Market towns often strike the perfect balance between rural tranquillity and urban hustle and bustle. We're spoilt for choice in the north, with a plethora of stunning examples - from the vibrant high street and delectable eateries of Yarm in Teesside to the honey-hued historic buildings and Harry Potter castle of Alnwick in Northumberland.

Yet, despite spending most of my life in the North East and working in nearby Newcastle for many years, I'd never visited Morpeth. What a delightful surprise it turned out to be.

From the moment I parked up - free of charge, I might add - I could see why this charming town, nestled between a breathtaking coastline and rugged green landscape, is so appealing.

READ MORE: 'I visited once run-down UK seaside town making a comeback with two new features - it's miles better'

READ MORE: I lived in Spanish resort 30 minutes from Benidorm that's a world away – and 24C in September

The main high street is adorned with colourful bunting that dances in the wind, artfully strung between beautiful Tudor period properties, reports the Express.

It's spotlessly clean - thanks, I'm told, to a group of dedicated volunteers - and well-known brands like Oliver Bonas and The White Company sit comfortably alongside an array of unique independent shops.

There's a vast selection of bars and restaurants that I make a mental note to try on a future mini break. The place even smells inviting.

It also passes my primary test for being a pleasant place to spend time: good public toilets. In the chic shopping arcade Sandersons, the loos even boast ring lighting on their bathroom mirrors.

But my opinion alone isn't enough to sell Morpeth. So I sought the views of local business owners, residents, and day trippers.

Helen Bateman, who operates Dance Street in the town centre and resides in Morpeth with her husband Andy and their three children, expressed her satisfaction with the local support. She said: "We are a small business and a local business. I do feel supported."

She added: "The people are lovely. It also has kind of everything that you need. I could go to Newcastle but you can get everything you need here."

According to Rightmove, the average property price in Morpeth is not exorbitant, with properties selling for an average of £286,695 over the past year. This is significantly less than the UK average property price of £269,079.

David Tomlin, another local business owner who runs an antique shop near Helen's, praised the cleanliness of the town. He said: "Morpeth is always clean and tidy - graffiti-free and litter-free."

David attributes this to the excellent community effort, including the town council, The Boys' Brigade, and the Girl Guides who help pick up litter and errant weeds.

Unlike many high streets across the UK facing major store closures, Morpeth seems to have escaped this issue. David noted: "I would say that 99 percent of the shops are open and that there are very few closed shops."

Ralph Gibson, from nearby Ashington and a regular visitor to the town, simply stated that he "likes everything about Morpeth."

Kay Blacklock, who runs a flower shop just off the main stretch, expressed her love for the town, saying: "Yes it's gorgeous and I love it."

She believes the best thing about the town is the riverside and park - Carlisle Park.

Louise Gladwin, a fellow florist who has been running The Bee and Botanist for five years, commented: "Business is good - especially considering the state of the economy.

"It's a friendly town and it's a busy town. There's lots of work. It's also very well kept."

Her friend Ali Hendry, who assists in running Louise's business, added: "It's got great shops and I don't think other small towns have the same type of shopping.

"It's a friendly place and it's pleasing to the eye. It's also very clean."

With these thoughts in mind, I return to my car, not spotting a single vacant shop or any grime, just a sea of welcoming faces. I hope Morpeth will welcome me back soon.