Kirkharle Courtyard is a unique shopping experience, just thirty minutes north of Newcastle.

Within a 15th century courtyard you'll find work for sale from a variety of nationally-renowned crafts people who sell everything from papier mache artwork to classically inspired sculpture.

There's hand-made jewellery and traditionally constructed bespoke furniture as well as a farmshop selling the best in Northumberland's produce as well as a range of award-winning English wines.

If you get tired of the shopping there's also a coffee shop and restaurant which offers some fantastic contemporary cuisine, often using local produce, as well as the traditional cream tea.

Kirkharle's success lies in the way it has managed to combine a modern but unique shopping experience with its interesting and varied past.

Kirkharle was the birthplace of Lancelot Capability Brown, the landscape artist once described as the Shakespeare of Gardening.

Brown lived on the estate until he was 23 and you can find an exhibition about the man and his work within the courtyard.

There's also the chance to investigate a nearby church, dedicated to St Wilfred and believed to date from the 14th century.

The building was funded by Sir William de Herle, who played an important part in state affairs during the reigns of Edward I and Edward II.