Three villages in the North East have placed on The Telegraph’s list of the 48 “poshest” villages in the UK.

Since the pandemic, thousands of people have chosen to leave the rat race of the cities and move to the peace and tranquillity of the countryside.

Three villages in our region – Brancepeth, Mitford and Dinnington – made the list thanks to their pretty good looks, easy transport links, good schools and affordable house prices as key reasons for those looking to move in.

Mitford

Located on the outskirts of the market town of Morpeth, Mitford has community at its heart, with the village hall hosting a multitude of events to get involved with, from a historical society to Pilates and everything in between.

The village is located on the banks of the river Wansbeck and there are plenty of walks to be enjoyed starting in the village. Picturesque cottages, including one of the North East’s only thatched cottages, line the riverbank.

For dining, The Plough Inn is the village’s pub and restaurant and is dog-friendly, boasting outdoor dining for the summer months and live music year-round. The food is fresh and local and is popular with visitors from across Northumberland. The village church offers weekly worship as well as a café to meet with neighbours.

Just a short drive away is the popular town of Morpeth, with multiple primary and secondary schools, supermarkets, independent shops and a growing restaurants and nightlife scene. The train station at Morpeth provides access to London, Edinburgh and beyond and the A1 is a short drive away to connect to the rest of the UK.

Our top picks…

Visit here… Whitehouse Farm

Eat here… The Plough Inn

Stroll here… Mitford Castle

Brancepeth

Nestled in County Durham, Brancepeth features some of the most sought-after properties in the North East.

Modern housing is designed to blend in with the traditional buildings in the village, along with its popular ivy-covered cottages which create a whimsical atmosphere.

The local golf course was designed by a Wentworth architect, Harry Colt, on land surrounding Brancepeth Castle and offers residents a place to dine, relax and enjoy a round of golf.

Brancepeth Castle itself offers a day of history as well as a highly-favoured café. Previous Grand National winners were raised and trained at nearby Brancepeth Manor Farm, which has recently been sympathetically renovated into luxurious family homes.

Located just five miles from the city of Durham, Brancepeth residents benefit from the amenities of the city, including multiple retail parks and shopping centres, cinemas and shops and, of course, Durham Cathedral – one of the region’s most historic landmarks.

Previously a mining village, Brancepeth is now a much-desired village and has featured on The Telegraph’s list several times over the years. Surrounded by rolling countryside and close to the Durham Coast, the village is in a prime location for those wishing to explore the great outdoors.

Our top picks…

Visit here… Brancepeth Castle

Eat here…  Café BurgSchneider

Stroll here… Oakenshaw Wildlife Reserve

Dinnington

Sitting just outside Newcastle, Dinnington is home to some of the best restaurants in the North East, including The White Swan Inn and The Last Days of the Raj.

With a first school that feeds into the Gosforth Middle School system, a library, church and shops, the village has everything needed for day-to-day living.

Situated close to both Newcastle Airport and the larger leafy village of Ponteland, with its transport links and shops, are close at hand.

The Metro at the airport provides direct access into Newcastle and beyond and Ponteland is home to plenty of pubs, supermarkets and shops. Cramlington and Kingston Park are also just a short drive away.

Walks are readily available, with bridleways surrounding the village, which is home to plenty of stables for riding lessons. Blagdon Farm Shop is just a short drive away, offering a fantastic array of local produce and homeware.

The famous Northumberlandia sculpture is also close by and is the ideal spot for a dog walk or to point out famous landmarks in Newcastle.

For those wishing to move to Dinnington, Persimmon Homes’ Augusta Park offers high-quality homes in the heart of the village. Traditional properties are also available in the area, including the former village school. 

Our top picks…

Visit here… Blagdon Farm Shop

Eat here… The White Swan Inn

Stroll here… Big Waters Nature Reserve