Tughall Covert

Dense woodland stretches across the coastal hinterland here, offering proper respite from Northumberland's often windswept shores. Tughall Covert is a working forest that doubles as an excellent spot for a quiet ramble when you've had your fill of beach walks around Seahouses.

Dog walkers absolutely love this place - the network of paths through mixed woodland gives restless spaniels plenty to sniff at without the worry of livestock or busy roads. Families with older children who fancy a change from rock pooling will find decent walking here, though toddlers might struggle with the uneven terrain.

The trees provide welcome shelter on blustery days, making this a good backup plan when the coast becomes too wild for comfort. Nothing spectacular, but it's proper countryside walking without the effort of tackling the Cheviot Hills. You could easily spend an hour here, maybe two if you're in no rush.

Location-wise, it sits conveniently between the coast and the A1, making it an easy detour for families staying at any of the holiday parks around Beadnell Bay or Dunstan Hill. The forest feels refreshingly uncommercialized - no visitor centre or marked trails, just trees and peace. Worth knowing about if you're after somewhere to stretch your legs away from the tourist crowds that descend on nearby Bamburgh and the Farne Islands.