Now here's something to celebrate: beautiful scenery, a unique theatrical experience, and superlative accommodation - and all here in County Durham.

The drive over to Barnard Castle on a beautiful summer's evening was a real pleasure, and even those of us who live in the North East can too easily forget the prettiness of much of our scenery. The other attraction, and perhaps we should tell just enough people, is the ease of getting around. Hartlepool to Barny took a comfortable hour with no hint of rush, but plenty of time (with apologies to W H Davies) to sit and stare.

We were heading for the Castle Players' production of The Merry Wives of Windsor in the grounds of the Bowes Museum and what a joy it was. I still think that the glorious building is one of the big surprises of travel anywhere in the world. If you haven't done it before, give an out of town visitor a treat by taking him for a walk in Barnard Castle and then popping around the corner from the main street. The disbelief on the face of a stranger suddenly encountering the faade of a staggering French-style chateau within a stone's throw of a County Durham market town is worth the trouble!

Especially with the co-operation of a superb evening sky, the Shakespeare came vividly to life under the spreading arms of an enormous tree. From a sparkling (juggling!) Seven Ages prologue (well played Jeremy Hulbert) to a very good cast, it was a memorable night. Particular praise is due to Mary Stastny (Mistress Ford) and Simon Pell (Falstaff) who carried demanding roles with great skill. The whole production (directed by Gordon Duffy McGhie) was filled with witty touches including a "previously lost" prologue which began:

"Two ladies, both alike in dignity,

In Royal Windsor where we lay our scene.....

A little bird tells me that Master A Moorhouse of Barnard Castle School may well know the source which certainly wasn't Verona!

I was talking on the evening to David Faulkner of the Arts & Business Network and he was particularly pleased to see such a fine example of two worlds working so well together, as indeed they should more often.

The evening was completed with one of my travel finds of the year. After making some enquiries of people who know these things (Bill Oldfield of restaurateur fame and Sue Berresford from Teesdale Tourism), the hot recommendation was a B&B called Number 34 on The Bank, just off the main street. This is the kind of place to give "bed and breakfasts" a really good name. Your accommodation is set in a gorgeous sixteenth century house which has been lovingly tended by owners Eva and Ian.

Our "blue room" was perfectly equipped, including a better ensuite bathroom than many hotels boast, topped off by witty touches and even a welcoming decanter of port. Breakfast in a beautiful dining room was amazing with freshly-cooked local produce followed by a walk in the ageless garden. If you'd like to take a brilliant break on our doorstep, they have 3 excellent double rooms from about £50 for two. Contact them at evasreid@aol.com or 01833 631 304. They've already won a Warm Welcome Award and the Les Routiers B&B of the Year Award, and they've just won mine too!

If you need an excuse to head Barny way, and you shouldn't, the Bowes Museum has the Tim Rice Collection on show for the rest of the year. More at www.bowesmuseum.org.uk

Published: 16/07/2003