Long Nanny

Long Nanny is a shallow freshwater lake sitting just inland from the Northumberland coast near Chathill, and it's the sort of place that rewards a quiet morning rather than a rushed afternoon visit. The water draws birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts in decent numbers - you'll spot lapwings, redshanks, and if you're lucky, the occasional osprey working the shallows. There's a walking path that loops round the perimeter, which takes roughly forty minutes at a leisurely pace without stopping.

The appeal here is straightforward: it's a proper nature spot, not a managed tourist attraction with visitor centres or admission fees. Bring binoculars and patience. Kids might find it a bit quiet unless they're already into birds or insects, but serious walkers heading down this stretch of coast should definitely factor it in. Spring and autumn migrations are genuinely worth timing a visit around.

Several holiday parks sit within a few miles - Beadnell Bay and Bamburgh Under Canvas are your closest options if you're based in caravans or glamping. It's an easy detour while exploring the wider Northumberland coastline, and the walk itself is free and accessible year-round. Best visited early morning when the light's good and the birds are active. Don't expect facilities beyond a car park - bring a flask and make an afternoon of it.