Special Features - A bit of peace and quiet

A bit of peace and quiet
(10/09/07)

Every so often it's a good idea to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life and head to a place which is scenic and peaceful.

Northumberland - the most tranquil county in England. Pictured: Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland (Credit: britainonview)

If this is your plan during your visit to the UK, the county of Northumberland could be just what you're looking for.

Named as the most tranquil county in England by research commissioned by the Campaign to Protect Rural England, Northumberland is one of the ideal places to head to for a bit of rest and relaxation.

Destination for a quiet life

Brits also recognise its beauty, especially with the launch of Britain's Peace and Tranquillity Week (8-15 September), which describes the area as a top destination for quiet life.

The county, situated in the North East of England, is where you can surround yourself with quiet countryside, English cultural history and golden sandy beaches - and is only three-and-a-half hours from London by train.

Lake and forestland

Kielder Water and Forest Park is where you will find one of Northern Europe's largest man-made lakes. It's an ideal spot for families and water sport lovers where you can go for long leisurely walks, cycling and horse-rides.

You can even turn your hand to sailing, water-skiing and windsurfing, if you dare. And then there's the surrounding wildlife throughout the park where you can be at one with nature in the surrounding greenery.

Rich English history

You can also find a huge amount of rich English history in Northumberland. One of the perfect places to start your historic trail is Hadrian's Wall, England's largest World Heritage Site.

The wall was built by Roman Emperor Hadrian almost 2,000 years ago to "separate the Romans from the Barbarians", and the opportunity is there to take a walk or cycle along the ruins.

Hollywood film set

Alnwick Castle is another historic masterpiece in Northumberland. Most visitors are attracted to the site not only because of its royal historic heritage but because the castle was used in films such as Harry Potter and Robin Hood Prince of Thieves.

Parents like Alnwick Castle because of the many activities tailor-maded for kids. The Knight's Quest - a chance for children to dress up in medieval costumes and become a knight of Alnwick - is just one of the many things to do.

Golden, sandy beach

Many people may not realise that Northumberland is a place where you will find golden sandy beaches - some of the best in England.

Take Berwick-upon-Tweed for example. The northerly town in Northumberland, lying on Scotland's border, has almost 40-miles of sandy terrain and high rocky cliffs.

You also have Bamburgh Beach, with Bamburgh Castle situated on sandy dunes, and nearby isolated islands such Holy Island, known as one of the principle centres of Christianity during Britain's Dark Ages.

If this catalogue of facts hasn't convinced you to visit Northumberland, you can always find out a bit more by clicking on the links below to start planning your journey away from the urban jungle!