Morpeth

Ancient cobbles wind through the heart of this market town where the River Wansbeck bends lazily between tree-lined banks. Morpeth strikes that rare balance between working market town and tourist draw - proper shops line Bridge Street alongside cafes that actually know how to make a decent cup of tea.

The weekly market still packs the town centre every Wednesday, a tradition stretching back centuries. Emily Wilding Davison's statue stands as a reminder that this quiet Northumberland town produced one of Britain's most famous suffragettes. The Cenotaph marks another piece of local history worth a moment's pause.

Woodland walks practically tumble into town from every direction. Pleassey Woods Country Park offers gentle riverside strolls perfect for families, while Howburn Wood and Athey's Dean provide deeper forest rambles. Ha' Hill rewards the climb with proper views across the Wansbeck Valley - well worth the trek on a clear day.

Morpeth sits bang on the East Coast Main Line, making it dead easy to reach from Newcastle in 20 minutes or Edinburgh in two hours. The A1 runs just east of town if you're driving. It's that perfect size where you can walk everywhere but still find decent pubs and restaurants when you fancy a night out.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes brilliant sense. You get the countryside peace while keeping easy access to both coast and hills - Northumberland's beaches are 20 minutes east, the Cheviot Hills an hour north. Plus parking in town can be a right pain during market day.