Dog-friendly Durham

This eco-friendly, cosy holiday cottage creates its own electricity by photo-voltaic roof tiles, and is adjacent to a cattle and sheep farm, a mile from Eggleston. The converted cattle byre with level access and wide doorways, provides a picturesque countryside retreat. Durham city, 25 miles, has a 12th century cathedral, boutiques in cobbled streets, the Victorian market, restaurants and galleries. Visit the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland. Historic Barnard Castle on the River Tees is 6 miles. Shops 5 miles, pubs 1 mile.

A beautiful stone-built barn conversion in a wonderful setting in Mickleton. Woodburner, en-suites, luxury hot tub. Middleton-in-Teesdale 1 mile.

A superb detached property in the former mining village of Rookhope, County Durham. En-suite, WiFi. Perfect base for families and groups of friends. Stanhope 6 miles.

This charming, detached former Hemel, close to the owners’ home, lies just 1½ miles from the historic village of Lanchester and only 10 miles from Durham. Lanchester is steeped in history dating back to the 12th century and it has a large village green which sits in the middle of some charming properties, with 3 village inns and eateries to hand. Cyclists will be eager to explore the quiet country roads or take the Derwent Valley Railway Path east to the outskirts of Durham, or west to join the Waskerly Way and on to Weardale. A walk can be taken along these footpaths, the section just south of Lancaster skirting the river Browney being a particular highlight. Corbridge is a mere 15 miles away with super pubs, tea rooms and shops, then carry on to Hadrian’s Wall to visit the Roman forts or a little further to Hexham, with its beautiful abbey. Enjoy Durham with its river walks, fine cathedral, bijou wine bars, traditional pubs and plenty of retail therapy. Alnwick Castle where part of the Harry Potter films were made takes approximately 1 hour, where you can visit the enchanting water gardens and treehouse, and stroll along the cobbled streets. Drive a little further north and follow the Heritage Coastal Route to come across Seahouses and Bamburgh, and the enchanting Holy Island or Lindasfarne, making a great day trip. Come back and relax at this holiday cottage, admiring the views outside after a day’s exploring. Consett 3 miles. Children’s play area 1½ miles. Shop and pub 1½ miles, restaurant ½ mile.

A detached holiday cottage, formerly The School House, adjacent to a church in Middleton-in-Teesdale, a village with pubs, shops and plenty to do. The Pennine Way passes through and a brisk walk brings you to Low Force, the first of a series of waterfalls. Barnard Castle, Bowes Museum and Eggleston Hall Gardens are worth a look - 4½ acres of paths, views of the fells, stream and gardens. There are cycle routes and fishing is available on the River Tees with a permit, as well as on Grassholme and Selset reservoirs where there is also sailing. The Lake District is a 45 minutes’ drive. Shop, pub and restaurant 50 yards.

This large detached house was originally the village school and was totally renovated to provide good quality, well appointed and well equipped holiday accommodation. Situated just off the front street of Frosterley, on the same site as ref 7723. The property stands in a lovely garden with south facing patio and has fine views from the south living room and master bedroom. Superb walking and cycling country, it is well placed for touring Teesdale and the Yorkshire Dales. Barnard Castle 13 miles, Durham City 18 miles and Newcastle 32 miles. The Lake District 1 hour away. The property is adjacent to the owners well-landscaped caravan park which has privately owned caravans only and therefore is very quiet. Shop 165 yards, pub 550 yards.

Set in beautiful, tranquil grounds of 130 acres, including a section of the River Tees with fishing rights and an arboretum with over 240 species of trees, this superb detached former granary situated on a working farm, has been creatively converted to provide a spacious holiday home brimming with character. Near the North Pennines, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this charming house is perfectly located to tour the Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland with its majestic castles and magnificent beaches, and the Lake District is an hour’s drive away. Close by is the picturesque village of Neasham with a friendly pub and riverside walks, whilst Durham Tees Valley airport is only 4 miles. The owner, who lives on the estate, can organise many activities for visitors by arrangement including rough shooting, canoeing (canoes not provided), deer stalking (at cost), fishing (free), cycles for guests use, horse riding and badger and bird watching (70 species seen). The appealing market towns of Richmond, Yarm and North Allerton make an interesting day out. Stabling and paddock available (for 1 horse, at cost). Shops, pub and restaurant 2 miles.

