Once a favourite haunt of marauding Vikings, the local town of Hexham now proudly holds the title of England’s favourite market town instead—as voted by Country Life magazine. 

With a buzzing arts and culture scene, there’s so many things to do in Hexham: here in the winding streets you can find a plethora of beautiful historic buildings, art galleries, quirky music venues and eclectic independent shops all clustered around the Shambles, a Grade II market place which hosts a twice-monthly farmers market.

At the centre proudly stands Hexham Abbey, a medieval 12th century church—however, its original foundations served as a monastery founded in 674, the crypt of which still survives to this day. It hosts regular events including live music, films and quizzes, or you can simply explore the grounds and its history at your leisure. 

The Coast Path follows the stunningly beautiful coastline for 62 miles, meandering along sandy beaches, over rocky headlands, past dramatic castles and through attractive coastal villages, offering some of the finest views in Europe with its constantly changing landscape.

Within less than an hour's drive from Parmontley Hall, you can saunter along the bustling harbour of popular seaside resort Seahouses, a colourful fishing village or visit Bamburgh Castle which has stood guard over the dramatic coastline for over 1,400 years. 

Meet halfway between the two and you can head 2 miles off coast to the National Trust’s Farne Islands—home to an array of wildlife, including puffins, razorbills and the largest grey seal colony in the UK.

Peace is increasingly rare in a world which grows busier by the day. We’re extremely fortunate at Parmontley Hall to be neighbours with the UK’s least populated (but no less popular!) National Park, where nature has space to breathe. 

With every activity imaginable, it's a huge adventure playground: visit Kielder Water & Forest Park for events, activities and walking trails, or try your hand at some active pursuits! From rock climbing and mountain biking to saddling up on a horse or reeling them in with some trout fishing at one of the numerous lakes – the choice is yours. 

Or just take in the breathtaking views by exploring everything from waterfalls to woodland at nature reserves like Muckle Moss, Lindisfarne and Hauxsley—with over 400 square miles of wild open moorland for you to discover, it’s well worth the visit… or five! 

Have a day out for your imagination and take the trip up to Alnwick Castle, one of England’s most iconic castles—the origins of which date back all the way to the 14th century. It boasts a fascinating history, having served as a military outpost, a teaching college, a refuge for evacuees and a family home, the ancestors of which are still there today. 

It hosts a multitude of fun and educational events for all the family throughout the year, and it's famous silhouette is easily recognisable, having been used as a location for various feature films and television series: you may recognise it as Hogwarts from the Harry Potter films, or as the setting of several episodes of Downton Abbey!