Member since 2008
Headlam Hall Location
Location & Local attractions
Barnard Castle
The local market town has in recent years seen it's fair share of headlines! Great for speciality shopping, especially antiques, with many antique shops found on 'The Bank'. Other attractions include the Castle itself, managed by English Heritage, and walks along the river. Don't forget to pop into Barnard Castle TIC (Tourist Information) on Flatts Road, where you can get lots more information on attractions and events in the area during your stay.
Bowes Museum
The Bowes Museum (9 miles): just on the edge of Barnard Castle, this amazing 19th century 'French Chateau' houses the greatest private collection of fine and decorative arts in the north of England. This includes a new Silver & Metals Gallery, and the famous 'Silver Swan' automation. It has frequently changing exhibitions, arts events and also seasonal markets in its grounds.
Teesdale
Teesdale: A lovely North Pennines Dale (we would say that, it's home to Headlam Hall!), Teesdale also boasts the meandering upper reaches of the River Tees with some impressive waterfalls and numerous characterful villages such as Middleton-in-Teesdale, Cotherstone (home to the popular Cotherstone cheese) and Romaldkirk where you will find our other spot, the Rose & Crown
Raby Castle
Raby Castle (4 miles): One of the largest medieval castles in England, Raby provides you with a great day out. Marvel at Raby's Baron's Hall, where 700 knights of the North plotted against Elizabeth I. The Castle is open Sunday - Wednesday in May, June & September; and all week (except Saturdays) in July & August.
Eggleston Hall
Eggleston Hall (14 miles): The hall from television's 'Ladette to Lady', Eggleston is located between Barnard Castle and Middleton-in-Teesdale, and opens its gardens to the public (£1 entry).
The Auckland Project
The Auckland Project (10 miles): This impressive attraction includes Auckland Castle with its walled garden and the superb Spanish Gallery which is dedicated to the art, history and culture of Spain in the 16th & 17th Century. A very impressive and relatively little-known attraction.
National Railway Museum
National Railway Museum: Locomotion, Shildon - the National Railway Museum is the largest railway museum in the world. This collection includes over 100 locomotives and nearly 200 other items of rolling stock, telling the railway story from the early 19th century to today
Hamsterley Forest
Hamsterley Forest (12 miles): Managed by the Forestry Commission, Hamsterley is a great day or half-day out, and is ideal for walking, cycling, mountain biking, or just a relaxing picnic.
Durham City
Durham City (22 miles): one of the jewels of the north of England, Durham City is well worth a visit, with its superb shops, indoor market, excellent Gala Theatre, romantic riverside walks, and - best of all - the dual World Heritage Site of Durham Castle and Cathedral.
Beamish Museum
Beamish Museum (30 miles): The North of England Open Air Museum, where the past is brought to life across a wide expanse of grounds. Exhibits include steam engines you can ride on, a 'open cast' coal mine you can go down, and shops, houses and a schoolroom kept as they would have been in the 1900's.
Other ideas for days out in the wider area include the Metrocentre (one of the largest shopping centres in Europe), the city of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, the North East Coast (including Bamburgh Castle, the Farne Islands and Lindisfarne), and of course the lovely Yorkshire Dales (including the historic town of Richmond, and Dales villages like Hawes and Askrigg, home to TV vet James Herriott).
Other UK hotels that may be of interest