Overlooking the River Wear, these superb conversions of the barn, old byre and stables provide a wonderful holiday retreat. Surrounded by unspoilt countryside and is set in a haven of peace and tranquillity. Adjoining one another, they lie within an attractive courtyard setting, complemented by a fountain and shrubberies. All the properties have been tastefully refurbished and are full of character and charm, with shared use of lovely grounds, children’s play area, summer house and games room. The pretty village of Frosterley has shops and pubs, with walks in every direction along Weardale. Described as England’s ’last wilderness’, and possibly one of the best kept secrets, the Durham Dales are situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, made up of a wonderful blend of rugged upland, impressive waterfalls, fertile river valleys and wild flower meadows. Pleasant towns and pretty villages dot the area – the historic market town of Barnard Castle lies within easy reach, and boasts castle remains overlooking the town, as well as the Bowes Museum. Built as an impressive French-style chateau, the museum houses a magnificent collection of fine and decorative art. Other places of interest are Raby Castle, the ruins of Egglestone Abbey and Rokeby Hall. Hexham (with stately abbey) is a good day trip out, as well as the splendid cathedral city of Durham, 15 miles. NB: Refs 24969, 24970, 24971 and 23712 (also on the same site) can be booked together to accommodate up to 27 guests.

Peacefully set in picturesque Baldersdale, this detached, single-storey, former chapel retains arched windows and exudes charm and character. With stunning views over open moorland, it has its own furnished patio and makes a cosy holiday retreat year round. The North Pennines have been recognised as a great place for star gazing.
Excellent walking within this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with the Yorkshire Dales and Pennine Way close by. The late Hannah Hauxwell’s isolated farmhouse (featured on TV’s Season of My Life) lies nearby. Historic Barnard Castle, 6 miles, boasts an array of shops, inns, restaurants, a splendid Norman castle, antique shops and the famous Bowes Museum, with changing exhibitions. The Metro Centre, Beamish and Lake District are an hour away. Visit interesting Leyburn village and The Forbidden Corner near Middleham. Fishing, golf and riding locally. Shop 2 miles.

The Old Chapel Retreat, a charming, detached, 19th-century chapel has been skilfully restored to retain much character and charm throughout. It provides quirky, clever holiday accommodation whilst retaining some original stone floors and walls. Perfectly located in the heart of this pretty picture postcard village with quaint inns and tea rooms. Within walking distance is the medieval grand fortress of Raby Castle with its 200-acre deer park surrounding the castle. Barnard Castle, a thriving market town, is only 5 miles with exciting shops and pubs. Auckland Castle, home of the Bishop of Durham and the wonderful nature reserve at Low Barns, is also close by. Beamish Museum lies only 20 miles away where life in the 1800s/1900s can be relived in this working museum. Motor enthusiasts may like to visit Croft Circuit only 12 miles. Durham city, only 17 miles, has a magnificent castle dating back to 1072, a beautiful cathedral, fine shops, galleries and eateries. Try a day exploring the magnificent Roman Wall country in Hexham and Corbridge, easily reached in under an hour and close to the Pennines. A little further venture to Northumberland taking in the magnificent heritage coastal route, stopping off to see Alnwick and explore the castle used to film Robin Hood, Harry Potter and Elizabeth. Meander through the cobbled streets, or visit the enchanting Alnwick Gardens with one of the largest Treehouse restaurants and water fountains. Relax with a drink and barbecue in the enclosed courtyard area after a day out exploring this exciting area or head up to the top floor for a relaxing game of pool in the games room. Shop and pub 25 yards.