Northumberland National Park
Northumberland is home to Englandís most tranquil and inspiring National Park. There are also two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty waiting to be discovered, the Northumberland Coast and The North Pennines. Kielder Water & Forest Park is home to northern Europe's largest man-made lake and England's largest forests, one of Northumberland's best attractions. It is perfect for individuals or families who love nature, water sports, exploring, walking, cycling and much more.

Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail
Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail stretches between Segedenum Roman Fort at Wallsend on Tyne and Bowness-on-Solway on the west coast of Cumbria. The 84 mile trail will take about 7 days to complete. Although the route can accommodate walkers and cyclists, the Northumberland stretch only permits walkers to use the trails designated routes. Cyclists should use nearby roads and bridleways.

Parts of Hadrian's Wall are within easy reach of Hexham. Roman sites of particular interest are Corstopitum (near Corbridge and 2 miles from Peartree Cottage), Housesteads and Chesters. There is now a long-distance footpath along the entire length of the wall starting in Whitehaven and finishing in Wallsend.

Historic Gems and Gardens
For visitors who love stately homes, gardens and glasshouses, then Wallington Hall and Alnwick Garden shouldnít be missed, if thereís a Harry Potter fan in your party, youíll want to visit Alnick Castle (aka Hogworts Academy) anyway. Wallington has a great dollís house collection.

Cragside near Rothbury is a very interesting house and home to the inventor and industrialist, Lord Armstrong, the grounds are huge and lovely for picnics.

Dilston Physic Garden on the old road between Corbridge and Hexham is an unusual and inspiring garden containing over 600 medicinal plants will be enjoyed by all garden-lovers, but especially attracting anyone interested in herbs/medical plants.

George Stephenson's Birthplace
This small stone cottage was built in about 1750 and was the birthplace in 1781 of George Stephenson, inventor of the pioneering steam locomotive, the "Rocket". One room is open to the public. Car parking in Wylam village.

Hexham
Hexham Abbey is well worth a visit. Parts of the church are more than 1000 years old. It is the centre of the music festival every autumn. It is a vibrant and well attended church. Historic places in Hexham include the Moot Hall and the Old Gaol, which was built between 1330 and 1333 and was used as a prison for almost 500 years. It is now a museum devoted to the history of the Border regions of England and Scotland. Inside its thick stone walls you'll find interactive displays on archaeology, costumes, armour and textiles.

Drop in to the Queen's Hall Arts Centre - a friendly theatre with a year round programme, art gallery and cafe. Go shopping at the farmerís Market - There is a highly-regarded farmer's market every second and fourth Saturday of the month from 9:00am-1:30pm in the Hexham Market Place in the town centre. Everything is produced within 50 miles of Hexham, and the market has been named the best in the country by the National Farmers Union.

Hexham has a large number of drinking establishments. The Tap and Spile, in the main street of Battle Hill, has regular live music. This includes folk sessions on the third Thursday of every month, to which anyone can bring an instrument or their voice, or simply buy a drink and listen. The session begins between seven and eight o'clock, and usually continues until the pub closes at eleven. A similar session takes place just down the road at the Royal Hotel on the first Wednesday of each month.

For real ale fans the historic Dipton Mill Inn in Hexamshire dating back to the 17th century is a must. It has its own micro brewery with five of its ales sold in the pub, pulled by Geoff who brews them. It has a sunken garden, real fires and serves home made food. The pub is frequented by the local farming community and travellers. It is at the junction Dipton Mill Road and Guards Lane .

Up on the "Military Road", High House Farm Brewery is an award winning working farm and real ale brewery and visitor centre with tearoom, cafe, bar and function room. Brewery tours carried out by appointment only.