HERE are five picturesque towns and villages to visit in Northumberland in winter.
We rounded up some of the prettiest spots in the county that are worth a trip, and what better time to go than during the upcoming festive season?
Visit Northumberland, the county's destination management organisation, said: "Northumberland is a place of tranquillity, where you can walk in the footsteps of saints at Holy Island, skim stones along 30 miles of unspoilt beaches, stroll back in time 2,000 years along Hadrian’s Wall, meet the local seals and puffins at the Farne Islands, then sleep under a canopy of stars in our International Dark Skies Park."
The ancient village of Warkworth, which has a castle dating back to the 12th century, also boasts 'artisan shops, and incredible views', according to Visit Northumberland.
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Named as one of the top 'up and coming' destinations for a UK getaway, the village has plenty of top-notch accommodations, from B&Bs to hotels and self-catering properties.
"If the church and castle aren’t enough history for you, you can always visit the medieval hermitage," Visit Northumberland added. "Only accessible by boat, and hidden on the south bank of the River Coquet, this 14th-century chapel is hewn from the rock face. Once home to monks, today you might find seals and otters swimming up to the curious chapel carved in the rocks."
More rural is the village of Falstone, near Kielder, surrounded by stunning woodlands and boasting a 1.5-acre play park.
"Lose yourself on zip wires, enjoy a game of tennis, and play hide-and-seek in willow igloos," Visit Northumberland said.
"The Stell is an architectural installation located near the village of Falstone and deep within the very heart of the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park.
"Take a family stroll around the Riverside Path, and look out for the mysterious 18th-century gravestone of a girl holding hands with a skeleton in the churchyard. The history of this rare find is unknown, but it is thought to be one-of-a-kind," Visit Northumberland added.
Rothbury, the heart of Northumberland's countryside, has a traditional market town with several pubs and shops.
"Due to its location, Rothbury is an ideal base for exploring Northumberland and all it has to offer, including Simonside Hills, the Cheviot Hills, and Northumberland National Park," Visit Northumberland said.
Nearby, Cragside, Britain's original smart home, is an impressive Victorian building described as ‘a palace of the modern magician’.
Kirkharle is renowned for its beautiful countryside, offering the perfect chance to blow cobwebs away with a brisk walk or bike ride.
It's close to attractions including Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens and Wallington Hall, Gardens and Estate.
Although Beadnell is mainly popular for its watersports, the Farne Islands are a stone's throw away for wildlife enthusiasts.
"With its sandy beach being the highlight attraction in the area of outstanding natural beauty, Beadnell is a great day out for locals and holiday makers," Visit Northumberland said.
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