Tranquil Northumberland

Officially England's Most Tranquil County

Northumberland is officially the most tranquil county in England - according to research commissioned by the Campaign to Protect Rural England - and the perfect getaway for rest and relaxation.

With tranquil hideaways and snug, romantic bolt-holes from which to explore its stunning unspoilt coastline and dramatic rural landscapes, Northumberland couldn't be further from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Surprisingly, it's only three and a half hours from London by train.

Explore Kielder Water and Forest Park, found by researchers to be the most tranquil spot in the country and famous for being the best place in England to see the stars at night. Just a stone's throw north lies Hadrian's Wall Country, with the World Heritage site right at its heart. The most breathtaking section of Hadrian's Wall is set in the Northumberland National Park, which together with the dramatic North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, provides a great place to leave civilisation and noise behind and enjoy peace, tranquillity and fresh air.

Discover the delight of travelling by car in Northumberland, with open, scenic roads and very little traffic. The cross-country drive to Alnwick from Hadrian's Wall, for example, is lovely, and the town is a delight, home to the unique Alnwick Garden and the iconic Alnwick Castle - best known as the location for Harry Potter's Hogwarts and recently voted England's top 'must-see' attraction. In fact, all of the county's towns are truly individual, from picturesque Berwick upon Tweed, with its famous three bridges and formidable town walls built by Elisabeth I which encircle impressive Georgian architecture, to Hexham, with its remarkable abbey. Northumberland's villages are idyllic, hidden gems with beautiful high streets and market squares where the atmosphere seems as if time has stood still, such as beautiful Blanchland and pretty Warkworth.

The stunning Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, beginning just south of Berwick upon Tweed is home to miles of deserted, golden sweeping sands, the fabulous Bamburgh Castle, perched in a dramatic coastal setting and, of course, Holy Island - home to mystical Lindisfarne Priory and Lindisfarne Castle.