Recommended Towns

Northumberland's market towns are treasure chests of activity and culture, abounding with quality shopping and things to do. Picturesque Berwick-upon-Tweed is Northumberland's most northerly town, with Georgian architecture, a fine harbour and inspiring history. Frequently changing hands between the English and Scots throughout a colourful history, Berwick retains elements of a Scottish identity today - catch a game at Berwick Rangers, the only English football club playing in the Scottish Football League! Walk the Elizabethan town walls, providing spectacular views of the coast and the town's three impressive bridges which span the River Tweed or catch a performance at the Maltings Arts Centre or one of Berwick's unique events such as the Riding of the Bounds Festival.

Morpeth in Mid-Northumberland, and Hexham in Hadrian's Wall Country are similarly abounding with individual shops and boutiques, arts and craft fairs, weekly markets and lovely parks. Hexham was voted 'England's Best Market Town' in 2005 by Country Life magazine, has won several Britain in Bloom awards and is home to a famous 7th century abbey.

Alnwick is home to Alnwick Castle and The Alnwick Garden and was recently voted 'Best Place in Britain to Live' by Country Life magazine. In August it holds an international music festival and is home to Barter Books, one of Britain's largest second hand bookshops, uniquely housed in a charming old railway station. Further south, the unspoilt ancient fortified town of Warkworth sits on the spectacular coast in the shadow of its beautiful castle, retaining much of its medieval character with fine houses and interesting shops, restaurants and cafes.

Corbridge, or Corstopitum, was a major Roman settlement through which the Roman road of Watling Street passed. A grand seven arch stone bridge spans the River Tyne, leading to winding streets full of galleries and shops selling designer jewellery, arts, crafts and gifts, great pubs and two outstanding Indian restaurants.