Druridge Pools

A string of shallow lakes just outside Morpeth, Druridge Pools is one of those places that creeps up on you. The landscape is surprisingly open here - flat, windswept, proper Northumberland - and the water reflects whatever sky is doing its thing that day. You can walk the perimeter easily enough, spotting waterfowl and the occasional heron if you're patient. It's not dramatic or craggy. It won't leave you breathless. But it's exactly the kind of spot that works brilliantly when you're based at one of the nearby holiday parks - Parkdean's Cresswell Towers is just 2.3 miles away, or Golden Sands if you prefer something less corporate.

The appeal here is simple: birdwatchers absolutely love it. The lakes attract all sorts depending on season - winter brings diving ducks and grebes, summer sees warblers and terns. If you're after an easy leg-stretch between park activities or a quiet morning walk before breakfast, this delivers. Families with young kids might get restless after thirty minutes unless they're keen on spotting birds. Allow a couple of hours if you're doing a proper circuit and stopping to look.

Access appears to be free, though facilities are minimal - it's not a visitor centre job, more a working nature reserve where you happen to be allowed to walk. Best visited early morning when the light's good and you've got half a chance of seeing wildlife that isn't spooked. Bring binoculars if you're serious. The nearby Felmoor Country Park offers similar walking terrain with more manicured facilities if you want more structure to your afternoon.