Dog-friendly Durham

A spacious, stone-built, end of terrace cottage, set in a remote location. Outstanding countryside views. Lovely garden. Luxurious hot tub. WiFi. Woodburner. Middleton-in-Teesdale 3 miles.

The lodge is on the first floor above the Cross Keys pub which serves local ales and good food and is perfect to return to at the end of a busy day exploring. There is a spacious comfortable living room in which to relax. The shaker-style kitchen is well-equipped whether rustling up a hearty breakfast or a quick supper and is a great space to gather around the dining table and enjoy the company of family or friends. Warm and comfortable underfoot with deep pile carpets, the property offers beautifully furnished accommodation. There are four bedrooms giving plenty of flexibility for family and friends.
A great spot too for walkers and cyclists, there are many established public footpaths from the village leading into the city of Durham and beyond into the scenic countryside of County Durham. The beautiful city of Durham, which has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status, is packed full of historic and interesting sites to visit. The cathedral and castle dominate the skyline and the marketplace is a popular time at any time of year as there is a variety of events, markets, and celebrations throughout the year. Also great for a spot of lunch, dinner, or afternoon tea, there are many quirky tea shops, restaurants, bistros, and the smallest gin bar in the county. The River Wear runs through the city and guests will be able to take a guided river cruise, or for the more energetic, enjoy hiring a rowing boat.
The Lumiere Festival takes place every couple of years in November and brings the city to life with live art, music and light shows in the open air theatre. A little further afield but still within an easy 30-minute drive, guests will be able to take a day trip out to the very popular Beamish Living Museum, see the famous Angel of the North in Gateshead, enjoy a day’s shopping at the Metro Centre and explore the vibrant city of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The Heritage Coast and lovely beach walks are under 20 miles away. Beach 19 miles. Shop 2 miles, pub and restaurant 10 yards.

Beckwick is a spacious bungalow on the outskirts of the market town of Bishop Auckland, well known for its castle and gardens and annual Kynren historical spectacle. Tucked away in a quiet residential area, the bungalow sits in private grounds behind a gated entrance. With extensive gardens, the property looks out across the landscaped garden onto a small ornamental lake. Sure to be a great attraction is the 6-seater hot tub, offering fun for all whatever time of year.

Inside the property are well laid out social spaces, a large lounge with comfortable sofas. A separate garden room with wall mounted TV and a bar area! There is a games room, complete with an air hockey table! For the designated chef the kitchen/dining room will provide everything you need whether rustling up a hearty breakfast or supper.
The utility room is equipped with sink and washing machine. There are 4 bedrooms, the master bedroom with kingsize bed, robes and en-suite shower room, a second with ¾ double bed and en-suite shower room, a third bedroom with a kingsize bed and 4th bedroom sleeping 3 people with a double bed and single bunk over. There is a spacious wet room with non-slip floor, walk in shower and separate bath. All bathrooms have been newly installed in 2021.

Beckwick is just under 2 miles from the town centre to discover the surprising story of Bishop Auckland. Auckland Castle has been home to Francisco de Zurbarán’s series of Spanish masterpieces Jacob and His Twelve Sons, for over 250 years. These striking paintings are the starting point for this new gallery, in the heart of Bishop Auckland. There is an abundance of cafés, eateries, bars and take-aways to choose from.

Auckland Castle is one of the best-preserved bishops’ palaces in the whole of Europe and is at the centre of The Auckland Project. The Castle recently reopened after undergoing major conservation work, which has transformed its state rooms to their original Georgian Gothic splendour, as designed by the renowned English architect James Wyatt. Enjoy the Deer Park and the incredibly popular Kynren open-air Spectacular is performed between July and September every year. Two thousand years of history, myth and legend rush by in 90 minutes as we join young Arthur on his epic quest. Rebellions, wars, magic, majesty, celebration and heartache are vividly brought to ground-shaking life in a dazzling outdoor-theatre spectacular, although you will need to book!

Younger children and train enthusiasts will enjoy a trip to the National Railway Museum in Shildon which is only 10 minutes’ drive away. Hamsterley Forest, 8 miles away, is a popular destination for all ages. With beautiful countryside, various bike trails and plenty of walks for guests of all abilities including the very popular Gruffalo Trail for children. Take a drive to the Dales villages of Wolsingham, Frosterley and Stanhope or a little further to Middleton-in-Teesdale and the impressive High Force Waterfalls. Barnard Castle, the Bowes Museum and Raby Castle are within an easy 30-minute drive as well as the historic cathedral city of Durham which has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Here you can enjoy an abundance of shops, cafés, bars and restaurants and beautiful walks along the riverside, take out a boat or try your hand at paddle-boarding!