Hale Head Lighthouse

The red and white striped lighthouse on Hale Head stands about 90 feet tall, rising abruptly from the Cheshire marshes like something dropped from a seaside town. It's been guiding ships up the Mersey since 1838, though nowadays it mostly catches the eye of photographers and curious walkers exploring the coastal path near Frodsham.

You can't actually go inside - it's still an active navigational aid - but the real draw here is the walk itself. The approach winds through proper marshland, and the views across the Dee estuary shift depending on tide and light. On a clear day you can see towards Wales. It's the kind of place that rewards you for bothering to find it, rather than a tidy visitor attraction with a car park and a café.

Walkers will get the most from Hale Head. The path is reasonable in decent weather, though it can be boggy after rain, and the whole outing takes about 45 minutes from Frodsham town centre. History enthusiasts will appreciate the industrial heritage - this area was crucial for shipping - but young kids might find it a bit of a trek for what amounts to looking at a lighthouse from a distance.

If you're staying at The Ridgeway Country Holiday Park or Cheshire Glamping at Lady Heyes, both within five miles, this makes a straightforward afternoon walk. It's not flashy, but it's genuine - the sort of spot that sticks with you more than postcard perfection ever would.