The Tarn

The Tarn sits just outside Hexham, a proper little freshwater lake that rewards a short walk from town. It's the kind of place locals know about but most visitors miss - a shallow, reed-fringed body of water where you can actually see wildlife without needing binoculars the size of a brick.

Walkers tend to love it here. The circuit round the water takes about 45 minutes at a gentle pace, and the path is straightforward enough for families with older kids, though pushchairs would struggle on the muddier sections. Birdwatchers will get the most joy from it - expect ducks, geese, and if you're lucky, herons picking their way through the margins. The water level rises and falls with the seasons, which sounds dull until you realise it means the place looks completely different depending when you visit.

It's free to visit and accessible year-round, though winter can be muddy and midges are grim in summer. Go early morning or late afternoon for better light and fewer people. If you're based at one of the nearby parks - Hadrian's Wall Campsite or Herding Hill Farm are both close - this makes an easy half-day outing before heading elsewhere in the area.

Honest verdict? It's not dramatic. The Tarn won't blow your mind, but it's a proper antidote to honeypot attractions. Worth 90 minutes of your time if you're staying locally.