Cocklawburn Beach

The golden stretch of sand at Cocklawburn lies just south of Berwick-upon-Tweed, backed by low dunes and the kind of wide-open sky that makes you feel properly small. It's a proper working beach - fishermen still use it, and you'll see boats drawn up on the shingle - which gives it a different character from the manicured seaside resorts further down the coast.

What you get here is space. Lots of it. The beach runs long and wide, with rock pools to explore at low tide and decent walking territory along the shore towards the next cove. Families with younger kids will find plenty to occupy an afternoon - the sand's good for digging, and there's enough going on in the rock pools to keep them engaged without needing fairground rides.

The setting's rugged rather than refined. Northumberland's coast doesn't do cosy; it does dramatic and windswept, which is exactly the point. Walkers will appreciate the cliff-path access and the way the shoreline opens up here - you can cover real distance without fighting crowds.

It's free, naturally, and there's no set hours because it's a beach. Time it for low tide if you want the widest expanse of sand. Getting here from Berwick takes about fifteen minutes, making it handy for a caravan stay at Haven Haggerston Castle or Barn at Beal - both within easy reach. Worth factoring in to a longer Northumberland coast trip, though don't expect the seaside charm of postcard villages. You're here for the space and the sea.