Howdiemont Sands

The beach at Howdiemont Sands stretches wide and golden when the tide's out, backed by dunes that shift with the seasons. It's proper wild here - not the manicured seaside you get further south. The sand's firm enough for a decent walk, and on a clear day you can see right along the Northumberland coast. Rock pools appear at low tide, which keeps kids occupied for ages if they're into that sort of thing.

This is a working beach, really. It gets windier than you'd expect, so bring layers and don't assume you'll sunbathe here in August. The real appeal is the space and the sense that you're somewhere properly remote. Alnwick's only a short drive away if you need supplies or fancy the castle, but Howdiemont itself is quiet - sometimes frustratingly so if the weather turns.

Parking is straightforward, and there's no charge that I could find. Allow a couple of hours minimum; families with younger kids might want three if the tide's right for exploring. It works brilliantly as a break from the caravan sites that cluster nearby - Coast and Castles Camping is barely a mile away, and both Northumberland Coast Camp and Dunstan Hill are close enough for day trips.

Walkers get the most from this stretch. It's part of a longer coastal path, and the dunes are worth exploring if you've got the time. Don't come expecting facilities or crowds. Come for the space and the light.