The picturesque market town of Hexham in Northumberland, just 25 miles from Newcastle and home to around 13,000 people, has been touted as the perfect spot for a peaceful UK staycation this year by travel blog The Crazy Tourist - and it's easy to reach from Belfast. Despite only attracting about 120,000 visitors each year, the town is steeped in centuries of history and surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
For those craving some fresh air, a quick drive from the town centre will lead you to Hadrian's Wall. This historic landmark, which began construction in 122AD, served as a boundary between Roman England and Caledonia, the region of Scotland beyond the River Forth. Spanning approximately 73 miles with forts at regular intervals, it offers a unique walking experience.For the adventurous tourists, traversing the entire length of the wall is an option.
For those more interested in the here and now, The Crazy Tourist suggests The Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre. This visitor centre boasts a modern design, featuring a grassland roof covered with wildflowers that mirrors parts of the nearby countryside and full-glass walls providing breathtaking views of the Northumberland National Park.