How it rates There are not many market towns with a population of 16,000 that have a Costa Coffee, plus a Starbucks on the way. But Morpeth is affluent, and its recovery from devastating floods last year is being spearheaded by a £30 million development to transform the old Sanderson Arcade, bringing the coffee giant, a larger presence for M&S Simply Food and Waterstone’s to its already thriving high street.

Architectural gems The Morpeth Clock Tower, pictured, has served many uses since its construction in the early 1600s, including a prison and a meat store. Morpeth Court, built in the 1800s as a county jail, has been turned into luxury serviced apartments. You can also stay at Morpeth Castle, which is run by the Landmark Trust.

What’s new The Willows at Peacock Gap, a five-bed stone-built detached house near the town centre, £925,000 (Strutt & Parker, 01670 500870).

Travel Newcastle is a 20-minute drive via the A1; the picturesque beaches of Creswell and Druridge Bay and National Trust houses, such as Wallington and Cragside, are also easily accessible. Morpeth railway station is on the East Coast Main Line; the fastest train service to London King’s Cross takes 3hr 21min.

Quality of life Morpeth has something for all ages. The award-winning Carlisle Park has a lovely garden, tennis courts, play areas and a newly refurbished paddling pool. Beautiful walks are plentiful along the banks of the River Wansbeck or over the hallowed turf of the 100-year-old golf course.

Smartest streets Kings Avenue has many fine examples of Victorian houses, priced from £550,000 to £900,000. The popular Kirkhill estate has three-bedroom homes starting at £170,000 and two-bedroom flats with views of the River Wansbeck for £125,000.

Restaurants Italian cuisine is well-represented — Gianni’s and Marabini’s are popular — and there’s fine dining at the Black Door Bar and Dining Rooms. However, the jewel in Morpeth’s gastronomic crown is La Bodega, a tapas bar with a great atmosphere.

Nightlife Weekends are lively. Popular pubs include The Waterford and The Black Bull, with Shooters, Vinyl and Szoda providing music into the early hours.

Education Good schools include Abbeyfields and St Robert’s RC First Schools, Chantry and Newminster Middle Schools and the King Edward VI High School. The nearest independents include the Central Newcastle High School for Girls, and Newcastle School for Boys. Working life There are plenty of shops and small businesses, but many people commute to Newcastle. The pharmaceutical manufacturer Pharmacia is based locally; Morpeth is also the administrative centre for Northumberland, so the county council is a big employer.

Upside Affordable housing, good schools, excellent road and rail links, all within a very attractive town that regularly wins Britain in Bloom awards.

Downside Not everyone is pleased about the disruption caused by the regeneration of the town centre, particularly because it is making car parking difficult.

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