Northumberland is much loved for its beaches, wildlife, islands and desolate upland scenery, but despite all the attention and accolades (‘most tranquil county’, ‘darkest night skies in England’, ‘best beaches’), most of the county remains wonderfully crowd-free.

Getting away from it all is straightforward, whether you walk all afternoon over moorland and not meet anyone, skinny-dip in lakes, picnic on pristine sands with nobody else around, or gaze at stars in Europe’s largest area of protected night sky – England’s first Dark Sky Park, a 572-square-mile expanse that now hosts an annual Dark Sky Festival.

In Northumberland, history buffs have masses to explore. In addition to Hadrian’s Wall, Britain’s most important Roman monument – along which footpaths, public transport, accommodation and eating options have recently improved greatly – no county hosts more castles. Visit fortifications at Alnwick (Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films), Bamburgh (featured in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny) and Dunstanburgh

All of these are detailed extensively in the guide alongside lesser-known heritage sites such as Aydon Castle, the Iron Age hill forts of Breamish Valley, medieval tower houses, Bronze Age stone circles and landmark historic houses open to the public, including Cragside, Belsay and Wallington Hall.

This updated Bradt Northumberland Guidebook encourages visitors to slow down and explore the green lanes, footpaths, rivers and cycle trails linking Northumberland’s coast with the interior’s heather-topped hills, Roman fortresses and the villages.

Dedicated chapters celebrate the Northumberland National Park, Hadrian’s Wall, the Heritage Coast and Newcastle, while local insights about historic towns, heritage sites, wildlife-watching spots and some 30 countryside walks, plus words and tips from local experts make this an authoritative book – as much an entertaining armchair read as a practical guide.

The result is perfect for walkers, birdwatchers, cyclists, families, and anyone interested in Roman archaeology, industrial heritage and medieval castles.

1 NEWCASTLE, GATESHEAD & THE NORTH TYNESIDE COAST
2 THE NORTHUMBERLAND COAST
3 BERWICK & ALONG THE TWEED & TILL
4 NORTHUMBERLAND NATIONAL PARK & KIELDER FOREST
5 MORPETH & CAPABILITY BROWN COUNTRY
6 HADRIAN’S WALL COUNTRY
7 THE TYNE VALLEY & INTO THE NORTH PENNINES