Whether you're planning a family gathering, walking holiday, birthday celebration or weekend with friends, discover experiences to suit every group.
Upper Teesdale and the surrounding North Pennines offer some of the finest outdoor sport in the north of England — all within a short drive of the house.
Day permits are available at Grassholme, managed by Teesdale Angling Club. The reservoir holds brown and rainbow trout in a peaceful moorland setting — an ideal half-day for anglers of all experience levels.
Try your hand at clay pigeon shooting in the heart of Upper Teesdale. Teesdale Gun Club welcomes visitors of all abilities, with coaching available for beginners and group sessions ideal for families, friends and celebrations.
Hacking through the surrounding countryside and tuition for riders of all abilities. A lovely way to spend a morning — open to complete beginners and experienced riders alike.
One of the great views of the Pennines — a natural glacial amphitheatre with dramatic cliff edges and wide open skies. A classic day walk for those who want more than a riverside stroll. Allow a full day.
Teesdale offers quiet country lanes and scenic tracks for all levels. Maps and suggested routes can be provided. Bike hire is available locally — ask us for current recommendations.
Experience white water rafting, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and canoeing at one of the UK's premier outdoor adventure centres. A fantastic option for families, groups of friends and corporate retreats looking for an exciting day out.
Enjoy a relaxing day on the water with stand-up paddleboarding, pedal boats and water bikes. Suitable for families, couples and groups looking for a fun outdoor activity that can be enjoyed at a gentler pace than white water rafting.
Upper Teesdale is renowned for its diverse wildlife and rare upland habitats. Bring your binoculars and discover curlews, lapwings, birds of prey and many other species while exploring one of England's most important landscapes for nature.
Heather Brae works particularly well for families and mixed-age groups. From on-site activities to easy drives, there's rarely a shortage of things to do.
A full-size hard court is available throughout your stay. Rackets and balls are provided. Ideal for a competitive game, a gentle knock-about or keeping younger guests entertained between meals.
The private grounds include a tree house and rope swing — simple pleasures that keep children entertained for hours. Set within the 2.5-acre garden, safely away from the main road.
One of the region's better karting circuits, suitable for ages 8 and up. A good option for competitive groups or families with older children — best booked in advance for a session on arrival or departure day.
An independent arts cinema and events venue in Barnard Castle showing current releases and occasional special screenings. A relaxed evening option — check the programme before your stay.
A modern multi-screen cinema showing the latest releases, family films and event screenings. A good option for rainy days, relaxed evenings or families wanting a wider choice of films.
The leisure centre in Barnard Castle provides pool facilities for all ages. A practical option on longer stays, particularly for families with younger children who enjoy structured water activities.
Group and friends' stays at Heather Brae often centre on a shared activity. These are some of the most popular options for social groups.
Teesdale Gun Club at Mickleton (15 mins) welcomes group visits with coaching and equipment provided. First-timers are very welcome — one of the most sociable half-days available near the house.
Barnard Castle Golf Club is a pleasant moorland course 25 minutes away. Several further courses are within an hour across County Durham and the Tees Valley — ask us for a current list.
Cluedini in Darlington (45 mins) offers private escape room bookings well suited to competitive groups. An easy evening or afternoon option, particularly on wetter days.
The Rose & Crown at Romaldkirk (10 mins) and The Teesdale Hotel in Middleton (5 mins) are both worth an evening out. The Rose & Crown in particular is consistently excellent.
The area around Heather Brae is better stocked for food than most visitors expect. From organic farm shops and afternoon tea to excellent country pubs and local produce.
An excellent organic farm shop selling meat, vegetables, dairy and deli goods. Worth a visit on arrival to stock the kitchen — particularly for self-catered groups who want quality local produce.
A popular destination offering an excellent farm shop, butcher, bakery and café, with a wide selection of locally sourced produce and homemade treats.
The High Force Hotel serves afternoon tea in a relaxed, traditional setting near the waterfall. A natural stopping point after a walk to the falls — a pleasant treat for groups who enjoy a more leisurely pace.
The area has a growing range of local producers — craft beer, artisan cheese, local honey and seasonal food available from local stockists and the market at Barnard Castle. Ask us for current recommendations.
A welcoming country hotel serving seasonal food, local ales and classic British dishes, making it an excellent choice for a relaxed lunch or evening meal close to Heather Brae.
Not every stay needs an agenda. Some of the most memorable moments at Heather Brae involve nothing more than open skies, a quiet walk and somewhere good to sit afterwards.
The North Pennines is one of England's finest dark sky areas. On a clear night at Heather Brae, the Milky Way is visible without equipment. Hot tubs and a glass of something good are optional but recommended.
Some of the finest scenery in northern England is best enjoyed slowly from the car. Drive the B6277 toward Alston for sweeping moorland panoramas and high Pennine passes that remain largely undiscovered.
Barnard Castle has a pleasant independent café scene — good coffee, local baking and unhurried service. A natural stopping point on an afternoon out in the town, before or after a visit to the castle or museum.
A gentle riverside walk from Middleton-in-Teesdale is one of the simplest pleasures of a stay at Heather Brae. Flat, well-surfaced and suitable for all abilities — the kind of walk you take before lunch without planning to.
The North Pennines can be unpredictable. When outdoor plans change, there's still plenty worth doing within easy reach of the house.
Choose between The Witham in Barnard Castle for an independent arts cinema experience (20 mins), or REEL Cinema in Bishop Auckland for a modern multi-screen cinema showing the latest releases (30 mins). Both are good rainy-day or relaxed evening options.
A remarkable French château housing European art, furniture, silver and fashion collections — one of the great surprises of County Durham. Allow at least two hours. 25 minutes from the house.
Private bookings in Darlington for groups of varying sizes. A competitive afternoon option when the weather makes outdoor plans difficult. Approximately 45 minutes from Heather Brae.
The town itself rewards a proper explore — independent bookshops, good cafés, deli stops and the castle ruins above the Tees. Compact and walkable, it makes for a perfectly pleasant wet afternoon. 25 minutes.
Tell us who is coming and what kind of stay you are planning. We will happily recommend activities to suit your group.