Ashington Cricket club

If you're staying at one of the holiday parks dotted around Northumberland and fancy catching some proper cricket, Ashington Cricket Club is worth tracking down. It's a genuine local sports venue in the heart of Ashington itself - the sort of place where you'll see proper club cricket being played rather than anything flashy.

The ground hosts league matches throughout the season, and it's the real deal: grass pitches, pavilion, the lot. You won't find it in the glossy tourist guides, which is precisely why it's worth a visit if you're interested in grassroots sport. Families might get a kick out of watching an afternoon match, though admittedly if you're not keen on cricket it'll feel a bit long. Allow a couple of hours if there's a match on.

It's only a short drive from the holiday parks - Sandy Bay, Church Point, and Cresswell Towers are all within four miles - so it makes for an easy diversion if the weather's decent. You're looking at a proper slice of local life rather than a tourist attraction. The town of Ashington itself has a decent high street and some decent pubs nearby, so you could combine it with a proper explore of the area.

Best visited during the cricket season, obviously. It's free to watch from the boundary, though facilities might be basic depending on what's on. Ring ahead if you're planning a visit - opening hours and match schedules aren't widely advertised online.