St Cuthbert's Island

The causeway to St Cuthbert's Island emerges from the sand twice daily, and that's the whole appeal. You can't just stroll over whenever you fancy - the tides dictate everything here, which is precisely why it feels less like a tourist trap and more like a proper adventure.

The island itself is tiny. A chapel ruin, some scattered stones, a bit of windswept grass. But that's rather the point. This is about standing where the saint himself stood, about the walk across wet sand with the coast stretching behind you and nothing but water and air around you. On a clear day the views back towards the mainland are genuinely spectacular.

Time your visit carefully. Check the tide times before you go - Belford's just three miles inland if you need supplies or information. Allow a couple of hours for the walk across and back, plus time to poke about the ruins. The crossing takes roughly 20-30 minutes depending on your pace and the state of the sand.

It's not for everyone. If you're after manicured paths and gift shops, look elsewhere. But if you've got an interest in early Christian history or you simply want something that feels properly wild and untamed, this works. Families with older children will get something out of it; younger kids might find it a bit desolate. The Barn at Beal, just up the coast, offers a good base if you're combining this with broader coastal exploration in Northumberland.