We call the area around Morpeth the centre of Northumberland and the county's heart offers wonderful country estates, quiet unspoilt villages and a spectacular stretch of shoreline.
To the north of Morpeth stands Longhorsley, a typical example of a pretty, rural Northumberland village where the world's first self-raising flour was developed!
To the west there are the parishes of Kirkwhelpington and Cambo - a beautiful stone-built estate village set amongst superb countryside.
There's Wallington Hall, home to magnificent grounds and gardens and a popular farm shop just down the road. Wallington, which is managed for the nation by the National Trust, boasts huge pre-Raphaelite paintings depicting the history of Northumberland, a display of dolls' houses and an enchanted secret garden.
Nearby you'll find picturesque Belsay which is the site of Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens, a stately home with beautiful gardens that hosts regular arts events. At Belsay you can explore a spectacular medieval castle and wander through thirty acres of stunning gardens. In these gardens you’ll discover thousands of exotic species, famous rhododendrons and a Quarry Garden, with ravines, pinnacles and sheer rock faces inspired by the quarries of Sicily.
Neighbouring Bolam Lake Country Park is famous for outstanding wildlife and great fishing.
Head out to the coast and you'll find Druridge Bay, with its magnificent seven miles stretch of golden sand dunes. There's also an adjoining country park with a large lake surrounded by woods and meadows.
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