Hexham

Roman foundations run deep beneath the cobbles here, but modern Hexham pulses with proper market town energy. The abbey dominates the skyline - a Saxon masterpiece that's been watching over the Tyne Valley for over 1,300 years. Pop inside and you'll find the oldest night stair in England, worn smooth by centuries of monks' feet.

Hexham's Tuesday market brings the whole town to life. Locals swear by the cheese stall, and the vintage book dealer always has something good tucked away. The high street stays busy most days, though you'll find it quieter come Wednesday afternoon. St Oswald's Church sits just off the main drag - worth a quick look for the medieval stonework.

Jubilee Park offers decent walking if you need to stretch your legs after browsing the shops. Nothing spectacular, but the kids will appreciate the playground. For something more ambitious, the Hadrian's Wall path runs just minutes from town. You can walk sections of the wall without breaking a sweat, or tackle longer stretches toward Steel Rigg if you're feeling energetic.

The surrounding Tyne Valley rolls away in gentle hills and farmland. Proper countryside this - stone walls, grazing sheep, the occasional burn cutting through the meadows. Getting here's straightforward enough: Hexham sits on the Newcastle to Carlisle railway line, with regular services from both cities. By car, it's a short hop off the A69.

Staying at one of the nearby parks makes perfect sense if you're planning wall walks or exploring the wider Northumberland landscape. Kielder Water's only half an hour north, while the main wall sites at Housesteads and Vindolanda are easily reached for day trips.