Northumberland
Northumberland is officially the most tranquil county in England – according to research commissioned by the Campaign to Protect Rural England – and the perfect getaway for rest and relaxation.
Replete with tranquil hideaways and snug, romantic bolt-holes from which to explore its stunning unspoilt coastline and dramatic rural landscapes Northumberland couldn’t be further from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Surprisingly, it’s only three-and-a-half hours from London by train.
Discover Kielder Water and Forest Park, found by researchers to be the most tranquil spot in the country and famous for being the best place in England to see the stars at night.
Kielder is just a stone’s throw north of Hadrian’s Wall Country, with the most breathtaking section of the wall set in the Northumberland National Park, which, together with the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, makes a truly perfect place to enjoy peace, tranquillity and fresh air. Keep your eyes open for rare wildlife such as the Ospreys often encountered by walkers and cyclists.
All Northumberland’s towns are truly individual, from picturesque Berwick upon Tweed, with its famous three bridges and formidable town walls built by Elisabeth I, to Hexham with its remarkable Abbey. Northumberland’s villages are also idyllic, hidden gems with beautiful high streets and market squares where the atmosphere seems as if time has stood still.
Alnwick Castle is perhaps most famous as the setting for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films. It sits alongside the unique Alnwick Garden, where you can see the iconic Grand Cascade and dine in the Treehouse restaurant.
Along the stunning Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, just a few miles south of Berwick upon Tweed, lie the fabulous Bamburgh Castle and, of course, Holy Island – home to mystical Lindisfarne Priory and Lindisfarne Castle.
