easily do a

Tip: Start at the castle car park steps, head down to the riverbank, then cross the County Bridge (the old stone one) for a quiet path with fewer people. In spring, look out for kingfishers and dippers. Free all year.

The historic cobbled market square with a 19th-century market cross and weekly markets. On Wednesdays and Saturdays there's a general market selling local produce, antiques and bric-a-brac. Even off-m

Tip: Come Wednesday morning for the best choice of fresh veg and local cheese. The public toilets are behind the market cross. Grab a takeaway tea from the nearby Co-op and sit on the bench by the cross.

An 18th-century French-style château housing fine art, ceramics, textiles and a famous Silver Swan automaton. Entry is £15.50 for adults but under-18s get in free, and there are free days throughout t

Tip: Check the website for Free Admission Days or come on a first Wednesday of the month when it's pay-what-you-like. The café does a decent scone but pack your own picnic for the gardens.