Hexham

Roman legions marched through here two millennia ago, and their presence still defines this corner of Northumberland. Hexham sits in the heart of Hadrian's Wall country, where weathered stones tell stories of empire and frontier life. The market town itself has a proper lived-in feel - none of that tourist-trap polish you get elsewhere.

Chesters Roman Fort Museum is the real draw, showcasing the most complete Roman cavalry fort in Britain. The bath-house ruins are extraordinary, giving you a genuine sense of how sophisticated Roman military life was. Further east, Brunton Turret offers cracking views across the Tyne Valley, while Planetrees Roman Wall shows off some of the best-preserved stretches.

Beyond the Roman heritage, this is walking country par excellence. Chipchase Castle provides a medieval counterpoint to all that ancient history, though it's the landscape that really impresses. Rolling hills dotted with reservoirs like Colt Crag create proper Northumberland scenery - big skies and sheep-scattered fields stretching to distant fells.

Getting here is straightforward enough - the A69 runs right through, connecting Newcastle to Carlisle. The town's compact enough to explore on foot, though you'll want a car for the scattered Roman sites.

Staying at one of the nearby parks makes perfect sense for exploring this area. You're ideally placed for day trips to the Wall, yet close enough to nip into Hexham for supplies or a decent pub lunch. The countryside feels genuinely remote without being impractical - that sweet spot between adventure and convenience.