Devil's Lapful

A jumble of massive boulders scattered across moorland near Hexham, Devil's Lapful is the sort of place that makes you wonder how on earth they got there. Local legend has it the devil was carrying stones to build a bridge across the Tyne when he dropped the lot - hence the name. You'll find yourself scrambling over weathered rocks with decent views across Northumberland's rolling countryside, which is genuinely worth the bother.

It's more of a stop than a destination, really. Twenty minutes poking about the stones will satisfy most visitors, though if you've got kids who like climbing and exploring, they could easily spend longer. The rocks themselves are fascinating from a geological perspective, all worn smooth by millennia of wind and rain. On a clear day the outlook is proper expansive.

There's no formal visitor infrastructure - no café, no admission charge, just the stones and the open air. Free, then, and accessible whenever you fancy. Go mid-week if you want some peace; weekends can draw a small crowd.

If you're camping at Kielder Waterside or one of the other nearby parks, Devil's Lapful works as a half-hour detour on the drive back. It slots nicely into a broader day exploring the Kielder area rather than being your main event. Walkers heading north through Northumberland will find it worth a quick scramble, especially if the weather's decent.