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The south east of the county is predominantly urban, and contains part of the [[Tyneside]] built-up area, which is centred on Newcastle upon Tyne. The majority of the county, especially the north and west, with the Cheviot Hills straddling the border with Scotland.

The south east of the county is predominantly urban, and contains part of the [[Tyneside]] built-up area, which is centred on Newcastle upon Tyne. The majority of the county, especially the north and west, with the Cheviot Hills straddling the border with Scotland.

Northumberland is one of the most ancient counties in England, with a distinct identity (as part of the old Anglo-Saxon kingdom of [[Northumbria]]) dating back to the mid-7th century AD. [[Hadrian's Wall]] crosses the southern part of Northumberland; other major historic sites in the county include the island of [[Lindisfarne]] or [[Holy Island]], and medieval fortresses at Bamburgh, Norham, Dunstanburgh, Alnwick, Tynemouth, Newcastle, Warkworth and elsewhere. In Berwick, Northumberland has England's only sixteenth century walled town.

Northumberland is one of the most ancient counties in England, with a distinct identity (as part of the old Anglo-Saxon kingdom of [[Northumbria]]) dating back to the mid-7th century AD. A great deal of Northumberland's history relates to the area's history as a militarised frontier, which is traceable at least to the 2nd century AD when [[Hadrian's Wall]], which crosses the southern part of Northumberland, was constructed. Other major historic sites in the county include the island of [[Lindisfarne]] or [[Holy Island]], and medieval fortresses at Bamburgh, Norham, Dunstanburgh, Alnwick, Tynemouth, Newcastle, Warkworth and elsewhere; Northumberland has over 70 castles, more than any other county in England. In Berwick, Northumberland has England's only sixteenth century walled town.

Northumberland is sometimes referred to as the "cradle of Christianity" in England, due to the early activity of monks in the region during the 6th century, especially on Lindisfarne, where a major monastery flourished.

Northumberland is sometimes referred to as the "cradle of Christianity" in England, due to the early activity of monks in the region during the 6th century, especially on Lindisfarne, where a major monastery flourished.