Morpeth

Bronze sculptures scattered across the countryside tell stories here. The Gandalf gallery piece sits alongside works called Grasshopper and Fawn - part of an outdoor art trail that transforms rambles into treasure hunts. Morpeth feels like a proper market town that hasn't lost its soul to chain stores, with independent shops lining the cobbled streets and the River Wansbeck meandering past ancient stone bridges.

Wellhope Knowe and Shirlaw Pike offer cracking walks for those who fancy stretching their legs, while Coe Crag provides decent views without being too much of a slog. The surrounding Northumberland countryside rolls away in all directions - gentle hills punctuated by dry stone walls and the odd farmhouse. It's peaceful walking country rather than dramatic wilderness.

From Newcastle, it's a straightforward 20-minute drive north up the A1. The town sits perfectly for exploring both the Northumberland National Park to the west and the Heritage Coast to the east. Alnwick Castle lies 30 minutes away, while Hadrian's Wall runs roughly parallel to the south.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense. Riverside Rothbury Holiday Park puts you right in Coquet Valley walking territory, while Percy Wood Holiday Park offers easy access to both Morpeth itself and the wider county. The GlamPods Northumberland site provides luxury camping if you fancy something a bit special after tramping around looking for that LOTR Story Chair sculpture. Having a base here means you can potter about the galleries and peaks during the day, then retreat somewhere comfortable for a proper cup of tea.