Northumberland National Park - the place

Spread over the hills and valleys at the very top of England, but right in the centre of Britain, Northumberland National Park has unspoilt treasures awaiting your discovery. Ancient pre-history and the rare red squirrel exist alongside traditional lifestyles with a thriving culture.

There are distinct characteristics within the landscape of the National Park.

In Northumberland National Park you will find solitude unparalleled in England. The Cheviot Hills stretch along the border with Scotland, and here you can explore for hours with only nature for company.

People have left their mark on this land over thousands of years. In the Cheviots you can shelter in prehistoric hillforts unsurpassed anywhere in England, follow drove roads people have walked for centuries, and still see their evidence left laid before you on the hillside.

Once these hills were volcanoes, but now they are domes burnished by wind and rain, ice and snow. Don't under-estimate them , they can provide a testing day's hill walking or for the cyclists, a stiff mountain bike challenge.

The Cheviots may be remote, but they are home to a privileged few. Farmers earn their livelihoods from sheep, which they now often combine with looking after this very special environment. Working in partnership with the National Park Authority, these custodians help improve the heather moorland and its special wildlife.

In the Cheviots the world within the far horizon can be yours for the day. Sitting in the purple heather enjoying the sunshine, listening to the song of the curlew, is an experience that you will never forget. Among these ancient hills you can recover and then return refreshed to your everyday life.

This is the England you always wanted to find: A stunning region of country walks and strolls along a picturesque coast. An historic area of castles and magnificent gardens with heritage around every corner. A friendly county of family hotels, country pubs and charming cottages. A relaxing England where you can take the time to savour every day