BBC's Escape to the Country visits Northumberland villages

Episode 29 of the latest series of Escape to the Country took househunter Sarah, with presenter Jules Hudson, to several rural villages in Northumberland and the Tyne Valley, including Wall, Bardon Mill and Bellingham.

Views over Northumberland (Image: BBC)

The average price of a detached property in Northumberland is £348,303, as of June 2025, below the UK figure of £437,904.

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In an interview, Northumberland National Park's director of business development, Rosie Thomas, said: "Northumberland National Park has England's cleanest rivers, it also has England's darkest skies, so it's a great place to go stargazing and it's also the most tranquil national park - we call it England's last great wilderness."

Alnwick Castle (Image: BBC)

Retired business owner Sarah, who had lived near the coast at Newcastle for more than 20 years with her husband and architect Mark, wanted to find a quiet, peaceful home in the country.

The couple had a budget of £550,000 and were searching for a detached character property, with at least two bedrooms, a double garage and a large, secure garden for their two dogs.

Sarah and her friend at a property in Bardon Mill (Image: BBC)

The first pit stop was at Bardon Mill, where Sarah and her friend discovered a property on the village outskirts, before stopping in Hexham.

Hexham Abbey (Image: BBC)

Jules said: "Just south of Hadrian's Wall, is the market town of Hexham. Its ancient Abbey stands as a symbol of Hexham's medieval past, but its town centre tells a more modern story with a wealth of independent shops, cafes and restaurants filling the popular Market Place.

Sarah and her friend in the centre of Hexham (Image: BBC)

"For Sarah, Hexham could be a great hub when she needs a taste of town living. There's a definite sense of pride here, from beautifully kept shop fronts to community projects."

Heather Cook, owner of Green Bee, said Hexham is 'lovely' with a supportive business community.

Bex Bradbury, of Hexham Community Garden, said: "That's what makes Hexham so special, the community spirit and the fact that people want to join in, make it better and work together."

Owner of the Garden Coffee House, Grant Cameron (Image: BBC)

The episode also highlighted the Forum Cinema, which is 'still going strong after nearly 90 years'.

Jules said on Tuesdays, Hexham 'really comes alive with its weekly market', with a cafe 'just around the corner' that is 'pretty popular'.

Owner of the Garden Coffee House, Grant Cameron, met Sarah and her friend to discuss what local life was like, highlighting the many events and activities going on and the town's friendly atmosphere.

Inside the 'mystery house', which Sarah and her husband Mark made an offer on (Image: BBC)

The trio also visited a property in Wall, the walled garden at Capheaton, and the final mystery house in Bellingham.

Sarah and her husband Mark had their offer accepted on the Bellingham property.