Lanercost Nature Area

The woodland at Lanercost is a proper tonic if you've had enough of the Northumberland coast. It's mixed forest - the sort of place where you actually see trees rather than just walk past them. Paths wind through without much fanfare, decent underfoot on most days unless it's been raining sideways.

Walkers will find this more rewarding than families with very young children. The routes aren't signposted like some places, so you need to pay attention, but that's half the appeal. You're looking at anything from forty minutes to two hours depending on which way you fancy going. Birdwatchers should bring binoculars - I spotted woodpeckers and nuthatches without trying too hard.

It's free to access, which helps. No visitor centre, no café, no faffing about. Just turn up and walk. The forest floor is typical Northumberland - moss, ferns, the occasional dodgy stile. Spring's lovely here when everything's greening up; autumn's moody if that's your thing.

Based near Whitley Bay, it works well if you're staying at somewhere like Parkdean Resorts Sandy Bay Holiday Park. You can do an afternoon here without it derailing your day. Not essential, but if you've got tired feet and want something gentler than a coastal march, it's worth the detour. Don't expect anything dramatic - it's just solid woodland walking.