Coomsden Burn

You'll find Coomsden Burn tucked away in the rolling moorland north of Otterburn, a proper secluded spot that most visitors to Northumberland completely miss. It's a small lake, honestly - don't expect something dramatic - but what makes it worth the drive is the sheer quiet of it. The water sits calmly surrounded by moorland and forestry, and on a clear day the views stretch far enough to make you forget you're only a few miles from civilisation.

Walkers get the most from this place. There are decent paths around the burn itself, and it sits nicely within the wider Border Forest area, so you can easily extend a visit into a proper half-day ramble. The terrain isn't punishing - mostly gentle gradients - which means families with older kids won't find it a slog. Bring binoculars if you're keen on birds; the moorland here attracts curlews and grouse.

There's nothing fancy about Coomsden Burn. No facilities, no visitor centre, no car park with a café. You park up nearby and walk in. That's actually the point. If you're staying at Border Forest Holiday Park just down the road, it's an ideal morning outing - an hour's walk round the water plus time to sit and take in the space.

Go early, especially in summer. The midges can be fierce by afternoon, and you want to have the place to yourself. It's the sort of spot that rewards being here, rather than just passing through.