North Pennines AONB
The North Pennines is one of England's most special places, a peaceful, unspoilt landscape with a rich history and a vibrant natural beauty.
As well as being designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) it is also Britain's first UNESCO European and Global Geopark.
It features tumbling waterfalls, sweeping moorland views, dramatic dales, vibrant villages like Allendale or Blanchland, snaking stone walls and friendly faces.
The dramatic landscape - from High Force on the River Tees to the sweeping valley of High Cup Gill above Dufton - is celebrated every year by the North Pennines' Northern Rocks Festival which sees expert geologists lead guided walks, exhibitions and underground tours.
The area, which was once dotted with lead mines, contains much of England's upland hay meadows and heathland and large parts of its blanket bog - all of which provide a welcome haven for rare plants and animals.
Animal species that are scarce in the rest of Britain thrive in the North Pennines and you may see red squirrels, otters, and black grouse as well as thousands of pairs of wading birds.
You can find out more about the North Pennines AONB at their website.
