There are lots of attractive locations within Northumberland, thanks to its natural beauty and the unspoilt nature of many towns and villages. Among the most sought-after are the market towns of Alnwick, famed for its castle, which featured in the Harry Potter movies, and pretty Morpeth, where upmarket shopping has transformed the area.
In the very north of the county is Berwick-upon-Tweed, the town that changed hands between Scotland and England several times during border skirmishes but has been resolutely on the south of the border since the 13th century. Its fortified town walls remain a testament to a turbulent history.
Northumberland's most popular coastal locations include Bamburgh (featuring yet another castle), Seahouses and Alnmouth, while Ashington's rail links make it a fashionable commuter choice. Inland, look to Rothbury and Corbridge.