There are many holiday cottages in Northumberland which occupy a good geographical position - some overlook the wonderful Northumberland coast, some are located close to historic villages such as Alnmouth and Warkworth. These cottages can provide the ideal base from which to explore the unique Northumberland experience of outstanding scenery and a sense of freedom.

There are many stretches of excellent beach within easy walking distance of holiday cottages near to the Northumberland coast and the sand dunes, which are a feature of this stretch of coastline, provide good shelter. For the energetic holidaymaker the coastal path to Beadnell starts at nearby Alnmouth and covers 13 miles of the most magnificent coastal scenery.

Alnmouth was once a busy seaport exporting grain to Europe until it silted up in the 19th Century. This picturesque town at the estuary of the Aln offers a range of shops, pubs and restaurants and an 18 hole golf course.

Warkworth lies 3 miles south. Towering over the town and the river Coquet is the magnificent and reputedly haunted, 12th Century Warkworth Castle, once the stronghold of the Percy family, Earls of Northumberland. It was here that Harry Hotspur plotted the rebellion later immortalised in Shakespeare's Henry IV. Upstream from the castle is the Hermitage, cut into the cliffs 600 years ago. Its origins remain a mystery, it can be reached only by boat.

The market town of Alnwick with its fascinating Castle has a good range of shops, and is the home of the present Duke of Northumberland.

Northumberland abounds with historic castles, houses and battle sites. The dramatic coastal fortress of Dunstanburgh Castle, stands 10 miles to the North and can be reached from the tiny fishing port of Craster, world famous for its oak smoked kippers.

Further north lies Holy Island, also known as Lindisfarne. This is the jewel in the crown of Northumberland's beautiful coastline, reached by a narrow causeway which is cut off at high tide. On the island is Lindisfarne Castle converted to a house by Sir Edwin Lutyens and now owned by the National Trust. Other National Trust properties in the area include Wallington Hall, formerly the home of the Trevalyn family, and Cragside, built by Lord Armstrong, who also owned another haunted medieval castle - Bamburgh Castle. Haunted castles abound in this part of the world!

A short drive inland lies the Hadrian's Wall and the Cheviot Hills, a National Park of wild beauty ideal for the serious walker. Horse riding and fishing are available locally, and there is a rich variety of bird life around High Buston, making it the perfect venue for bird watchers. There are also some wonderful bastle houses in Northumberland - well worth a visit for history buffs.

Further inland following the line of Hadrian's Wall is the historic town of Hexham. Well worth a visit is Hexham Abbey. Dedicated to St. Andrew, the current Abbey has been part of the town's life since it was built in the 12th century, although there was a church on the site since as far back as 674 AD.