Dog-friendly Durham

This wonderful apartment is just beside the River Wear with a popular riverside walk along the bank, you are just around the corner from the centre of the thriving and beautiful market town of Stanhope. Fully refurbished in 2021, it matches the same standards as its sister apartment Squirrel Cottage (ref UK37886). Entering the property you are welcomed by a spacious living area, with an open plan kitchen, dining and living room. Ideal for socialising in an evening and winding down after a busy day of exploring. There are many thoughtful personal touches ensuring this is a stay to remember, including a huge map of the local area beside the dining table so that you can plan the adventures for the days ahead. The bathroom is large and indulgent, everything is of a high quality and has been designed with your comfort in mind. There are two double bedrooms, through the master double bedroom you have a door leading out into the enclosed yard with a seating area. Looking up from the courtyard you have views up to the castle which is on the hillside behind the property. This is a very popular base for walkers and cyclists too, Stanhope is located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and is often referred to as ’The Gateway to the Dales’ and is home to the very informative Durham Dales Centre, which boasts an informative selection of maps, as well as a variety of craft shops and a small café.
Stanhope offers a variety of local amenities, including plenty of cafés, a sweet shop, local butchers, bakers and fish and chip shop, all within walking distance from the front door Riverside Cottage. There is also an assortment of local bars, including The Bonny Moorhen which is named after a famous battle here, between poachers and the Bishops Men, it serves great home cooked meals as well as weekend live entertainment. Walkers will find themselves surrounded by the open countryside of Weardale, with many established walks, cycle paths and routes running directly from the town and out towards some of the traditional villages nearby including, Eastgate, Cowshill, Rookhope, Killhope, Frosterley and Wolsingham. For very energetic guests, Stanhope boasts The Weardale Open Air Swimming Pool, which is the only heated open-air pool in the county, and perfect for a warm dip surrounded by beautiful views of the countryside.
Ideal for children is the Weardale Railway that stops in Stanhope, and covers an 18-mile heritage line that runs through parts of County Durham and has different events all year round, including the very popular train to Christmas Town.
Just a 25 minutes drive to Hamsterley Forest, High force water falls, Derwent reservoir and Alston. A little further afield, but still within an easy 40-minute drive, guests will be able to visit the city of Durham with its historic cathedral, castle and museums. Barnard Castle, Beamish Living Museum, Gateshead Metrocentre, Newcastle upon Tyne, Hexham Corbridge and Hadrian’s Wall can all be reached in an hour’s drive and offer a great day out for guests of all ages. For a country break away to remember, this apartment is sure to delight. Shop, pub and restaurant ¼ mile.
Riverside Cottage can be booked together with Squirrel Cottage (UK37886) to accommodate up to 8 guests.

Recently refurbished to a high standard, the cottage has underfloor heating, keeping you warm as toast especially in the chilly winter months. With vaulted ceilings, beams, wooden floors and Velux windows adding light and character throughout. The open plan living space is light and spacious with a newly installed shaker style kitchen, dining area, living area with comfortable sofas and large windows with views across the fields and you can watch the cattle feeding in the farmyard. There are two bedrooms, the master bedroom with double bed and separate trundle ideal for a child, and second twin room with TV and Blu-ray player. The owners have added lots of extras for your comfort and holiday experience.
A stay at Calf House Cottage gives you the chance to really experience farm life if you are interested. There are outdoor coats, wellies and boots at the door and the friendly owners are happy to show guests around to experience the day to day life of dairy farming, with all the associated smells, sounds and livestock. The dairy farm has four robotic milking machines and a milking herd of 300 cows 24-hours a day. You can even sample the fresh, raw milk from the milking shed and collect eggs from the free range hens. There is an on-site micro brewery producing four craft beers. There is a small tap room on site and samples of the beer will be available to buy throughout your stay at www.hopperhousebrewfarm.co.uk. A well-behaved dog is also allowed to visit with access to the surrounding fields for walks or the shared grounds with the owners.
The village of Sedgefield is under 2 miles away and a quick drive. With a pretty village green at its centre, with tea rooms and independent shops to browse around. It boasts an exceptional standard of pubs and restaurants, perfect for a special occasion. There is a co-op on the high street and a large Sainsbury’s within a short drive, an excellent butchers and fishmongers. There is also a varied selection of take-away restaurants to choose from. If it’s fresh country air and wonderful walks you’re looking for, Sedgefield nestles between the Yorkshire Dales, Durham Dales and the North York Moors, where you will find some of the most dramatic countryside, including High Force waterfall, stunning coastal walks and the Castle Eden Walkway.
Nearby Sedgefield races are a regular feature on the local calendar, and take place all year round. For keen golfers, visit the Knotty Hill Golf Centre, which is just one of many golf courses in the area. Out and about the cottage is conveniently located just minutes from the A1, Sedgefield links up with a host of local attractions. The University City of Durham makes a fabulous day out. Enjoy the lovely riverside walks and visit the magnificent cathedral and castle. With winding cobbled streets, unique shops, and a large variety of pubs and restaurants. A little further afield, yet still a short drive, visit the famous open air museum at Beamish. A 40-minute drive will take you to the coastal town of Saltburn-by-Sea and onwards towards Whitby. Driving North visit the stunning Heritage Coast of Northumberland, peppered with castles and golden beaches, or head inland to Alnwick, with its famous castle used in the Harry Potter films, and the beautiful Alnwick gardens. You will find a host of things to do in and around the area including fishing nearby. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles.

