Belford

Cattle graze peacefully in fields that stretch toward one of England's most dramatic coastlines. This small Northumberland market town sits in prime position between the Cheviot Hills and Holy Island, making it the perfect launching pad for exploring some of the country's most unspoiled wilderness. Belford might not shout about itself, but that's rather the point - it's refreshingly unpretentious.

The real draw here is what lies beyond the town boundaries. Holy Island beckons just a few miles east, where Lindisfarne Priory stands as a haunting reminder of early Christian Britain. Time your visit with the tides - the causeway cuts you off twice daily, adding genuine adventure to any trip. The Lookout on Wild Lindisfarne offers cracking views across the mudflats where seals bask and thousands of migrating birds stop to refuel.

Back on the mainland, Sandham beach provides proper seaside without the crowds you'll find further south. It's a bit of a trek from some of the holiday parks, but well worth it for families wanting space to roam. The Gertrude Jekyll garden offers a gentler pace - her influence on English garden design is obvious here, though it's often overlooked by visitors rushing toward the coast.

Getting here involves a drive up the A1, with Berwick-upon-Tweed the nearest sizeable town about 15 miles north. The surrounding holiday parks like Budle Bay Campsite and Glororum Holiday Park put you within easy striking distance of both the Northumberland coast and the Scottish borders. You're also well-placed for day trips into the Cheviot Hills, where Isabella's Mount and the walking trails through Ratchwood Strip provide excellent hiking with views that stretch to Scotland on clear days.