Hexham

Vast skies and endless forests stretch beyond this Georgian market town where Hadrian's Wall once marked the empire's edge. Hexham sits at the heart of Northumberland's wild countryside, where ancient stones tell Roman stories and modern life moves at a gentler pace around the medieval abbey.

The town centre holds its own quite nicely. Hexham Abbey dominates the skyline - a proper Norman masterpiece that's been drawing pilgrims and history buffs for nearly a thousand years. The market square comes alive on Tuesdays and Saturdays, though midweek it's pleasantly quiet for a proper browse round the independent shops.

Kielder Forest stretches north like something from a fairy tale. Europe's largest man-made woodland hides Kielder Castle and the striking Kielder Observatory, where dark skies make for cracking stargazing. The Minotaur Maze and various art installations dot the forest paths - contemporary sculpture meets ancient woodland in ways that actually work rather well.

For peak baggers, Deadwater Fell and Black Knowe offer sweeping views across the Borders. The walking here is tremendous, whether you're following Roman roads or striking out across the moors toward Kirshope Castle's atmospheric ruins.

The A69 runs straight through from Newcastle, making Hexham an easy 45-minute drive from the city. Carlisle sits about an hour west if you're coming from that direction. Staying at one of the forest holiday parks near Kielder puts you right in the thick of Northumberland's most dramatic landscape, while keeping Hexham's amenities within easy reach for supplies and the odd decent meal out.