Last updated 16:57, Friday, 08 August 2008

SO you’re heading to Tynedale. Good choice! But what were you expecting to find?

If you were hoping to visit England’s Village of the Year (according to the Calor Gas awards) you won’t be disappointed. Go to Allendale and see why it beat all contenders for the title.
If you were after romantic ruins your luck is in. Tynedale has half-a-dozen moody and magnificent castles from Aydon to Thirlwall, and world-ranking Roman sites like Vindolanda, Housesteads and the best chunks of Hadrian’s Wall.
If you wanted some glorious walks, Tynedale has myriads – from the North Pennine route of Isaac’s Tea Trail to gentle strolls along the river at Allen Banks. Take a bike from Wark, head south for the grouse moors of Whitfield, or turn northwards for the Northumberland National Park.
Need pavements under your feet? Tynedale’s “capital” Hexham will beguile some hours with its shops, restaurants, St Wilfrid’s Abbey, the rugged Moot Hall and Old Gaol with its exhibitions of reiver life.
Quaint Corbridge is almost too chic to be true, and you won’t believe its range of fashionable outlets. And spot the fortified bastles in Haltwhistle - it wasn’t always as peaceful as it is today.
For real peace of course, you need Kielder Water and Forest Park, recently named as the most tranquil place in England. Its new observatory should be ready by the time we go to press.
For bumps in the night, Blanchland is where you should go, erstwhile home of disgrunted monks and persecuted Catholics, and present home of a first class tea room with local legends written up on its walls.
For arts and entertainment, turn to our nine-page arts section, supported by Arts Council England. And for more culture, visit the cities of Newcastle and Gateshead. The bright lights are just a short drive from Tynedale’s misty valleys.
Venture a little further beyond Tynedale and Northumberland’s majestic beaches are within reach. Even Simon King’s favourite – the Farne Islands – is a possible day trip from the ‘Dale.