Annstead Burn

Water doesn't get much more peaceful than this small lake tucked away in the Northumberland countryside near Chathill. Annstead Burn is the sort of place you stumble across rather than specifically seek out - a proper hidden spot that feels miles from anywhere despite being just minutes from the coast.

Families with young children will find it ideal for a gentle afternoon. The water's shallow enough for paddling (though it can be a bit chilly even in summer), and there's plenty of space around the edges for a picnic. Dog walkers love it here too - their four-legged friends can have a proper splash without disturbing anyone.

Birdwatchers should bring binoculars. I've spotted moorhens, various ducks, and the occasional heron during my visits. The surrounding grassland attracts skylarks in spring, their song echoing across the water on calm mornings.

It's free to visit and there's informal parking nearby, though you might have to walk a short distance depending on where you leave the car. Allow an hour or two at most - it's lovely but not huge. From any of the holiday parks around Beadnell Bay or those closer to Bamburgh, it makes a nice detour if you're exploring inland rather than sticking to the dramatic coastline.