Hexham

Ancient stones tell stories here that stretch back fifteen centuries. Hexham's magnificent abbey dominates the market town, its Saxon crypt one of the oldest intact structures in England. The place has proper substance - this isn't some twee heritage village but a working Northumberland town where farmers still bring sheep to market on Tuesdays.

Wandering the cobbled streets around the abbey, you'll find The Bellwether Gallery showcasing contemporary art that feels refreshingly modern against all that medieval stonework. The town centre has character without being polished to death. Independent shops line the streets, and the pubs serve decent pints to locals who've lived here for generations.

Hadrian's Wall runs just south of town - you can walk sections of it and imagine Roman soldiers trudging this same route two millennia ago. The wall country is wild stuff: rolling hills, ancient forests, and villages that time forgot. Kielder Forest stretches north, Europe's largest man-made woodland where red squirrels still outnumber the greys.

Getting here is straightforward enough. The train from Newcastle takes about an hour, or it's a pleasant drive through Northumberland's big skies and stone-wall countryside. From the south, the A69 brings you right into town.

Staying at one of the holiday parks scattered around the area makes perfect sense. Kielder Waterside puts you right beside England's largest reservoir, while the glamping options like Wild Northumbrian Tipis let you sleep under those famously dark Northumberland skies. These parks work as brilliant bases for exploring both the Roman heritage sites and the vast wilderness that still defines this corner of England.