Alexandra Park

The coastal path through Alexandra Park is one of those walks that catches you off guard with how good it actually is. You're expecting a modest nature reserve near Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, and what you get is proper clifftop scenery with the North Sea doing its thing below and genuine wildlife habitat threading through the grassy slopes.

It's a working nature reserve rather than a manicured park, which means you'll see grassland and scrubby vegetation that birds and small mammals actually use. Walk the perimeter and you've got sea views that wouldn't look out of place further down the Northumberland coast, minus the crowds. The paths are straightforward enough for families, though it gets a bit windswept in winter and the ground can be boggy after rain.

Allow an hour for a decent loop without rushing. It's free and open access, which is the decent thing about it. Birdwatchers will get more out of it than casual strollers, particularly if you're into waders and seabirds. Winter months are actually better for spotting migrating species if that's your thing.

If you're based at Golden Sands Holiday Park nearby, this works as a morning walk before heading into Newbiggin proper for fish and chips. It won't take up your whole day - that's not what it's for - but it's a solid addition to a coastal break rather than something you'd plan a trip around. Real value is in how it connects to the broader Northumberland coastline walks.