Northumberland

Sparkling coastlines, hills, craggy peaks, sweeping forests, castles and seaside villages, Northumberland is a favourite for lovers of nature and the outdoors. In Berwick upon Tweed you can walk the old Elizabethan Walls or learn more about the town in the footsteps of artist LS Lowry on the "Lowry" trail.

The beaches from Holy Island - where the 7th century Lindisfarne Gospels were created - right down the length of the county coastline are spectacular, dotted with small former fishing communities like Seahouses, Beadnell, Craster and Newton-by-the-Sea. One of Victorian England's most famous heroines, Grace Darling was only 22 years old when she risked her life, rowing out to sea, to rescue survivors of the shipwrecked SS Forfarshire. Now a fabulous new Grace Darling Museum in Bamburgh is re-opening in 2008 not far from the highly imposing and striking edifice of Bamburgh Castle, which dominates the coastline. Bamburgh is but one of a number of majestic castles - Lindisfarne, Norham, Chillingham, Dunstanburgh, Warkworth and many more including Alnwick Castle, most famous, recently, for its association with the "Harry Potter" films.

The Northumberland National Park, the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Beauty and Kielder Water & Forest Park, the largest man-made lake in northern Europe, offer mile upon mile of forest walks and real red squirrels! This countryside also inspired many historic houses and gardens like Howick, Belsay and Cragside. The 21st century boldness of The Alnwick Garden in particular is an unforgettable experience; being complemented by the treehouse restaurant, 60 feet up in the canopy.

Roman influence is everywhere, Hadrian's Wall, Vindolanda, Chesters Roman Fort and in Corbridge. Christianity came later and takes us back to where we started - Holy Island.