Bluebell Wood

The woodland floor here turns an almost unreal shade of blue come late April and early May, when thousands of bluebells carpet the entire reserve. It's the sort of sight that makes you understand why people drag themselves out in the rain to walk these trails - the colour is genuinely arresting, almost purple in places depending on the light.

Bluebell Wood sits just outside Morpeth and works brilliantly as a half-day outing during a park holiday in the area. The walk itself is gentle, nothing strenuous, and you're mainly moving between the trees on well-worn paths. Kids will enjoy it more during bluebell season - outside that window, it's just a pleasant bit of woodland without the wow factor. Spring is obviously the time to come, though the reserve stays open year-round if you fancy a woodland stroll in winter.

The nearest accommodation options cluster within easy reach. Tranwell Farm Holidays sits just 2.6 miles away and scores consistently high marks, making it a sensible base. Hillside Huts and Cabins, five miles out, offers something different if you want a bit more isolation, while Parkdean Resorts Sandy Bay further afield gives you more facilities if you're travelling with younger children.

Admission appears to be free, which is why it's worth the short drive from wherever you're staying. Allow a couple of hours to wander without rushing, longer if you're stopping to photograph the bluebells. Go midweek in May if possible - weekends pull crowds, and part of the appeal here is the quiet.