Gin Cave

The Gin Cave sits just inland from Hartlepool's coastline, a modest sea cave that's earned its name from the old stories locals still tell. It's not enormous - you can walk through it in minutes - but there's something oddly compelling about ducking into a natural chamber that's been carved out of the clifftside over centuries. The rock face is striking, and on a grey North East afternoon, it feels properly atmospheric.

Walkers will find this worth the detour if you're already exploring the Durham coast between Hartlepool and Easington. It's the sort of stop that takes twenty minutes maximum, so don't expect a whole afternoon's entertainment. Kids might enjoy the novelty of scrambling about in a cave, though it's not deep enough to feel like a real adventure. History enthusiasts get more from it - there's genuine local folklore attached to the place, and it connects you to how ordinary people used these spaces centuries ago.

From Parkdean Resorts Crimdon Dene or Castledene Holiday Park, this is an easy morning or late afternoon outing. The Barn at Easington puts you even closer. Free to visit, naturally - it's just a cave in the landscape. Wear decent shoes; it can be muddy after rain, and the approach isn't paved. Winter's actually the best time to go - fewer tourists, and the light through the opening is better on those short, bright days. Worth combining with a proper coastal walk rather than visiting in isolation.