Alnwick Bark Park

A proper woodland walk with your dog off the lead - that's what Alnwick Bark Park is all about. This nature reserve near Morpeth gives dogs the freedom to run and sniff without a lead in place, which frankly beats the stuffed leisure centres most places call dog parks. The woodland itself is genuinely pleasant, with decent paths threading through trees and enough space that you're not dodging other mutts every thirty seconds.

It's dog-owner territory, obviously. If you've left Fido at home, there's limited appeal - it's not a scenic viewpoint or a heritage site, just trees and the sound of enthusiastic panting. But if you're touring Northumberland with a spaniel or terrier in the back seat, this saves you from another dreary stint at the campsite while your pet goes stir crazy.

Allow an hour minimum, longer if your dog likes to potter. The walk's undemanding, so it suits families with younger children too, though they'll need to be comfortable around loose dogs. Heading out from any of the nearby parks - Percy Wood is closest at just over 4 miles, or the five-star glamping at Woodland Chase if you're after a bit more comfort - makes logical sense as a morning break before moving on to Alnwick Castle or the Northumberland coast. Free entry and no faffing with opening hours means you can rock up whenever suits your camp schedule. It's not a destination in itself, but it's a useful pressure valve if you're dog-dependent.