Millennium Beacon

The Millennium Beacon stands on a headland near Alnwick, a 35-metre tower that's visible for miles along the Northumberland coast. It's a proper landmark - the kind of thing you spot from the car and think, right, we're stopping there.

Climbing the beacon rewards you with views across the North Sea and back inland towards the Cheviot Hills. The walk up isn't arduous, but it's exposed, so bring a windproof. On a clear day you can see for thirty kilometres. On a grey day - which is most days round here - it's still atmospheric in that moody, dramatic way the northeast coast does so well.

It's free and accessible year-round, though there's no visitor centre or facilities, so plan accordingly. Give yourself half an hour including the climb. Families with teenagers will get more from it than young children, unless you're prepared for a carry. History enthusiasts might find it a bit thin - it's modern, not medieval - but walkers absolutely should include it in a coastal ramble.

If you're based at Coast and Castles Camping just down the road, it's an easy morning jaunt before exploring Alnwick Castle or heading further south. Proctors Stead, a five-mile inland, makes a decent base too if you're building a longer walking itinerary. The beacon works best as part of something bigger rather than a destination in itself.