National Trust - Durham Coast

The Durham Coast runs for miles along the North Sea, and the National Trust's stretch here is properly dramatic. Towering cliffs drop away to a rocky shoreline that's been shaped by millennia of battering waves - the kind of landscape that makes you understand why the Victorians got so excited about the seaside.

What you're actually doing is walking. The coastal path threads along the top, offering views that stretch for miles on a clear day. The cliffs themselves are the real star - rust-coloured sandstone and shale that tell the geological story if you squint at them long enough. Rock pools appear at low tide if you're willing to scramble down, though the going gets steep and slippery.

Histoy buffs might recognise this as coal mining country - you'll spot old colliery remnants dotted about. Families with younger kids will get restless after an hour or so unless they're genuinely into rock pools and spotting seabirds. Walkers, though, could spend a proper afternoon here, especially if the weather's on side.

Peterlee sits just inland and makes a decent base. The Barn at Easington is only 1.5 miles away if you want somewhere to stay - it's got the ratings to back it up. Castledene is further out but also solid if you're planning a longer coastal exploration.

Go when the tide's out if you want the full experience. Bring proper footwear - those cliffs are no joke in trainers.