Often regarded as England’s most tranquil county, Northumberland offers a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Situated in the North of England, the region is a dream holiday destination. The stunning golden sandy beaches, river valleys, expansive grasslands and the peaks of the North Pennines have combined to create a landscape that is considered the quintessential England. Its relaxed beauty makes it ideal for a romantic short break, though the range of outdoors activities make it ideal for a longer family holiday.

In addition to being blessed with magnificent surroundings, the region is rich in history – from the World Heritage Site of Hadrian’s Wall to the isolation of the Island of Lindisfarne, along with an impressive number of castles, abbeys, priories and other iconic sites. Hiring a holiday cottage, farmhouse, chalet or lodge in the many towns and villages would be the best way to explore. Hop on your bike or tie on your walking shoes and make the most of an outdoors holiday. Or go beachcombing on the uncrowded shores. Boating, golfing, fishing or even quad biking is also available.

Shop for local produce, or in the speciality stores in the market towns of Berwick upon Tweed, Alnwick, Morpeth and Hexham. Or try the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Seahouses, or the Farne Islands for the wildlife. Perhaps you’d like to taste the famous kippers from the smokehouses of Craster. If you’re after a real escape, you’ll find some of England’s most remote villages in Kielder and Redesdale. To explore the Northumberland National Park, a good place for a holiday cottage would be the market town of Wooler. For those fascinated by Hadrian’s Wall, then choose Corbridge, Wylam or Stocksfield.

No matter if you’re looking for a quiet seaside holiday or an inland country retreat, Northumberland will have plenty of options for you.