Tucked away in the North-East of England is the region of Northumberland. Taking its name from the Anglo-Saxon name Northumbria, literally mean the kingdom north of the river Humber, this part of the country has grown to become its own micro-nation set away from everything else. Its setting has seen it become a vital shipping hub for the UK as well as a thriving trade centre which led to the growth of the towns to great urban areas. Here is what the jewels of this north-east region have to offer.

Northumberlandarcher10 (Dennis) / Foter.com / CC BY-SA

Newcastle upon Tyne

Set on the banks of the River Tyne, the largest city of the north-east area is Newcastle upon Tyne. Popularly known as “the Toon”, it is one of the most exciting cities in the United Kingdom. Rich with history from the Roman era through to the modern shipping and trade industry that it built itself upon, Newcastle is well worth a visit. It also has the second most listed buildings in the UK after Bath with Grey Street which leads down to the stunning Quayside voted one of the best views. Its people, widely known as Geordies, are one of a kind and their attitude to life is to work hard and play hard whilst also having a lot of love for their football team Newcastle United. The Geordie attitude to life adds to what is a widely known nightlife and it is often listed as the best city for nightlife and clubbing in the UK.

Sunderland

With a rich history in the shipping industry, Sunderland has grown nearby to Newcastle on the banks of the River Wear. The city’s rich shipping industry is celebrated with the British Royal Navy’s biggest ship the HMS Ocean being Sunderland’s adopted ship. Like Newcastle, Sunderland also has its own dialect and unique type of person known as Mackems. Given the vicinity of the town cities, Sunderland and Newcastle often have a rivalry in terms of anything which stems back to the English Civil War, but it most widely celebrated when the cities’ two football teams come together. Both top flight teams, the Tyne Wear derby is one of the most heated football rivalries in the country, if not the world.

Durham

In nearby County Durham, is the city of Durham which is a glorious cathedral city that is well worth the drive from Northumberland. It is home to one of the United Kingdom’s most fabulous and breath taking views. Set up on a hill, the stunning cathedral and castle lie next door to each other, dominating over the city. But certainly not in a bad way. The cathedral is one of the best in the country and given its setting next the castle, it is well worth a visit.

South Shields

The Northumberland coast is home to some fantastic towns but the one most worth visiting is the town of South Shields. The British seaside town is well celebrated and South Shields acts as one of many near Northumberland. Whilst there is Whitely Bay and Tynemouth, at the mouth of the River Wear, South Shields has everything you would want with seaside attractions and amusements but also a stunning beach. It is also the finish line for the annual Great North Run which is the biggest half-marathon in the world.

If you want to stay nearby to these great Northumberland towns and cities, visit www.cottagesinnorthumberland.co.uk for a wide selection of cottage accommodation.