Alnwick Castle Viewpoint (Layby)

You'll spot it straight away - a proper pull-in on the road near Chathill where you can actually see Alnwick Castle in the distance without fighting crowds at the gates. It's the kind of layby that makes you think someone had the right idea: park up, stretch your legs, grab a photo of that medieval fortress rising up against the Northumberland sky.

The castle itself dominates the view from here, all crenellations and towers, though you're far enough away that the detail gets a bit fuzzy without binoculars. On a clear day it's striking enough to warrant the five-minute stop; on a grey one, it's rather moody. The layby itself is functional - nothing fancy, just enough space to get out of the car safely.

This works brilliantly for people who want the Alnwick postcard moment without the entry fees or the walk around the grounds. Families with young kids might grab a quick snap and move on. Serious castle enthusiasts will want to actually visit, but if you're camping nearby - and there's no shortage of sites within five miles, from Northumberland Coast Camp down to Doxford Farm - this is a free pit stop that does the job.

Allow ten minutes. Go whenever; it's outdoors and costs nothing. It's not a destination in itself, but it's a decent wayside viewpoint that slots neatly into a Northumberland coast holiday if you're passing through.