Cresswell (Northumberland Wildlife Trust)

The Northumberland Wildlife Trust's Cresswell reserve sits right on the coast near Morpeth, and it's one of those places that rewards you for actually getting out of the car. You'll find a proper working landscape here - sand dunes, grassland, and access to the beach itself. The reserve protects nesting sites for ringed plovers and oystercatchers, so timing matters if you're keen on spotting birds. Spring and early summer are when things really kick off.

Walkers will get the most from this. There are defined paths through the dunes, and the whole thing takes a couple of hours if you're not rushing. Families with young kids might find it a bit exposed and windswept - the Northumberland coast doesn't pull its punches weatherwise - but older children who can handle a proper walk will enjoy the space and the beach access. Birdwatchers should absolutely make the effort.

It's free to visit, which is excellent. The nearest holiday parks - Cresswell Towers and Golden Sands are practically on your doorstep - make it an obvious bolt-on to a longer break in the area. If you're staying at any of the Parkdean resorts nearby, you can walk here easily. The reserve links well with other coastal spots heading south towards Amble.

Go when the light's decent and the wind isn't absolutely punishing. Early morning is best if you're serious about birds. Don't expect facilities - this is raw coastal habitat, not a visitor centre. That's rather the point.