Situated high up on a hill above Tunstall Reservoir, in a hidden valley on the edge of the North Pennines, Backstone Bank Farmhouse is a fabulous property in a stunning location. Located next to a working farm, in spectacular surroundings overlooking the Tunstall Valley, this 16th-century farmhouse has amazing views from every room. It offers accommodation of the highest standard, and has been renovated and lovingly furnished, retaining many original features with the addition of top quality facilities. The kitchen is fully fitted with contemporary, quality appliances, yet also retains many original features including exposed beams and two historic larders, and the dining room comfortably seats 9 people. There is also a very useful boot room, which is the ideal place for walkers and pet owners to leave their coats and boots to dry.
Perfect for walkers, country lovers and cyclists, as well as families and friends, this location has something for everyone to enjoy. There are numerous popular footpaths and cycle paths that criss-cross over the surrounding fields and countryside out into the North Pennines and Durham Dales, including the famous Coast to Coast route. Often referred to as the ’Gateway to the Dales’, the conservation village of Wolsingham is situated in picturesque Weardale in the North Pennines, and is part of a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The popular town of Stanhope is a little over 6 miles away, and a visit to the Durham Dales Centre is recommended. Plenty of specialist information regarding walks and cycle routes (as well as history about the local area) can be found here. The beautiful and historic cathedral city of Durham is just 17 miles away, and can be reached within an easy 30-minute drive. Well deserving of its UNESCO World Heritage Site status, the area has many historic attractions including Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle, as well as a variety of boutique shops, cafés, bistros and tea shops. Bishop Auckland is just under 13 miles away and plays host to the spectacular Eleven Arches show called Kynren. For families wanting to take a day trip to Beamish Living Museum, this popular tourist attraction is only 16 miles away. The picturesque market town of Barnard Castle is just a 30-minute drive away, with a selection of great pubs in nearby Romaldkirk and Middleton-in-Teesdale. Just a few miles beyond is the majestic High Force, the highest waterfall in England. The lead mining museum in Killhope, 20 miles, is another popular attraction and shows the history of how lead was mined by generations of miners who lived in the Weardale area.
Newcastle-upon-Tyne, the Metrocentre, Derwent Reservoir, and Alston, which is the highest market town in England, can all be reached within an hour’s drive, and really are worth a visit. A little further afield, but still within an hour and a half driving distance, guests will be able to take a day trip to the Lake District, Northumbria’s beaches and Alnwick Castle.
Beautifully presented throughout and in a fabulous location, surrounded by acres of land as well as a private garden, Backstone Bank Farmhouse really does have so much to offer. Perfect for families, friends and discerning guests, this property will be the most fabulous base for any occasion at any time of year. Shops, pubs and restaurants 3 miles.

