Northumberland Coast National Landscape

The Northumberland Coast National Landscape stretches for miles along one of England's most underrated stretches of shoreline, and it's genuinely worth the drive up from the Midlands or Scotland. This isn't a single attraction you tick off in an afternoon - it's the sort of place you base yourself for a week and keep discovering new angles.

From Chathill heading towards the coast, you get proper dramatic stuff: golden sandstone cliffs, long sandy beaches that rarely feel rammed, and villages like Beadnell and Seahouses that feel lived-in rather than theme-parked. The light here is extraordinary, especially in late afternoon when the stone glows orange. Walkers will have an absolute field day - the coastal paths are excellent, and you can string together proper days without seeing much tarmac.

Historically it's loaded. Dunstanburgh Castle looms over everything, and there are old fishing villages dotted along the way. Families with younger kids might find pure beach time the main draw - the sand is good, the water cold but swimmable in summer, and there are rockpools that'll keep them busy for hours. Teenagers and moody types who like to brood by the sea will find it therapeutic.

The caravan parks clustered nearby - Beadnell Bay, Annstead Farm, Clifftop - are within spitting distance, making this a genuine base for a coastal holiday. Allow at least three days to do it justice. It's free to access, obviously, though parking at various beach access points costs a few quid. Go in shoulder season - May or September - when the weather's decent but the school holidays crowd has cleared off.