Travel: 48 hours in Hamsterley, County Durham

Friday, noon Drive into the sleepy village of Hamsterley and through the forest until you reach Hamsterley Forest Bed and Breakfast (www.hamsterleyforestbandb.com). John and Julie are sure to give you a warm welcome. Double rooms start at £60.

2pm Enjoy a forest walk, taking in the wildlife and natural beauty. You could also hire bikes and follow a trail (www.woodnwheels.co.uk), before a browse in the Hamsterley Forest Visitor Centre (www.forestry.gov.uk), which has a gift shop, playroom and cafe.

6pm Back at your accommodation enjoy a home-cooked meal and a relaxing dip in the hot tub.

Saturday, 10am After breakfast, jump in the car and head for Raby Castle (Staindrop, Darlington, Co Durham, www.rabycastle.com). The castle dates from the 12th century and is home to a fine collection of artworks, textiles and furniture, plus a 200-acre deer park and sprawling gardens that date from the 18th and 19th century.

6pm Enjoy dinner at The Cross Keys Country Pub and Restaurant (www.thecrosskeyshamsterley.com). Relax in front of the open fire with a cask-conditioned ale.

Sunday, 10am Depending on your interests there are two pursuits to choose from. For those who love a good walk spoiled, the area is surrounded by golf clubs including Crook Golf Club (Low Jobs Hill, Crook, 01388 762429). However, if you'd rather get back to nature, then visit The Low Barns Nature Reserve (Low Barns Nature Reserve, Witton-le-Wear, Bishop Auckland, tel: [phone], www.durhamwt.co.uk), which has been designated a site of special scientific interest.

2pm Head home feeling relaxed.

THE FACTS

Rail travel from Edinburgh to Durham starts from 53.20 for a super off-peak return, see www.thetrainline.com For more information on the area, see www.thisisdurham.com

• This article was first published in The Scotsman on 23 April 2011