Northumberland here. Never want to go South but when I do Newcastle – Stanstead/Heathrow/Southampton/Exeter flights are all available – plus the trains.
I shouldn’t really be promoting it though. However its a slow way of life up here and the towns and villages are communities where folk actually talk to each other.
Stay away from Beadnell area though as its only holiday makers.
THe only down point is you need a car – you cant rely on public transport to get about.