Morpeth

Medieval streets wind through this handsome Northumbrian market town, where Victorian terraces climb the hillsides above the River Wansbeck. Morpeth feels properly lived-in - not some tourist confection - with independent shops lining Bridge Street and Newgate Street, and a proper weekly market that's been running since 1199. The castle remains might be sparse, but the town's medieval bones are still visible if you know where to look.

Outside town, Northumberland's wild beauty unfolds in all directions. Edlingham Castle sits romantically ruined a few miles north, its 14th-century walls crumbling picturesquely against the moorland backdrop. For walking, the countryside around Bigges' Pillar offers cracking views across the Cheviot Hills, while Black Lough provides a peaceful spot for contemplation. Percy Wood Country Park combines golf with pleasant woodland walks.

The town sits bang in the middle of Northumberland's attractions. Newcastle's 20 minutes south by car or train, while Alnwick and its famous castle lie 15 miles northeast. Hadrian's Wall country stretches to the west, and the Northumberland coast - with its dramatic castles and endless beaches - is a 30-minute drive east.

Morpeth makes a sound base for exploring without the tourist crowds that swamp places like Bamburgh or Holy Island. The A1 runs close by, making day trips across the county straightforward. Several holiday parks dot the surrounding countryside, putting you within easy reach of both the coast and the Scottish borders while maintaining that proper Northumbrian peace and quiet.