We have visited this site a few times, which perhaps says it all. The site is nicely laid out with one of the best toilet blocks on the network. More important, in my view, are the wonderful welcoming and friendly wardens. A minority of wardens don't realise how important their welcome is - the wardens here set a brilliant example of how it should be done. There is lots to do not far from the site. The cycling is great on quiet roads, as is walking (or running) on the paths alongside the Tees. (Upstream - either side of the river - is recommended.) The quite short walk into Barnard Castle is a must because it is a lovely town. As is a visit to the world famous Bowes Museum (within walking distance of the site but easy parking there too, even for motorhomes). The Yves Saint Laurent exhibition is on presently which is a real coup for the Bowes Museum - not least because the V&A wanted to host it. And of course the famous swan must be seen. Another recommended visit is Egglestone Abbey which is just a few minutes drive. It doesn't seem to get many visitors - we were the only ones there. Although it is run by English Heritage it is free (with free parking). Just up the road is Middleton-in-Teesdale which is a lovely small town. Not everything with the site is 100% perfect - the paths are insufficiently lit and pitches close to the road are susceptible to traffic noise, but these are minor disadvantages compared with all the advantages.