With almost 320,000 inhabitants sharing just under 2,000 square miles of space, Northumberland is the least populated county in England. That's just 62 people per square km (plus pets!)

What do you do with some of the most unspoilt countryside in England? You use it to produce the freshest ingredients and bake, roast and distil these into incredible locally crafted food and drinks.

Whether lost in the folds of Kielder Forest or trekking the vast expanse of the cheviot hills, there are parts of Northumberland where you can still feel completely alone amongst nature, off the grid and better for it.

Northumberland is known for its breathtaking scenery and wide open spaces, but it also has a reputation for maintaining its environmental quality as our LOVE Northumberland awards prove.

Yes, you read that correctly. In many parts of our county parking meters are a thing of legend. Where you do have to pay, rates are affordable and fair compared to many other parts of the country.

With Northumberland Wildlife Trust maintaining 60 nature reserves there are plenty of places to spot the 1000s of fascinating birds and animals that live in our great outdoors, including this handsome chap, the cheviot goat!

With the east coast mainline and the A1, Northumberland has two key transport arteries that keep us moving. With services to Edinburgh, or London every day we're well connected to the country's capitals.

Approximately a quarter of our county is protected as the Northumberland National Park, an area of natural beauty that is home to England’s cleanest rivers, clearest air and darkest skies. 

It might sound nuts, but an impressive 50% of England's red squirrel population live in Kielder Water and Forest Park - the largest remaining red squirrel stronghold in the country.