Newcastle upon Tyne

Ancient Roman stones peek through modern Corbridge's streets, where cobblestones meet commuter trains. This compact market town sits in the Tyne Valley, twenty minutes west of Newcastle city centre, feeling remarkably rural despite excellent transport links via Corbridge station.

Corbridge Roman Town Fort tells the story of Britain's northern frontier - the excavated remains sprawl beside the river, revealing granaries, fountains and military quarters from nearly two thousand years ago. The original Corbridge Roman Bridge once carried Hadrian's Wall across the Tyne here, though only foundations remain.

Walking becomes addictive in these parts. Styford Wood offers proper woodland rambles just south of town, while hardcore hikers can hunt down Milecastle 22 and Milecastle 23 - crumbling watchtowers from Hadrian's Wall that dot the surrounding countryside. Both require a bit of detective work to find, but the views across Northumberland's rolling hills make the trek worthwhile.

Holy Trinity dominates the market square with its Saxon tower, while St Andrew's sits quietly by the river. The town itself works brilliantly for a long weekend - independent shops, decent pubs, and that lovely feeling of somewhere genuinely lived-in rather than touristy.

Staying at one of the area's holiday parks puts you right in the sweet spot. East Farm Glamping and Wild Northumberland Glamping offer countryside bases within easy reach of both Corbridge's Roman treasures and Newcastle's urban attractions. The A69 whisks you into the city in twenty minutes, while westward lies the raw beauty of Hadrian's Wall country and the Northumberland National Park.