Here's an interesting fact: Northumberland is the least densely populated county in England, and yet it has the highest number of castles. Make of that what you will - perhaps the medieval Northumbrians fought each other to near extinction - but the fact remains that it's one of the loveliest and most underrated parts of Britain for a good old outdoorsy holiday (preferably in summer).
Its beautiful beaches are long, sandy and almost empty; Beadnell is one of our favourites. At low tide and out of season, you can walk for miles with nothing for company but sandpipers, arctic terns and a stiff North Sea breeze. In summer you can go kite-surfing, windsurfing or coasteering; or dip in the waves and river estuaries (it's never Cornish-crowded). Talking of birdlife, do book a boat trip to the Farne Islands to spot puffins and seals, or visit Budle Bay for winter waders such as geese and wigeon.
Another highlight is the Holy Isle of Lindisfarne, a four-square-mile tidal island that can be reached by car or even on foot - but only at low tide; stories abound of those who started the crossing too late! It boasts a 16th-century castle, a ruined priory, one tiny village with a fishing harbour and, rarest of all, a sense of timelessness and mysticism - especially if you avoid July-August (and read about Saint Aidan who first settled here).
If that's not remote enough for you, the Northumberland National Park, which occupies a quarter of the county from the Scottish border down past Hadrian’s Wall, offers truly glorious solitude amount the Cheviots, whose highest hill rises to 815m / 2700ft.
And wherever you go, enjoy those wonderfully atmospheric medieval castles: Dunstanburgh and Embleton are among the most impressive.