If you’re looking to enjoy stunning scenery, then there are plenty of appealing locations in the UK. Especially worthy of your attention is the North East, whose landscapes never fail to inspire. Where you venture in this part of the country, however, might depend on your personal taste. So, what are the options?
Rugged coastlines and historical landmarks
Northumberland has been strategically important throughout the history of England, and as such you’ll find a number of important sea-facing structures here – like the ruin of Dunstanburgh Castle. This part of the country is a paradise for hikers, with trails leading from Bamburgh Castle to Marsden Rock, near South Shields.
During your walk, you’ll catch a glimpse of the amazing seabird colonies that make their home amongst the limestone cliffs. But despite all of this natural splendour, you’re never more than a short drive from the convenience of a major city.
Expansive moorlands and UNESCO landscapes
The North Pennines have been designated a national landscape and UNESCO Global Geopark. Here, you’ll find an abundance of rolling moorland, as well as stunning natural features like the waterfall at Cauldron Snout. If you’ve long craved a sense of solitude and freedom, then you can find it here. After a few minutes, you’ll understand why this part of the country provided so much inspiration to the novelists and poets of 19th-century England.
River valleys, market towns and proximity to new build homes
Certain parts of the North East, like Darlington, have benefited from a flurry of new-build home development. As such, they’re attractive for families looking to relocate to a more scenic part of the country. From here, you’ll be able to access all of the natural beauty of the Tees Valley and the Durham Dales, as well as beautiful little market towns like Barnard Castle and Middleton-in-Teesdale. If you’re looking for a winning blend of charm and convenience, you’ll find it here.
Heritage greenways and cultural trails
In 2025, the Stockton & Darlington Railway celebrates its bicentenary. To mark the occasion, a number of outdoor spectacles are planned. The centrepiece is a twenty-six-mile walking and cycling path, which will follow sections of the route followed by the trains themselves. If you’re looking to explore the region’s culture and history, as well as its landscape, then there are few better places to do it.
