The Pack-horse Bridge, the gardens at Headlam Hall and suggested walks give Headlam three distinct travel highlights: history, gardens and activity. Add to these modern British cuisine at Headlam Hall and the facilities at Headlam Spa. If you are considering a stay in Headlam, you can assess the area based on how much importance you place on monument history, time in the garden, outdoor routes, dining or the spa.

Culture and architectural history

The Pack-horse Bridge in Headlam is Grade II listed and is also designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument. It probably dates from the 18th century. This means there are two specific heritage designations alongside a date that is explicitly described as probable.

Another historical reference is the architectural history of Headlam Hall. Henry “of Headlam” and Anne, daughter of Henry Brackenbury of Selaby, were responsible for its construction around the turn of the 17th century. The two historical reference points concern different structures and periods: the probable date of the bridge and responsibility for the construction of Headlam Hall.

Gardens and walks

The walled garden at Headlam covers around four acres and gives guests room for a leisurely stroll. The gardens at Headlam Hall include a rose garden, old beech hedges, an ornamental canal and stone bridge towers that form part of a garden feature. The elements range from plants and hedges to water and design features, giving the gardens a distinct character.

Headlam Hall also offers suggested walks that use local carriage drives and public footpaths. This is a different way to add activity to your stay than a walk in the garden: here, carriage drives and public footpaths come into play. If you enjoy spending time outdoors, you can consider these two options separately rather than combining them into a single activity.

Dining and spa

Headlam Hall serves modern British cuisine made with local produce, including fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables from its own kitchen garden. Non-residents can also have lunch and dinner there, and enjoy drinks in the Library Bar. You can therefore consider meals independently of an overnight stay at Headlam Hall.

For your planning, it is also helpful to distinguish between the garden and dining: the walled garden gives guests room for a stroll, while Headlam Hall explicitly welcomes non-residents for meals and drinks. This lets you consider time in the garden as part of a stay and a visit for a meal as separate decisions.

Headlam Spa includes a 15-metre swimming pool and an outdoor hydrotherapy pool, a sauna and steam room, as well as treatment rooms, a gym and a movement studio. Its facilities thus combine water activities and heat areas with spaces for exercise and treatments.

Discover more destinations: Newton Aycliffe, Woodland, Consett, Horden, Stanley, Croxdale, Hunwick, Shildon.

For the main travel overview: Durham.