Set within its own grounds, the cottage looks out over open fields and the farm’s impressive highland cattle. In the valley, the River Wear flows through and is perfect for keen fishermen. With two licences available by private arrangement with the owners it offers salmon, sea trout and trout fishing in the summer and pike fishing in the adjacent fishing lake in the winter months.
The cottage has a large living room with huge patio doors taking in the open countryside, providing light and spacious accommodation. A wood burner is perfect for winter evenings with two sofas to curl up and watch your favourite film on the smart TV. A well equipped kitchen and utility room have all your required appliances. Downstairs there is a double bedroom and upstairs is a loft style twin bedroom with restricted head height. Outside is spacious and open to the surrounding countryside. A decked area houses the fabulous hot tub where you can sit, bathe and enjoy the views.
Out and about, there are an abundance of places to explore, with established public footpaths and cycle paths nearby. For those looking to leave the car behind, the local pub is within walking distance, in nearby Bishop Auckland there are a variety of supermarkets, independent shops and a variety of restaurants and take-a-ways. The town hosts the fabulous and hugely popular Kynren Historic spectacle, for which early booking is essential. The popular market town of Barnard Castle hosts a weekly farmers market, and has some local pubs, restaurants, shops and historic buildings. Nearby Witton Castle, offers fly fishing, a bird sanctuary, historic castle and beautiful grounds. Raby Castle is also within easy reach and is a must for guests who wish to catch a glimpse of over 200 deer which wander the grounds.
Set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the village of Staindrop is just 9 miles away, and offers tea shops, cafés and a local family butcher. There are an abundance of places to explore, with established public footpaths, cycle paths and nature reserves all within walking distance. For those looking to leave the car behind, the local pub is within walking distance, and there are a variety of supermarkets, shops and restaurants in Bishop Auckland, home to the fabulous Kynren Eleven Arches. The thriving, popular market town of Barnard Castle hosts a weekly farmer’s market, and has some super local pubs, restaurants, shops and historic buildings. Hamsterley Forest, a delightful 2000-hectare site of popular walking trails, cycle trails, orienteering and picnic spots, is just a 10-minute drive away.
The city of Durham can be reached within a 30-minute drive, with its magnificent cathedral and castle and beautiful riverside walks. With its cobbled streets and independent shops, cafés and restaurants, it is home to many annual events such as the Lumiere Light Festival, book week, arts week and the Durham Brass Festival. The cottage also provides a perfect country retreat for guests visiting family at nearby Durham University campus. Be sure to stop by the Saxon church in Escombe, which has been in continuous use since AD670 and is sure to wow history enthusiasts. Other great places of interest to visit nearby include Killhope Lead mining centre in Weardale, The Home of Steam railway museum in Shildon, and Bowes Museum near Barnard Castle. Charles Dickens famously stayed at Barnard Castle, and it is where he wrote his acclaimed novel, Nicholas Nickleby. Visit Bishop’s Palace and Park, with its ancient Deer House and Walled Gardens, or the Spanish Art Gallery (opening spring 2021) in the market place at Bishop Auckland. Shop 1 mile, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

In an idyllic rural location, up a sweeping driveway, you have the gorgeous Abigail’s Cottage. Backing onto the paddocks beyond, the friendly neighbouring horses pass by the bedroom windows. There is a large lawned garden with a huge koi carp pond, shared with the owners who live nearby, as well as your own private patio. Take in the scenery whilst enjoying meals out in the sunshine, whether you fancy a full English and a cup of tea whilst listening to the dawn chorus or a barbecue as the sunsets. This property is all on one level, and a ramp can be provided on request for the entrance. The layout is designed for wheelchair users, it is spacious with wide doorframes. Inside you have a bright living room, with soft cosy sofas around the wood burner, which is a delight on chilly winter evenings, when you can get snug in front of the crackling flames. The kitchen has a country feel and is well equipped ready for you to whip up any culinary delights your heart desires. Throughout the property you have the original beams and high vaulted ceilings. There are two bedrooms, there is the master kingsize bedroom with west views across the paddock, so that you can see the sunset in the evening. Plus, a twin bedroom with an en suite walk-in shower. The cottage is completed by a family bath room, with a comfortable oval bath, where you can slide beneath the bubbles and unwind, as well as a walk-in shower.
Nearby you have some beautiful places to discover. The cottage has easy access to the road network which means exploring around Northumberland and County Durham is easy. The Durham coastline has beautiful beaches such as nearby Seaham, as well as rugged clifftops and dramatic headlands. A trip to Beamish Open Air Museum, 20 miles, is a must. You may also like to take a trip to Bishop Auckland to see the epic tale of England at the annual event called Kynren. This amazing spectacle spans 2000 years of history, myth and legend, starting at the end of June until mid-September. With fireworks and battle re-enactments this is an incredible live show.
Nearby you have Durham city, which is one of the most historic cities in England and offers guests a variety of attractions to visit and explore. The city has recently been awarded the UNESCO World Heritage Site accolade and Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle are definitely worth a visit. There is also the Gala Theatre and Millennium Square located in the centre of the city, making this the perfect spot for guests wanting to enjoy a theatre trip as part of their break. Packed with restaurants, bistros, cafés and bars, Durham is a thriving city with plenty of entertainment for guests at all time of the year. Guests have the opportunity to enjoy the bi-annual Lumiere Festival, annual book week, jazz festival, arts festival, miner’s gala and many more free attractions as well as the weekly farmers market and pavement artists that line the streets and marketplace. Should guests wish to enjoy a little retail therapy then they will find some beautiful boutiques along with many high street names and designer shops too. This is a great choice for families, couples and friends in all seasons.

