Rowan Cottage

Set in Northumberland's National Park Rowan Cottage is an ideal base for walking; you can experience the rugged beauty of Hadrian's Wall, enjoy the views from Langley Viaduct across the Tyne Valley or experience the beauty and tranquillity of Allen banks.

If you want some city culture visit Newcastle to the east; where there is the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, together with traditional galleries, the Millennium Bridge , the Sage, which hosts some of the world's best musicians and performers and of course a stunning variety of shops. If you like to shop till you drop try the Metro Centre at Gateshead (Europe's largest shopping centre).

To the west is the smaller city of Carlisle where you can visit Carlisle Castle, the cathedral, or Tullie House Museum and there is a super shopping centre. If you enjoy driving and site seeing visit historic Alnwick Castle and Gardens, Belsay Hall, Castle and gardens, Bamburgh Castle, Cragside house and gardens. If you prefer something smaller try Hexham, the village of Corbridge or the market town of Alston.

And finally why not enjoy a day out in the cathedral city of Durham or go back in time at the Beamish Museum?