Situated in the North East of England, the County of Northumberland borders Cumbria to the west, County Durham to the south and Tyne and Wear to the south east.  It also has a border with the Scottish Borders council area to the north, and nearly eighty miles of North Sea coastline. Since 1974 the county council has been located in Morpeth, situated in the east of the county; however, both Morpeth and Alnwick claim the title county town.

Northumberland has a history of revolt and rebellion against the government, as seen in the Rising of the North in Tudor times and the county was also a centre for Roman Catholicism in England, as well as of Jacobite feelings after the Restoration.

Northumberland also played a key role in the industrial revolution. Coal-mines were once widespread in Northumberland, with collieries at Ashington, Ellington and Pegswood, the region's coalfields fuelled industrial expansion in other areas of the country, and the need to transport the coal from the collieries to the Tyne led to the development of the first railways. Ship building and armaments manufacture were other important industries.

Today, Northumberland is still largely rural and has in recent years had considerable growth in tourism due to its scenic beauty and the abundant evidence of its historical significance.  This is described as a land far from the turmoil of everyday life in a county brimming with interesting places to see and things to do amongst one of most magnificent of landscapes.  With its miles of secluded golden sandy beaches and stunning countryside to explore, the Northumberland Landscape is steeped in 2000 years of history with characteristic landmarks symbolizing the rich history and cultural heritage that reverberate throughout the County.