A drunken bet won Holywell Dene a castle in just 24 hours

The Seaton Burn, which enters the sea at Seaton Sluice, flows through the ancient woodland of Holywell Dene.

The Delavals added to the dene's attractions by building Starlight Castle, a Gothic gazebo said to have been created for Sir Francis Delaval's mistress.

The story is that a drinking session ended in bets wagered that Sir Francis could not build a castle for his mistress in 24 hours.

Estate workers toiled throughout the night - hence the name Starlight Castle - to ensure that Sir Francis won his bet.

The dene now offers delightful walking, especially from Holywell village to Seaton Sluice, although it extends for four miles from the sea to Seghill. The Friends of Holywell Dene have improved footpaths, bridges and fences.

A site of nature conservation importance, the dene is declared a Local Nature Reserve. Steep sides protected it from development so it remains a refuge for oak, ash, beech, hazel, bluebells, moschatel and goldilocks buttercups, flag iris, dog violet, kingfisher and spotted woodpecker.

Holywell village has Holywell Pond, a Northumberland Wildlife Trust reserve with a public hide.