Elf Hills Farm

Live like you’re back in the old times… you may soon start to feel that way, with so many historical properties in the area surrounding Elf Hills Farm. Stroll the grounds of a Victorian villa at the National Trust’s Wallington (10 minutes’ drive), explore the Victorian rooms and tools at the National Trust’s Cragside (25 minutes) or have a good lose-yourself type of wander around the large Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens (15 minutes). More historical sites aren’t far off either – perhaps the Chesters Roman Fort and Museum (25 minutes) or Vindolanda (40 minutes), another Roman site, for a look at a whole different time period? Alnwick Castle (40 minutes), where there are Harry Potter-themed activities? Hexham Abbey (35 minutes), a Grade I-listed location? Set your sights on the stars instead at Battlesteads Public Observatory (half an hour). By daylight, it's easy to pick up the pace with cycles, walks and wildlife spotting around the lake at Kielder Water (35 minutes). In Newcastle upon Tyne (40 minutes), you’ll get a taste of the city life, and some cool landmarks, such as the 12th-century castle, the Gateshead Millennium Bridge and the Quayside.