Coast & countryside highlights

Northumberland

The River Allen carves its way through this deep gorge surrounded by ancient woodland. Watch for dippers and grey wagtails from the suspension bridge that crosses the river. Climb to the medieval pele tower for incredible views.

Farne Islands

These remote rocky islands are one of Britain's most important seabird sanctuaries. You can enjoy close views of the puffins, guillemots and other seabirds that nest here in their tens of thousands, along with Atlantic grey seals.

Lindisfarne Castle

Accessible by a causeway at low tide, Holy Island is an island treasure that has as its centrepiece Lindisfarne Castle, with its walled garden. The castle sits on a rocky crag that can be seen for miles along the sweeping coastline.

North Yorkshire

Bridestones, Crosscliff and Blakey Topping

The Bridestones are curiously shaped ancient sandstone stacks rising above heather moorland. The Bridestones Nature Trail, approximately 1½ml long, will lead you across Bridestones Moor. Or climb Blakey Topping, a conical hill, for a superb 360 degree view.

Brimham Rocks

Strange and fantastic moorland rock formations combine with rugged heather moorland at Brimham Rocks. The rocks sit high up on a windswept escarpment and enjoy spectacular views over the surrounding countryside.

Malham Tarn and Moor

Malham Tarn is England's highest freshwater lake and the centrepiece of the estate, where you can watch wetland birds from the bird hide. A classic Yorkshire Dales landscape, the estate has rolling hills and 'limestone pavements'.

Roseberry Topping

The peculiar shape of this hill is due to a geological fault and a mining collapse early in the 20th century. From the top, you can enjoy magnificent 360 degree views across Yorkshire and beyond. The area is great for spotting moorland birds.

Upper Wharfedale

This area of Yorkshire Dales countryside lies in the valley of the River Wharfe. It is a classic landscape of dry stone walls, hillside streams, flower-rich meadows and blanket bog. There is a vast network of country paths to explore.

Yorkshire Coast

The Cleveland Way National Trail follows this 40ml stretch of coast, centring around Robin Hood's Bay. There is plenty of wildlife to spot, from orchids to nesting birds. The Old Coastguard Station in Robin Hood's Bay is an exciting exhibition centre and marine aquarium.

Tyne & Wear

Marsden Bay

The sandy arc of Marsden Bay is breathtaking all year round. The bay is dominated by Marsden Rock which is renowned for its seabird colonies. Souter Lighthouse overlooks the cliffs.

West Yorkshire

Hardcastle Crags

This beautiful wooded valley, with deep rocky ravines and tumbling streams, is tranquil and unspoilt. It is home to the northern hairy wood ant, look out for their huge anthills. Visit the café at Gibson Mill, recently restored to green principles.

Marsden Moor Estate

Sitting in the northern part of the Peak District National Park, Marsden Moor Estate is a vast swathe of unspoilt valleys, reservoirs, peaks and crags. It is home to a rare variety of wildlife such as the golden plover, red grouse, curlew and twite.

The Pennine Way path at Standedge on the Marsden Moor Estate, West Yorkshire

The National Trust

Coast & countryside highlights