Alnmouth Common

The common sits right where the River Aln meets the sea, just a short drive from Alnwick - it's one of those places that sneaks up on you. You get windswept grassland, sand dunes, and beach access all rolled into one, which makes it proper useful when you can't decide what you fancy.

It's genuinely good for families with younger kids. The dunes are low enough not to knacker them out, there's actual sand to play on, and the river mouth creates pools worth exploring at low tide. Walkers will find decent footpaths threading through the grass, though it gets blustery and you'll want waterproofs most of the year. If you're into birds, bring binoculars - the estuary attracts waders and terns, especially spring and autumn.

Admission is free and you can spend as little as forty minutes or half a day here depending on mood and tide times. Don't expect facilities - there's no cafe or loos that I could find, so sort yourself out in Alnwick first.

It slots nicely into a coastal caravan holiday. Coast and Castles Camping sits just 2.4 miles away, making this an easy morning walk from your pitch. If you're based further north at Northumberland Coast Camp or Proctors Stead, you're still under ten minutes away. Pair it with Alnwick town itself and you've got a solid day - town in the afternoon, common at dawn when the light's better and crowds thinner.