Pooches play Paddock Ashington

There's a dog park in Ashington that actually deserves a mention, which says something. Pooches Play Paddock gives your dog a proper off-lead run in a fenced space - no chasing seagulls into the North Sea, no leads tangling round other walkers' ankles. It's the sort of thing you'll appreciate more than your dog will, though they'll have a fine time of it.

The paddock itself is straightforward: grass, space, and room for Fido to burn off whatever energy he's brought to the caravan. Locals bring their animals here regularly, so you'll usually find at least a few other dogs to socialise with - or avoid, depending on your pooch's temperament. It's free to use, which is the way these things should be.

For families staying at Parkdean Resorts Church Point or Golden Sands nearby, it's a useful half-hour stop rather than a destination in itself. If you've got an energetic spaniel or terrier and you're based locally for a week, you'll find yourself coming back. On quieter mornings it's genuinely pleasant - that's when to visit rather than weekends when it gets busier.

Not revolutionary, but it solves a real problem if you're holiday-ing with a dog. Ashington itself is industrial rather than scenic, so this paddock is less about the view and more about giving your four-legged companion a break from the lead.