With its rich cultural history and outdoorsy offerings, North Yorkshire, County Durham and Teesside are fine areas to visit for a touring holiday. Philip Moon finds out more Bowes Museum by member Kellie Evans. The site lies near to the lovely stone village of Gilling West and about four miles from Richmond itself.
So, you can guess which part of the site I opt for. Richmond Castle by members Chloe and Sean Conway. Set up, and fortified by a cup of tea and a couple of biscuits, I head off to spend the afternoon in Richmond.
My first port of call is the English Heritage-managed castle, just a short stroll from the town centre. Buying my ticket, I enjoy a cheery chat with the receptionist. Her smile drops. Some wounds still run deep even years on! My next trip is to the regimental museum of the Green Howards, conveniently located just off the cobbles.
The Howards were formed in the s and this magnificent museum tells the story of the regiment and the individuals who served in it. There are uniforms, weapons, letters, diaries, photos and portraits and a huge medal collection. A plaque tells the ghostly story of the young boy, whose drumbeats can still be heard if you walk a certain way on a certain night.
My task the following day is to recce Barnard Castle and its surrounds. Teesdale Barnard Castle Club Campsite is only a minute walk away from town, down a footpath. The site offers flat, well-drained hardstanding pitches and backs onto the Deepdale Nature Reserve, which provides a backdrop of beautiful trees and is great for dog-walking.
