The Northumberland coast offers some lovely driving, with stretches that follow the coast closely, especially the first section from Tynemouth to St Mary’s Lighthouse. Tynemouth and Whitley Bay are lovely places to stop and walk on the beach or get a coffee (amazing doughnuts in Tynemouth at Deep North). Heading north you’ll get to see the wonderful Warkworth Castle as you approach along the River Coquet. At Embleton Bay you’ll think you died and went to heaven, if beach huts is what takes your fancy. There are some wonderfully ramshackle examples above the beach here. More great views as you get to Beadnell and Seahouses, when the road follows the beach all the way to Bamburgh and then around Budle Bay. The drive across the causeway to Holy Island is fantastic, as long as you time it right with the tide!! Don’t get caught out. Look out for curlews feeding on the mudflats.