The Boardwalk

Walking out onto Maryport's Boardwalk is what you'd expect from a working port town that's bothered to do something proper with its waterfront. It's a straightforward timber walkway running alongside the harbour, nothing flashy, but it does the job - gives you a decent stretch of legs with water views and actual working boats to watch rather than just manicured gardens.

You'll see fishing vessels, the odd sailboat, and the industrial bits of a real harbour going about its business. There's something oddly satisfying about that. It's not a theme park experience. You won't find gift shops or cream teas, just solid Cumbrian infrastructure with a few benches if you fancy sitting and watching the water. The walk itself takes twenty minutes or so depending on how much you potter about.

Families with kids won't be captivated for hours, but it's a good breather between proper attractions, and older children interested in boats and maritime stuff will get something out of it. Walkers will appreciate the flat, easy going and the chance to see how a real port operates - beats manufactured attractions any day.

If you're based at Harbour Side Caravan Park, you're essentially on the doorstep, which makes it ideal for a morning constitutional. Castle Guards Farm Retreat and Greysouthen aren't far off either, so it works as a quick diversion on a coastal exploration day. Free to access, no faffing about with opening hours or tickets. Just turn up and walk.