Coldstream

Border tension still hangs in the air here, where England meets Scotland across the River Tweed. Coldstream made its name as the crossing point where armies marched and lovers eloped - the marriage house still stands on the Scottish side, though couples these days are more likely to pop over for duty-free whisky.

The town itself is proper border country: sturdy stone buildings, wide streets that once saw regimental parades, and views across rolling hills that stretch into the Cheviot foothills. Twizel Castle sits brooding on its hill nearby, a 14th-century ruin where English forces gathered before Flodden Field. These days it's a cracking spot for a walk and some serious countryside views.

Those hills are the real draw though. Homilton Hill and Housedon Hill offer proper hiking without the Pennine crowds, while smaller peaks like Mill Hill and Pawston Hill are perfect for afternoon rambles. The landscape rolls away in every direction - green fields, stone walls, and enough sheep to keep Valais Wanders Sheep Trekking busy with their rather unique walking tours.

Berwick-upon-Tweed sits 15 miles east if you need proper shops or a train station, though Coldstream has enough pubs and cafes to keep you going. The A697 brings you straight up from Newcastle in about an hour and a half.

Staying at one of the holiday parks scattered around this area makes perfect sense. You're bang in the middle of border country, with Northumberland National Park to the south and the Scottish Borders to explore north of the Tweed. Plus you can say you've camped in both countries without moving your tent.