We intended to stop over for a few days initially, before moving on, but remained for our full ten days holiday. Not only is this site a gem, with excellent facilities, staff and tranquil setting (forget any nonsense about being near a road), but also, this previously-unexplored area for us is quite a revelation too. Barnard Castle is an excellent base town, whatever your 'bag'. That Museum (The Bowes) is second to none in the country. Depends, but if you want to explore the countryside, visit Durham, 'Beamish' or even one of the best farm shops you'll ever encounter (Mainsgill, Richmond) give this middle bit of the country a try - from this excellent site.