Northumberland: See
Hadrian's Wall marches coast to coast for 73 miles, with a flanking footpath. The best of it is between Hexham and Greenhead, with the Roman camps of Housesteads, Vindolanda, Chesters and Corstopitum.
Crumbly castles were built for defence against entire armies. Their defensive role was lost once the region was at peace, and better artillery made their fortifications useless. Most fell derelict: good examples include Dunstanburgh, Bamburgh, Warkworth and Norham. At Berwick the entire town was protected by walls, which still stand. "Pele towers" are lesser bastions, built against armed banditry.
Plush castles were intended as comfortable residences and showplaces for mi'lord's wealth. Some were conversions of defensive castles, others were built anew as mansions. Fine examples are Chillingham (near Wooler) and Alnwick. The castle on Lindisfarne is a remarkable stylish conversion by Lutyens.
Northumberland National Park and the Cheviot hills.