The summer holidays are nearly at an end, but there is still time to have a day out and there are plenty of places you can visit across County Durham for free.
It's not long now until all the kids will be back to school - but there is still time to take a day out before summer comes to an end.
Across County Durham there are a huge variety of indoor and outdoor activities you can do for free, even if the weather isn't playing ball.
Here's a list of just five places you can visit this week.
Seaham Hall Beach
Sometimes there is nothing better than a walk along the beach - especially if you have a pup to walk too!
County Durham's Heritage Coast which spans from Seaham Hall Beach to Crimdon has been said to be one of the top tourist destinations to visit this summer.
The well-known 11-mile coastal trek which takes walkers down the coast is one way to spend the day, where on the way, tourists are treated to plentiful ocean views, arches and stacks and can even hunt for sea glass which washes up onto the shore.
Low Force Waterfall
If you fancy heading somewhere a little bit more remote with scenic views and the chance to take a leisurely stroll, Low Force is a great pick.
The 18-foot waterfall is slightly downstream from High Force, England's largest waterfall which can also be visited but you'll have to pay an entry fee.
You can access the area after parking at Bowlees Picnic Site.
Locomotion
County Durham's railway museum, Locomotion, is a must visit for those who love trains and all things transport.
Then Prime Minister and Sedgefield MP Tony Blair opened the museum in 2004 and it now attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Most recently, the Flying Scotsman spent a summer season at the museum and gave visitors a unique chance to have a look at the historic steam engine.
Hardwick Park, Sedgefield
Set beside the stunning Hardwick Hall, Hardwick Park is home to a collective of historical monuments including the Temple of Minerva which you can spot as you stroll around Serpentine Lake.
To park up, take a left as you head up to Sedgefield on the A177 and you'll find the car park beside the visitor centre.
Recommended:
- 7 picturesque villages in the North East and North Yorkshire
- Everything you know about Sunderland restaurant week
Horden Beach, Peterlee
Whilst the beaches of Seaham, further up the coast, may be popular with tourists, Horden's beach is way more secluded and offers the same stunning views of the North Sea.
Drive down Cotsford Lane and you'll come to Lime Kiln Gill car park which provides access to the beach itself.
Furthermore, there are no restrictions on dogs across all County Durham beaches this summer meaning you can take your loyal pooch for a stroll too.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here