Mickleton Playground

If you want somewhere in Barnard Castle that doesn’t feel like half the town is already there, this is a solid pick. The swings get a good workout and the climbing structure keeps kids occupied without any fuss. What makes it worth the visit for older kids is the basketball court and football pitch — proper space to actually play rather than just kick a ball around a postage stamp. It’s the kind of place where you can actually hear yourself think.