The pretty village of Hart is a must to visit, be it for a spot of lunch in an award-winning traditional English pub or to discover another element of Hartlepool’s history.

The church, St Mary Magdalene, is the mother church of St Hilda’s on the Headland. In 1596 a ‘witch’ Ellen Thompson was buried under the stile at the east entrance to the churchyard. This resting place was chosen so that all coming into the churchyard would walk over her. To the west of the church you can see the remains of a 14th century Manor House but, mysteriously only a wall with a doorway remains… Extensive archaeological excavations have revealed extensive foundations under what is now the adjacent car park.

Why not walk off lunch on the Hart to Haswell route – a 9 mile trek along an old restored railway line and local nature reserve, offering splendid panoramic views of the countryside and coastline.