Red squirrel hide

You're after red squirrels in Northumberland, and this hide near Hexham gives you a genuine chance of spotting them without tramping through miles of forest. It's a proper viewing shelter set up specifically for watching these little rust-coloured creatures go about their business - far better odds than hoping one crosses your path by accident.

The hide itself is straightforward: you sit quiet, you watch, you wait. Patience pays off here. Bring binoculars and a camera with a decent zoom if you've got one. Early mornings tend to be best for activity, and visiting during autumn when they're frantically burying acorns ups your chances considerably. Winter's quieter but the bare branches mean better sightlines.

This works brilliantly for families with older kids who can stay still for thirty minutes without losing their minds, and for serious wildlife watchers or photographers who actually know what they're doing. Younger children might find it dull after ten minutes - squirrels don't perform on schedule.

The location is tremendous if you're based at one of the nearby Kielder parks. Kielder Waterside and Lodges is practically on your doorstep at just over a tenth of a mile away, and Landal Kielder Waterside is equally close. Both give you proper forest access and water activities to fill the rest of your day. Even if you draw a blank on squirrels, you're in outstanding walking country. The hide slots in as a worthwhile morning or late afternoon activity without dominating your schedule.