Seahouses

Seahouses is a working fishing village on the Northumberland coast, and it's the kind of place where you actually see boats being used rather than merely displayed. The harbour is genuinely busy - trawlers unload their catch, fishmongers gut cod on the quayside, and the whole thing smells of salt and diesel. It's properly real.

The main draw here is a boat trip to the Farne Islands. These trips run from the harbour (weather permitting, which means don't rely on summer guarantees) and take you out to see grey seals, puffins when in season, and various seabirds. The journey itself takes about three hours with landing included. It's not cheap - expect to pay around £15-20 per person - but if you're even slightly interested in wildlife, the seals alone make it worthwhile. Children manage it fine unless they're prone to seasickness; the North Sea can be choppy.

Beyond the islands, Seahouses village itself is worth a proper potter. Fish and chips on the seafront actually tastes like fish, the small museum covers local maritime history without being twee, and the beach stretches in both directions. It's not glamorous, but it's got character.

Stay at Clifftop or Stone Close if you want accommodation within spitting distance of the harbour - both are practically on top of the village. Beadnell Bay, 1.5 miles south, offers a calmer base if you want slightly more separation. Allow half a day minimum for the village and harbour, a full day if you're doing the islands.