Tynemouth Park

The cliffs at Tynemouth drop away sharply enough to make you grip the railings, and on a clear day you can see right across the bay towards Whitley Bay. This nature reserve sits at the mouth of the Tyne, where the river meets the North Sea, and it's absolutely proper for anyone wanting a coastal walk that doesn't feel like a crowded seaside day out.

You're looking at grassland, rocky foreshore, and breeding grounds for seabirds - guillemots and razorbills nest on the cliffs in spring and early summer, which is genuinely worth timing your visit around. The walking trails are straightforward, nothing too demanding, though the wind can be relentless when it gets up. Most people spend between an hour and ninety minutes here, depending on whether you're just doing the clifftop stroll or venturing down to the rocks.

It's free to visit, and that alone makes it worth a stop if you're staying at Parkdean Resorts Whitley Bay Holiday Park or the Old Hartley Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite nearby. The reserve works well for families - kids enjoy spotting birds and rock pooling at low tide - though bored teenagers might prefer somewhere with more going on. History buffs should know Tynemouth Priory sits adjacent to the reserve, so you can easily combine visits.

Winter storms are dramatic rather than beautiful, so go in spring or early autumn when the light's better and you can actually see the birds without squinting. The car park fills up on weekends, so arrive before noon if you want a spot without circling endlessly.