Many people only see the North East of England from the train, as they dash from York to Scotland. Beyond the rolling countryside and spectacular coastal views however, there are other sites and scenes which illustrate great sweeps of English history and culture. In Heighington we are ideally placed to introduce you to them.

Originally a medieval walled village, Heighington is still surrounded by picturesque farmland – yet within a short drive can be found Roman ruins or an Anglo-Saxon church. Only a little further away is the World Heritage site of Durham Castle and Cathedral, and close by are the Yorkshire Dales the reallife setting of the vet James Herriot’s ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ TV series.

Amazingly, amidst all this rural charm, we are also close to the centres which saw the beginnings of the Industrial Revolution. There are ancient lead-mines in Weardale, coals were ‘carried to Newcastle’ during a time when County Durham was, for most people, synonymous with heavy engineering – a time celebrated at the award winning Beamish open air museum. And believe it or not, the world’s first passenger train actually began its journey at the miniscule Heighington station 1.5 miles away. Since coal mining ceased, and ship building moved to other parts of the world, the regeneration of the whole region means that there are also attractive new buildings, delightful market towns and excellent artistic and shopping centres which should cater for any interest that a guest might like to pursue.

The village itself provides a delightful centre for your visit. It is an epitome of the so called ‘Green villages of County Durham’ and at the centre of its extensive village green stands St Michael’s Church, a Grade 1 listed building from the 12th century, of which villagers and parishioners are justly proud. Indeed the whole area has been called the ‘cradle of Christianity’ in England. Those who are interested in that sort of claim will have ample opportunity to explore it, and some of the unexpected ways in which the church and Christian faith are connected to the whole history and culture of the English way of life.

Yet more than just showing you the sites and scenes of the area, the residents of Heighington are looking forward to welcoming you into their homes and community, and sharing with you some characteristic northern friendship and hospitality. You can look forward to a stimulating but also a relaxing and memorable holiday with us.

Wednesday - Guests arrive, welcome drinks, and a chance to meet your companions for the week.

Thursday - Meet for Coffee in the Church, walk round the village led by local historian. Lunch en route to Thirsk to visit The James Herriot Museum. James Herriot was the Yorkshire Dales vet of the TV series “All Creatures Great and Small”.

Friday - Day at Durham City including visit to the magnificent Norman Cathedral and Castle, Lunch in the Cathedral Crypt and there will be time to explore this beautiful University City.

Saturday - Visit to Teesdale to the market town of Barnard Castle where we will visit the Bowes Museum, which was purpose built in the 19th Century by John and Josephine Bowes. It houses their collection of ceramics, furniture and textiles and much more. After lunch we will visit the beautiful gardens of Eggleston Hall. We will be back in good time as there will be a Parish Barbeque in the evening.

Sunday - Church service at 10 followed by coffee before we leave for Kiplin Hall the 1620’s home of George Calvert , founder of Maryland USA. Lunch will be at the nearby village of Scorton.

Monday - A visit to Binchester Roman Fort, 7th century Escomb Church, then to the Bishop’s Palace at Bishop Auckland. There will be time to shop in Bishop Auckland if you wish.

Tuesday - A day at Beamish Open air Museum, with packed lunch provided. There is a 1913 town, shops, and colliery village and railway station to explore. Transport on site is by open topped buses and trams. Be sure to ride the “shuggy boats”

Wednesday - A day at Alnwick Castle and Gardens. The castle was used for the Harry Potter film set. The gardens have been extensively re-created over recent years with water sculptures, poison garden and acres of fascinating plants and trees.

Thursday - Guests depart.