Eslington Park

You'll find Eslington Park just outside Alnwick, and it's the sort of place that sneaks up on you. A proper nature reserve where the Aln valley opens out and you've actually got space to breathe. The walking here is straightforward - nothing punishing, but the paths take you through woodland and along the river, and there's decent wildlife spotting if you keep your eyes open. Woodpeckers, various ducks, the occasional deer if you're lucky.

It works well for mixed-ability walkers. You're not talking big distances or challenging terrain, so families can manage an hour or two without anyone hitting the wall halfway round. The river itself is the main draw - it's genuinely lovely to walk alongside, especially in autumn when the trees are turning. Don't expect dramatic viewpoints or a visitor centre with a café. This is low-key stuff. If you need facilities or facilities you'll head into Alnwick for those.

The reserve sits nicely into a Northumberland park holiday. River Breamish Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite is only three miles away, so you could base yourself there and do Eslington as part of a morning's outing before moving on to bigger attractions in the area. Goes without saying it's free to visit - just turn up and walk. Best visited when there's been decent rainfall - the river's more impressive when it's running properly, and the whole place feels less dried out. Spring and autumn are probably your best bets.