River Tyne

The River Tyne sweeps through Northumberland with a genuine sense of purpose, carving a proper landscape as it flows towards the North Sea. This isn't a lake in the traditional sense - it's a working river with real character, and that's what makes it compelling. From Hexham, you can walk stretches of the riverbank where the water runs clear and fast over rocky beds, or find quieter pools where the light catches differently depending on the season.

Walkers will get the most from this. The riverside paths around Hexham offer miles of decent rambling without the crowds you'd find at more famous beauty spots. Kids will enjoy spotting water birds and - if the light's right - catching sight of fish moving in the shallows. The river feels alive in a way that many tourist attractions don't.

There's no charge to access the river itself, and you can spend as little as an hour on a short stretch or half a day if you're serious about walking. Spring and autumn are particularly good when the water levels rise and the whole thing feels more dramatic.

If you're based at Valley View Camping or Springhouse Boutique just outside town, the Tyne is genuinely convenient for morning and evening walks. It won't dominate your holiday - you wouldn't travel three hours just for this - but as part of a Northumberland break, it's the sort of place that makes you understand why people settle in this part of the world.