Obelisk - Admiral George Delaval

Standing on the clifftop near Whitley Bay, this tall stone obelisk catches you by surprise - a proper maritime monument that's easy to walk straight past if you're not paying attention. It marks the spot where Admiral George Delaval lived, one of those Georgian naval figures whose name has largely faded from public memory. The obelisk itself is modest but commanding, rising from the grassy headland with views across the North Sea that are genuinely worth the climb.

It's the sort of place that works best for people who enjoy a bit of local history and don't mind poking around on foot to find it. Kids might lose interest after five minutes, though the clifftop walks themselves are excellent. If you're staying at Old Hartley Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite or Parkdean Resorts just down the road, you've got this on your doorstep - easily combined with a proper coastal ramble.

There's no visitor centre or tearoom, which is both refreshing and limiting. It's free to visit and you can access it pretty much any time, but go on a clear day. The fog that rolls in off the North Sea can make the whole thing feel a bit gloomy and pointless. The location matters more than the monument itself - it's the excuse for a good walk with decent views rather than a destination in its own right. Fifteen minutes of your time, and that's being generous.