Best attractions and places to see around Headlam offer a tranquil visitor experience in a historic rural setting. This small hamlet in County Durham provides a glimpse into traditional English country life. Situated in Lower Teesdale, the area features expansive views to the south towards Richmond and to the Cleveland Hills in the east. Visitors can explore a variety of landmarks and natural features that define the region's character.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
Highlight • Bridge
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
Highlight • Cafe
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Headlam.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
There’s a fab tea room and general store in Eppleby village. Very cycle friendly with a track pump in the doorway!
0
0
With Whorlton bridge still out of action, this makes for the best crossing of the Tees if you want to avoid traffic
0
0
Good Cafe very reasonable prices and good food and Pleasant Staff
0
0
picturesque village which has a green, shop and pub.
0
0
The bridge over the River Tees near Winston in County Durham was built in 1762-1763, designed by Sir Thomas Robinson.
0
0
This is a stone bridge soaring high over the River Tees. Designed by Sir Thomas Robinson of nearby Rokeby, and erected in 1762-3, it has one arch of 111 ft (34 metres) span, once the longest single span in England.
0
0
Great place. Nice food and brilliant coffee. Mel and her team are very friendly.
0
0
Headlam itself boasts a 17th-century building, Headlam Hall, a Medieval Cattle-Pound on the village green, and an Old Stone Packhorse Bridge. Nearby, you can visit Whorlton Suspension Bridge, a Grade II* Listed Structure and Scheduled Ancient Monument, and Winston Bridge, a stone bridge from 1762-3 that once featured the longest single arch span in England. For railway history, the Locomotion Railway Museum Shildon showcases the start of railways.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Locomotion Railway Museum Shildon offers free admission and is a great educational experience. Both Winston Bridge and Whorlton Suspension Bridge offer scenic viewpoints that can be enjoyed by all ages. For refreshments, Eppleby Village Shop & Tea Room and The Country Tea Shop & Restaurant are welcoming to families.
Headlam is situated in Lower Teesdale, offering expansive views to the south towards Richmond and to the Cleveland Hills in the east. The village green provides an open space, and the Old Stone Packhorse Bridge crosses a beck, adding to the rustic appeal. Both Whorlton Suspension Bridge and Winston Bridge provide fantastic views of the River Tees and the surrounding landscape.
You have a couple of friendly options for refreshments. The Eppleby Village Shop & Tea Room is known for being very welcoming, especially to cyclists, offering snacks, cakes, and drinks. Another great spot is The Country Tea Shop & Restaurant, which serves cakes, hot drinks, and an extensive breakfast and lunch menu, with Sunday lunch being highly recommended.
Yes, the Locomotion Railway Museum Shildon is wheelchair accessible, featuring easy paved roads along the rail and facilities like a café and toilets. It provides a great experience for all visitors.
The area around Headlam offers various cycling opportunities. You can explore gravel biking routes, mountain bike trails, and road cycling routes. For detailed guides and routes, check out the Gravel biking around Headlam, MTB Trails around Headlam, and Road Cycling Routes around Headlam guides.
Visitors frequently praise the welcoming atmosphere of local establishments like the Eppleby Village Shop & Tea Room and The Country Tea Shop & Restaurant, noting their friendliness and good food. The historical significance and scenic views from bridges like Whorlton Suspension Bridge and Winston Bridge are also highly appreciated, as is the free admission and historical depth of the Locomotion Railway Museum Shildon.
Beyond the well-known attractions, Headlam itself is a tranquil hamlet with a rich history. The Medieval Cattle-Pound on the village green and the Old Stone Packhorse Bridge offer glimpses into traditional English country life. These less-frequented spots provide a quiet charm and a sense of stepping back in time, away from larger crowds.
Headlam offers a tranquil experience year-round. Spring and summer provide pleasant weather for exploring the village green and enjoying the expansive views across Lower Teesdale. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, while winter can offer a serene, picturesque setting, especially around the historic landmarks.
While Headlam itself is a small hamlet, nearby villages like Piercebridge and Gainford offer additional amenities. These larger settlements typically provide more options for shops, pubs, and other services that might complement your visit to Headlam.
When visiting Eppleby Village Shop & Tea Room, cyclists will find it particularly welcoming with space to lock up bikes and even some spare parts for emergencies. For The Country Tea Shop & Restaurant, it's recommended to book in advance, especially if you plan to visit for Sunday lunch, as it can be very popular.


Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions: