Living in Northumberland

One of England’s largest counties, covering over 2000 square miles, Northumberland is a world renowned visitor destination and home to more than 300,000 people.

It is England’s most northerly county, bordered by Scotland to the north and Cumbria to the west. A region with a rich heritage, it also boasts stunning coastline, beautiful countryside and picturesque market towns.

Widely recognised as one of the UK’s most unspoiled places it is an area of special environmental quality, famous for the Northumberland National Park and miles of amazing coast - which have been designated as areas of outstanding natural beauty.

There’s a real sense of history, with more castles here than anywhere else in England.

The market town of Alnwick won Country Life magazine's 'Best Place to live in the UK' award whilst Hexham won Country Life's 'England's favourite Market Town' award.

In addition, to these celebrated places there are many hidden gems within the county that can offer welcoming communities and fantastic local schools rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

For many years South East Northumberland was known as mining heartland, with whole communities centred around the collieries. As the pits have closed, the areas have undergone impressive regeneration and are now home to world-leading companies, particularly renewable energy.

On 1 April 2009 a brand new unitary authority called Northumberland County Council was created to provide all local government services for the entire county.

Northumberland clearly has many strengths – its natural environment, its vibrant tourism sector, its proximity to Tyneside and its airport and an attractiveness to ‘new generation’ industries.

The county is an extremely attractive place to live with its lively mix of towns, villages and rural hamlets there’s something for everyone.