Discover five of County Durham’s prettiest villages

Heighington Village, Darlington

Recognised in a 2006 BBC series as the ‘perfect village,’ Heighington is filled with picturesque charm, just 15 minutes from Darlington. Begin your visit with a stroll around the village green, surrounded by historic houses.

Things to do:

Walking trails: Explore scenic dog-friendly routes around the village, or if you want to venture a little further, there’s a path near the Hitachi Railway Factory with a serene lake that’s perfect for a circular walk.​

Family activities: Children can enjoy two parks and, in autumn, collect conkers from the village’s impressive horse chestnut tree.​

Seasonal events: Experience the community spirit during the annual bonfire night in November or visit at Christmas to enjoy festive decorations and carols at the church.​ There’s a great Facebook group – ‘What’s On in Heighington’ – which is kept updated with events.

Where to eat and drink:

The George & Dragon: If you visit on a Sunday, this is the place to go for Sunday lunch, which is raved about on Tripadvisor.

Escomb, Bishop Auckland

Escomb is home to the remarkable Escomb Saxon Church, one of only four complete Anglo-Saxon churches in England. Discover its ancient architecture and the intriguing medieval wall paintings.

Things to do:

Escomb Lake Walk: Enjoy a tranquil walk combining river and lake views, ideal for dog walks and picnics, with many places to sit and enjoy the views.

Nearby attractions: Auckland Castle is a short drive away, offering rich history and beautiful grounds. During summer, don’t miss Kynren – the immersive live-action show depicting England’s past.​

Where to eat and drink:

The Saxon Inn: Located opposite the church, this pretty, family-run inn provides wholesome, home-cooked food and a great selection of drinks. It also has rooms, so if you do go to Kynren and want to make a night of it, this is a great place to book.

Gainford (between Barnard Castle and Darlington)

Nestled along the River Tees, Gainford is celebrated as one of Teesdale’s most attractive villages, featuring a charming green with seasonal flowers and picturesque houses.​ It was once known as the ‘Queen of Durham villages’ thanks to the 18^th and 19^th century architecture, which is a style usually associated with much larger towns.

Things to do:

Gainford Spa: Gainford has a hidden natural fountain with supposedly healing water. Full transparency, it’s high sulphur content gives of a smell of, well, rotten eggs, which may not be for everyone…

Headlam Hall: Located nearby, Headlam Hall is an independent country house with its own luxury spa and golf course. The award-winning restaurant is great for lunch or dinner.

Nearby exploration: Visit the neighbouring village of Piercebridge to check out one of our favourite farm shops, Piercebridge Organics.

Where to eat and drink:

The Fox Hole: This highly-rated gastropub in Piercebridge is worth visiting. Consistently good with a lovely setting, The Fox Hole serves a modern take on British cuisine with an emphasis on local produce. ​

Staindrop, Darlington

Staindrop is renowned for its proximity to the magnificent Raby Castle and the historic St. Mary’s Church. It’s been described as ‘quite simply one of the prettiest villages in County Durham’, with quaint streets and traditional charm that makes it a lovely place to stop off and wander around.

Things to do:

Raby Castle: Explore one of England’s finest medieval castles, complete with a deer park and beautiful gardens. Check their calendar for seasonal markets and events.​

St. Mary’s Church: Visit this historic church, based on an 8^th-century Saxon foundation,  known for its impressive architecture.

Where to eat and drink:

The Country Tea Shop & Restaurant: This lovely independent tea shop and restaurant serves highly rated, traditional home-cooked fare, all made by the owner, Sue. It’s a real hidden gem, open 10 am—3 pm every day.

The Vinery Café at Raby Castle: Enjoy handcrafted dishes inspired by the Raby Estate, with panoramic views of the gardens and castle.

Hamsterley, Durham Dales

While many are drawn to Hamsterley Forest, the village of Hamsterley itself offers a quaint charm with cosy cottages reminiscent of a scene from ‘The Holiday.’​

Things to do:

Hamsterley Forest: A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering walking, cycling, and horse-riding trails amidst picturesque woodland.​

Nearby Wolsingham: Just a short drive away, this small town has lovely walking paths and hosts an annual Agricultural Show in September.​

Where to eat and drink:

The Cross Keys Country Pub and Restaurant: A traditional pub offering a warm atmosphere (complete with log-burning stoves) and a menu of classic British dishes. ​

The Hamsterley Café and Ice Cream Kiosk: Perfect for a post-walk treat, offering a range of refreshments and homemade ice creams. ​