Rowan Tree Paddock

Countryside and coastal walks are good ways to fill your days around here – for the former, head out into Plessey Woods Country Park (five minutes’ drive) or Bolam Lake Country Park (20 minutes). Northumberlandia (10 minutes) is another good pick, centred around a giant soil sculpture of a reclining woman, or you may like to stroll around Bide-a-Wee Cottage Garden (15 minutes) or Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens (20 minutes). For the coast, it’s a 20-minute drive to the colourful beach huts (and excellent fish and chips) of Blyth or half an hour to Alnmouth, close to both Alnwick Castle and Howick Hall Gardens and Arboretum. Other days out might take you into Newcastle upon Tyne (25 minutes) to see the Tyne Bridge, tour the museums or head underground at Victoria Tunnel. Alternatively, stick to the stunning countryside with hikes in Northumberland National Park (half an hour).