The North Pennines is one of England's most special places, a peaceful, unspoilt landscape with a rich history and a vibrant natural beauty.
As well as being designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) it is also Britain's first UNESCO European and Global Geopark.
It features tumbling waterfalls, sweeping moorland views, dramatic dales, vibrant villages like Allendale or Blanchland, snaking stone walls and friendly faces.
The dramatic landscape - from High Force on the River Tees to the sweeping valley of High Cup Gill above Dufton - is celebrated every year by the North Pennines' Northern Rocks Festival which sees expert geologists lead guided walks, exhibitions and underground tours.
The area, which was once dotted with lead mines, contains much of England's upland hay meadows and heathland and large parts of its blanket bog - all of which provide a welcome haven for rare plants and animals.
Animal species that are scarce in the rest of Britain thrive in the North Pennines and you may see red squirrels, otters, and black grouse as well as thousands of pairs of wading birds.
Cycling, walking and horse-riding are made easy via hundreds of miles of trails from scenic bridleways over beautiful moorland to quiet country roads and long distance walking routes including the famous Pennine Way National Trail.
You can enjoy some outstanding trout fishing in the River South Tyne and the Derwent Reservoir, which lies on the border with County Durham, is a fantastic location for sailing and watersports.
Sign up to the Visit Northumberland newsletter, and you will:
.jpg){kind=small}
