Kielder Water, Northumberland, one of the region's many beauty spots. Courtesy Campaign for Tranquillity

Traffic congestion, noisy neighbours, supermarket queues – aspects of modern life that most of us could well do without.

With this in mind, the Campaign for Tranquillity has been launched in the north east of England, which aims to promote the calm and tranquil life that many of us crave.

The Campaign has already organised the UK’s first Peace and Tranquillity Week, with events planned at castles, heritage sites, museums and beauty spots around County Durham from September 8 to 15 2007, culminating in an ‘open-air crowd meditation’ in the Pennines.

The Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle - an oasis of calm. Courtesy Campaign for Tranquillity

“With its golden beaches stretching as far as the eye can see, remote tidal islands, spectacular Christian and fortified architecture, dramatic and unspoilt heather moor lands, hay meadows, sheltered valleys and sleepy picturesque villages, north east England is the UK’s leading region of deep peace and tranquillity,” said Julia Banks from One NorthEast, the regional development agency which is promoting the campaign.

“In fact, many national commentators - backed up by proven research - perceive it as the most unspoilt and tranquil region in the UK.”

The Campaign points to a number of studies, including research carried out by the Campaign to Protect Rural England, who have produced ‘tranquillity maps’, using a number of measures to compare different regions across the UK, with the north east coming out as one of the most tranquil places in the country.

The Gothic splendour of Durham Cathedral. Courtesy Campaign for Tranquillity

Other studies show that the north east has less traffic congestion than other areas of the country and that some 40% of all Britain’s hay meadows are concentrated in the region.

Events during Peace and Tranquillity Week include Tai Chi workshops in the University of Durham’s Botanic Gardens, silent film showings at Old Fulling Mill Museum of Archaeology, harp music in the Central Picture Gallery of the Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, and even foot massages at Alnwick Garden.

Housesteads Roman Fort is also getting in on the act, and has organised a cloud watching competition running throughout the week while visitors to Bamburgh Castle can also enjoy therapeutic healing, aromatherapy and a whole host of activities to ‘release inner potential’.

Find out more at www.peaceandtranquillity.net.