North-East England is a region full of contrasts. Here the historic cathedral cities of York and Durham lie close to the industrial giants of Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Teesside, while huge areas of beautiful countryside are never far away. The North-East is also home to two contrasting national parks:

Away from it all in Northumberland
For a real break from busy modern life it's hard to beat the rural tranquillity of Northumberland. England's most sparsely populated county is also home to one of its least visited, and arguably most under-rated national parks. Here mile after mile of untouched sandy beaches are perfectly complimented by the peace of and beauty of the inland hills. On a Classic Walking holiday at Alnmouth you can soak up the sea views from the comfort of our Country House accommodation and enjoy a superb selection of guided walks.

This border region also has a wealth of historical interest. Most famously, Hadrian's Wall once marked the northern frontier of the Roman Empire, a symbolic barrier to the wilds of Caledonia , or modern-day Scotland, to the north. The new Hadrian's Wall Path, available as both a guided and self-guided holiday follows the wall and includes visits to the fascinating Roman forts and museums that will bring this ancient structure to life. Further north the St Cuthbert's Way crosses the modern border between England and Scotland following the saint's journey from Melrose Abbey to Lindisfarne.

Heather Moors and North Sea Cliffs
The North York Moors is one of England's most interesting national parks with two contrasting landscapes to enjoy. Inland, the moors themselves are tranquil and unspoilt and are at their best in the summer when the heather forms a vibrant purple carpet. In contrast the dramatic North Sea cliffs, carved by the pounding waves, form one of England's best stretches of coastline. The fascinating seaside town of Whitby has a bustling harbour and is dominated by its iconic ruined abbey which stands proudly atop the cliffs. On a guided Classic Walking holiday here you can enjoy a choice of walks that will explore both the inland moors and coastal paths.

Another way of seeing the North York Moors is on a trail holiday. The Cleveland Way is a fantastic showcase for the national park with distinct inland and coastal sections that can be completed on both a guided and self-guided holiday. Another superb trail is the Eskdale Way which visits the park's best inland scenery. If you prefer an altogether bigger challenge, the famous 190 mile guided or self-guided Coast to Coast walk, created by Alfred Wainwright as a classic route across northern England, can be started or finished at the quaint fishing village of Robin Hood's Bay. If this sounds too big an undertaking, the shorter Alternative Coast to Coast also completes its journey to the North Sea through the North York Moors, this is also available as a guided or self-guided trail.