Sedgefield Racecourse on the outskirts of the village advertises itself as "The friendly racecourse" and the horseracing occasionally appears on TV.
The Shrove Tuesday ball game (six weeks before Easter) is an ancient contest between the farmers and tradesman of the village. A specially made ball is pushed through the iron ring on the village green which used to secure bulls at the village market long ago. That begins a free-for-all game, which can last all day, with most people waiting for an occasional sight of the ball, others arguing about the rules and some chasing the ball around and about the village!
The Mediaeval Fair on a Saturday in mid-may is a more modern introduction usually with charity stalls, arts and craft stalls, a small fun-fair and various entertainments such as tug of war and some form of mediaeval battle, in which only the entertainers are allowed to participate!
A relatively modern tradition is Sedgefield's entry in the Britain in Bloom competition, which has brought a number of successes and gives everyone the reward of the beautiful flowers all around the village in the summer months.
Hardwick Hall is an eighteenth century mansion, now a hotel, three quarters of a mile from the centre of Sedgefield across old parkland. The Country Park is based on the former landscaped gardens of the Hall and belongs to Durham County Council. The wooded park surrounds a lake and has over two miles of interesting footpaths, nature trails and picnic areas.
There has been a Church in Sedgefield since the 10th century and the 16th century tower can be seen for some miles around. In an area of England once ruled by the Prince Bishops of Durham, Sedgefield was an important and affluent parish and had a grand church to suit. The church has some interesting brasses and woodwork and its solid architecture provides a magnificent centerpiece to the old village.
Sedgefield’s Community Website. Click on this link for more information about Sedgefield. www.sedgefieldweb.co.uk