Sandham

Sandham beach sits just north of Belford, a proper stretch of Northumberland coastline that doesn't get rammed with day-trippers the way some beaches do. It's a working beach - fishing boats, nets, the lot - which gives it character that's missing from the sanitised seaside spots down south. The sand is firm and wide at low tide, backed by low dunes and a scattering of rocks that make rock pooling decent if you've got kids in tow. The northern end has a few old stone structures worth poking around, though they're hardly Instagram-worthy.

This is walkers' territory, frankly. The beach connects into the wider Northumberland Coast Path, so you can string together a proper day out rather than just parking up for an hour. Bring binoculars - it's good for spotting seabirds, and on clear days you can see across to Holy Island. The wind can be fierce, especially in winter, so come prepared.

It's free to access, and you can park nearby without any bother. Allow two to three hours if you're combining it with a walk along the coast path. Summer weekends will be busier than midweek or out of season, but it never feels chocker.

If you're staying at Barn at Beal or Budle Farm - both just down the road - Sandham makes an easy morning outing before heading inland to tackle the bigger Northumberland attractions. It's not a destination on its own, but it's a solid addition to a coastal park holiday.