Causeway Coast AONB

The Causeway Coast stretches for roughly 30 miles along County Antrim's northern edge, and it's one of those rare places where the landscape actually lives up to the hype. Towering basalt cliffs rise straight from the sea, and the geology alone - those distinctive hexagonal columns that tumble down to the shore - makes you realise you're somewhere properly different. You'll walk past waterfalls, scramble across black sand beaches, and peer into sea caves that locals have been exploring for centuries.

History buffs will gravitate toward the Giant's Causeway near Bushmills, the main event and UNESCO site. But the real prize is walking the quieter stretches - say, from Portrush east to the White Rocks, or tackling the more exposed sections toward Ballycastle. These paths aren't difficult, but they're proper coastal walks with real views. Allow three to four hours if you're serious about it, or two hours for a gentler potter. Bring waterproofs; the weather turns on a sixpence.

Families with older kids will thrive here. Little ones might find the paths tedious, but teenagers generally love the clamber and the Instagram-friendly views. It's free to roam - you pay only if you visit the Giant's Causeway visitor centre itself, which is worth doing for context.

Stay nearby at Thornfield Farm or North Coast 9, both within easy reach of Bushmills. Base yourself there for three days and you've got the coast, the glens inland, and proper walking to fill your time without feeling rushed.