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. Heighington was recently awarded the accolade of “Britains perfect village” by the BBC in a recent television series.

Originally a medieval walled village, Heighington is still surrounded by picturesque farmland - yet within a few minutes drive can be found Roman ruins or an Anglo Saxon church in one direction, or in another we could take you to lunch at Walworth Castle, now a country-house hotel, but originally built to maintain peace after the Norman Conquest. Only a little further away is the World Heritage site of Durham Castle and Cathedral, while a day in York - even if you did come through it on the train - will present another ‘seen to be believed’ experience. On the way it will be easy to absorb the ambience of the Yorkshire Dales, the real-life 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. And to show that we are not parochial, what about an afternoon at Washington Old Hall, where some of George Washington’s forbears lived before he left to begin a different way of life ‘across the pond’?

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 - Arrive, welcome drinks at the Vicarage, dinner with hosts.

Thursday - Meet for coffee, village walk, lunch en route to Thirsk for visit to the James Herriott Museum. James Herriott was the Yorkshire Dales Vet in the famous TV series “All creatures great and small”. Dinner with hosts.

Friday - Day at Durham City, including visits to the magnificent Norman Castle and Cathedral, with lunch in the Cathedral Crypt. Then time to explore, sightsee and shop. Durham was recently voted as “the United Kingdom’s top tourist city destination.

Saturday - Visit to the North of England Lead Mining Museum at Killhope in upper Weardale with ride across the heather moors to Teesdale where we will stop at the market town of Middleton in Teesdale. Packed lunch will be provided and in the evening there will be a parish barbeque.

Sunday - Church service at 10 followed by lunch at Scorton, followed by a visit to Kiplin Hall, near Scorton, Richmond. Kiplin Hall is a splendid Jacobean Country House. Evening meal with hosts.

Monday - A day at Beamish Open Air Museum with packed lunch provided. There is a 1913 town, shops, colliery village and railway station to explore and transport on site is on open topped buses and trams. Be sure you ride the shuggy boats! Evening meal with hosts.

Tuesday - A visit to Binchester Roman Fort and then on to the restored 7th century Escombe Church, which was built from stone robbed from Binchester Fort, where we will have lunch. Then we will visit the Bishop’s Palace at Bishop Auckland before returning for dinner with hosts.

Wednesday - Train trip to York where the choice is yours, attractions include York Minster, the ancient Shambles street, National Railway museum and ample shops for the essential last minute shopping! Evening farewell party.

Thursday - Guests depart.