Northumbria is the castle capital of Britain. The castles of Alnwick, Dunstanburgh, Warkworth, Bamburgh, Chillingham and Lindisfarne are all here, and right on your doorstep is the World Heritage Site of Hadrian's Wall with its many Roman settlements and forts along the rugged border hills. Famous country houses nearby include Cragside, Wallington Hall, Paxton House, and the nationally acclaimed Beamish Open Air Museum. Hexham itself has a magnificent Abbey, and is a beautiful market town with much to see and do.

Northumberland's protected environments support an abundance of rare plants and animals. There are many great walks to suit everyone - miles of coastal track cover the magnificent beaches and headlands, whilst more challenging hikes can be found in the Cheviot Hills and National Parks. The County is a favourite for cyclists too. With at least 15 golf courses within half an hour of the house we are ideally situated for a golfing break.

Take the A1 towards Northumberland in Northern England Turn off the A1 at Newcastle, onto the A69 and follow signs for Hexham (Approx 15 miles). Sammy's Place is at 26 St Wildred's Road Hexham Northumberland NE46 2EA. St Wildred's Road runs south away from abbey, at war memorial on crossroads of main street and Beaumont Street. Sammy's Place is 60yds on the left.

• Tynedale www.tynedale.gov.uk
  The Hadrian's Wall Country guide to leisure and tourism in and around Hexham and the Tyne Valley. In the Leisure Guide, follow the links to find out what to see and do, where to eat, towns and villages, castles, museums and countryside.

• Northumberland Visitor Guide www.northumberland.gov.uk/vg/
  Northumberland County Council's own guide to the area, containing information on places to visit, nearby towns and villages, and things to do.
  
  
• Hexham www.freefoto.com/pictures/uknorthumbria/hexham/
  A site containing dozens of photographs of not only Hexham, but many other Northumbrian locations. No information, but a good pictorial introduction to some of the region's most picturesque attractions.
  
  
• English Heritage www.english-heritage.org.uk
  A web site containing information on properties and visitor attractions maintained by English Heritage, including many in Northumberland.