Blanchland

Described as one of England's prettiest villages, Blanchland sits on the Northumberland / Durham border at the upper end of the Derwent Valley.

The village is surrounded by picturesque walking routes and nearby is the Derwent Reservoir, a great spot if you like sailing and fishing.

The village grew up around its 12th-century abbey. It gets its name from the French canons in their white habits who lived and worked here.

The village pub, The Lord Crewe Arms, also dates from the 12th century, and is one of the oldest hostelries in the country. The Lord Crewe briefly found itself at the centre of the Jacobite Rebellion in 1715 when General Tom Foster used its huge fireplace as a hiding spot.

In the 19th century, Blanchland transformed itself briefly into a centre of busy industry when lead mines peppered the surrounding district.

Nowadays there is still plenty to enjoy about this stunning stone-built village. Look out for its honey-coloured old-fashioned shops and an Italian-influenced arch through which you can wander into an L-shaped piazza.