Bates Mine Water Pond 2

The old mining ponds around Ashington tell you something real about this corner of Northumberland - this wasn't always a place for leisure, and the landscape still bears the marks of that history. Bates Mine Water Pond 2 is exactly what it sounds like: a former colliery water body that's now become a proper spot for a walk and a breather. You get a decent stretch of water surrounded by rough grassland and scrub, the kind of place where you might spot waterfowl if you're quiet about it.

It's not a manicured attraction with visitor facilities or grand views. What you're after here is a straightforward bit of open space, useful if you've got restless legs and need to get out from the caravan for an hour or so. The walk around the pond is manageable and free - no entrance fees or tickets to worry about. Families with young kids might find it a bit sparse after twenty minutes; it's more the sort of place where you take the dog or go for a solo ramble if you want headspace.

If you're based at either Parkdean Resorts Sandy Bay or Church Point, both within a few miles, this works as a decent leg-stretcher between other activities. The industrial heritage angle might interest adults - these ponds are proof of Ashington's coal mining past - but don't expect interpretation boards or a proper visitor experience. It's just a pond, really, and sometimes that's exactly what you need.