Northumberland is a country of contrasts - from the isolation of the high Cheviot Hills to the endless sandy beaches of it's coastline - It is a unique place with something for everyone.

Bank House Cottages are located near the hamlet of Guyzance near the market town of Alnwick, famous for it's castle (featured as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter movies as well as a location in Elizabeth and even Blackadder!) and the spectacular Alnwick Garden.

Northumberland boasts more castles and fortified houses than any other English county and as well as Alnwick, the well preserved Warkworth Castle, the romantic cliff-top ruins of Dunstanburgh, Bamburgh Castle with it's Authurian connections and dragon legend and the picture-postcard castle of Lindisfarne are all within easy travelling and well worth a visit.

History is apparent at every turn in this county and as well as plentiful Medieval castles, the history buff can indulge their passion with visits to the World Heritage Site of Hadrian's Wall - site of the most Northerly border of the Roman Empire and more examples of mysterious prehistoric rock art known as' "Cup & Ring" marks than anywhere else in the world!

More recent historical treasures include Cragside House - The first home in the world to be lit by hydro-electric power and Wallington Hall, both of which are National Trust properties and open to the public (Check times etc.)

As well as Human history, Northumberland provides opportunities for those looking to experience the natural world in all its variety.

For the keen walker and cyclist, a short trip inland to the rolling hills of Simonside and the Cheviot range will be a trip to remember - "The land of the Far Horizon"! Black Grouse, Buzzards, Peregrine Falcons and a multitude of other bird life abounds.

A trip up the coast reveals the delights of the endless sands and spectacular rocky outcrops providing home and feeding grounds to sea birds and waders. A short boat trip from the seaside town of Seahouses brings you to the Nature Reserve of the Farne Islands, with huge colonies of sea birds and the largest colony of Gray Seals in the UK.

And if all this peace and tranquillity gets to much for you, head to the vibrant city of Newcastle upon Tyne with it's famous nightlife, shopping, restaurants and theatres - enough to satisfy the most devoted shopaholic!