Hulne Priory

The ruins of Hulne Priory sit tucked away in a wooded valley just outside Alnwick, and they're genuinely worth the walk if you've got time on your hands. Founded in the 14th century as a Carmelite monastery, what remains today are fragments of stone walls, arches, and the tower - enough to give you a real sense of what monastic life looked like without needing much imagination.

Getting there means a proper walk through Hulne Park, which adds to the appeal. The priory itself is free to access, and there's no entrance fee for the park either, though you'll want decent shoes and at least an hour to do it justice. The ruins are substantial enough to explore properly - you can pick out the chapel, the dormitory spaces, the cloister - and unlike some skeletal remains, these actually tell a story.

It's brilliant for history enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys a woodland hike with a destination. Kids might flag on the walk itself, but if they're into clambering over old stones and spotting architectural details, they'll be engaged once you arrive. The river running through the valley is peaceful too.

If you're based at one of the nearby parks - Blossom Plantation or Doxford Farm Camping are close by - this makes a solid morning or afternoon excursion. Combine it with Alnwick itself for a proper day out. The priory rewards you not because it's flashy, but because it genuinely feels like you've stepped back centuries.