The great British staycation
10 March 2020
staycation
NOUN
informal
a holiday spent in one's home country rather than abroad, or one spent at home and involving day trips to local attractions.
This term has been around for a few years now and there are so many reasons to take your holiday within these shores; reduce your carbon footprint, support local economies, avoid the language barrier (though this may still be in issue with some of our more ingrained regional accents 😉) and ultimately to experience great British hospitality which has come on leaps and bounds in the last 25 years.
If you enjoy beautiful open countryside, heritage and less crowded places then the north of England is a pretty good bet. To be specific, Teesdale is what you might call a bit of an undiscovered gem! This picturesque dale follows the river Tees from its middle course near Piercebridge up to its source at Cauldron Snout. It sits snuggly between Swaledale to the south and Weardale to the north.
Headlam Hall lies at the lower end of Teesdale amidst rolling countryside and is the perfect base for a staycation this summer. On-site at Headlam there is much to do for the active and its tranquil setting is ideal for those seeking relaxation. The four acres of walled gardens provide exactly that with colourful herbaceous borders, smart lawns, flowing waterways and little treats such as the Rose Garden and the impressive kitchen garden. Find your favourite spot on a summer’s day and settle down with a good book to escape for a while.
Beyond the garden lies our own 9 hole golf course which is set over mature pastureland with lovely natural features making it both attractive and challenging. This is a course to enjoy and unlike some there is an absence of that pomp and ceremony often found at golf clubs. Whether you are a beginner or expert, young or old or somewhere in between you are welcome on the course providing you know one end of a club from the other! If you don’t then book a lesson with our resident PGA professional who can coach all ages and abilities on our covered driving range.
The spa at Headlam is a haven of tranquillity and relaxation. Enjoy a dip in the 15m pool, the outdoor hot tub and sun terrace or work up a sweat in the fully equipped gym. There are also 5 treatment rooms to enjoy a range of spa therapies and beauty treatments and the brasserie café is great for a relaxed drink or bite to eat with fabulous views over the golf course and an outdoor seating area for sunny days.
Nearby attractions include Raby Castle which has recently been greatly improved as a visitor attraction and the impressive Bowes Museum at Barnard Castle. We can provide scenic routes for a drive out in your car or perhaps you might like to take our Aston Martin out which is available for half or full day hire. A little further afield you have Durham city with the world famous cathedral and Beamish Open Air Museum which was used for filming in the recent Downton Abbey film. On the theme of films you can also head up Teesdale to Low Force and High Force waterfalls which were used for the blockbuster movie, 1917. Not too far from here you will find our other spot, the Rose & Crown in the pretty dales village of Romaldkirk. It is a great place for a spot of lunch when out exploring the dale and as a base for some lovely walks.
The quiet lanes around Headlam and in Teesdale are perfect for cyclists and there are some excellent routes to choose from including gentle tours with coffee shops and pubs on route or more demanding climbs for the serious cyclist. There are a couple of bikes for guests to use on a complimentary basis if you don’t bring your own.
So what are you waiting for? Book your staycation in the north of England for a memorable and enjoyable holiday.