Link House Beach

The beach at Link House is one of those stretches of Northumberland coast that rewards you for finding it rather than expecting you to show up. It's proper coastal walking territory - sand, rocks, and that particular kind of grey-green water that somehow looks wilder than it probably is.

You won't find facilities or commercial activity here, which is exactly the point. This is a place for walkers and anyone after a genuine bit of Northumberland shoreline without the crowds. The beach itself offers rock pools worth investigating at low tide, and the backdrop of cliffs gives the whole affair a bit more character than your standard sandy expanse. Dogs absolutely love it, kids will occupy themselves for a good while if you've got the patience for cold wind and exploring.

Chathill is your reference point - just a few miles inland - and there's no shortage of caravan parks dotted around the area if you're staying put. Beadnell Bay is closest at just over two miles, with Dunstan Hill and Annstead Farm also within easy reach. Most visitors will want to allow a couple of hours here, longer if you're the type to sit and watch the sea.

Timing matters. Come when the tide's out for access to the rocks and pools. Avoid peak summer weekends if solitude appeals. It's free, obviously - there's nothing to charge for. Real coastal, that's all.