A warm welcome is extended when you stay at the Manse. This exquisite property can accommodate up to 12 people and is perfect for family reunions, special occasions, or a relaxing getaway with friends. The moment you step inside, you will be enchanted by the unique and exquisite decor, creating a truly unforgettable experience. The aim of your stay here is to refresh and rejuvenate, and of course, be stress-free.“Marketing it as a relaxing retreat with all the modern life but to take time out in the garden and relax in the barrel sauna or hot tub while you bathe under the apple trees.”
Conveniently located just minutes from the A1 Just an 8-minute drive takes you to the historic city of Durham. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is filled with a variety of historic sites and popular visitor attractions that are centuries old. Durham Castle and Cathedral must be visited to appreciate the awe-inspiring architecture. The Gala Theatre is located in the centre of the city, making the Manse a perfect location for guests wanting to enjoy a theatre trip as part of their break. Packed with top-quality restaurants, bistros, cafés, and bars, Durham is a thriving city with plenty of entertainment at any time of the year. Guests can try their hand at canoeing or stand-up paddle boarding down on the river!
The incredible Lumiere Festival takes place every second of November, enjoy the jazz festival, arts festival, miners gala, and many more free attractions, as well as the weekly farmers’ market. The top-class cricket ground of Durham County Cricket Club is also only a 20-minute drive away, great for enjoying a test match or concert. The very popular Beamish Living Museum is a 30-minute drive away and makes a good day out for families of all ages. The Angel of the North sculpture is just a 20-minute drive away, while Newcastle and the Metro Centre are 30 minutes by car. The Heritage Coast is under 20 miles away. This fabulous property provides a superb base from which to enjoy our beautiful County of Durham

Broats Barn is a delightful cottage in the quaint village of Bolam. Set back overlooking the garden to the front, adjacent to the owner’s home, Broats Barn has been completely refurbished in 2019 to a good standard. This semi-detached cottage features original beams and exposed stonework throughout. Upon entering Broats Barn there is a lovely living room leading through to a warm and welcoming kitchen complimented by the Aga, the perfect spot to enjoy a meal with family or friends.

Perfectly located within this small village, Broats Barn is the ideal location for exploring County Durham and surrounding countryside. Ideal for walkers and cyclists there are plenty of walking routes and cycle ways that pass through the village into some of the most stunning countryside. Return from a day’s exploration and enjoy a well-earned drink in the village pub!

There are a number of little villages and towns to explore close by. Set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, take a trip to Barnard Castle, a thriving and historic market town with many quaint little shops. On your way, visit the deer at Raby Castle where they roam freely within the grounds. For those seeking a livelier pace, the beautiful cities of Durham and Newcastle with bars and restaurants are within easy reach. Shop 4 miles, pub and restaurant 50 yards.

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.

Bowlees Holiday Cottages are nestled on a hillside in the heart of County Durham, located a mile from the idyllic conservation village of Wolsingham in the Durham Dales. Raby Cottage (ref 27764), Durham Cottage (ref 27765) and Heartwell Cottage (ref UKC1473) are delightful, semi-detached properties. The Farmhouse (ref UKC3218) is detached and boasts everything a large party could ask for. Furnished to a very good standard, The Farmhouse is spacious, light and has ample facilities for up to 16 guests. There is a family suite on the ground floor which has curved walls and a high ceiling, and was previously a gin gang. There is a further suite on the first floor which has a galleried en-suite boasting a huge bath and equally impressive shower area. With a private hot tub, large lawned garden and views across the owner’s unspoilt grounds, which cover nearly 60 acres, guests may never want to leave. These holiday properties are absolutely perfect for families, walkers, cyclists and groups of friends wanting to enjoy a super holiday together. Additionally there is an on-site facility (open 9am-9pm) with games room with full-size snooker table, a heated indoor swimming pool and a shared hot tub. There is also a fishing lake that can be used by guests. Whether you choose to take in the scenic countryside that County Durham has to offer, or are looking for a quieter retreat, this is an ideal holiday base.

For guests who enjoy exploring the local area on foot or by bike, there are numerous established public footpaths and cycle paths that lead directly from the owner’s grounds. These paths go through some of the most scenic woodland and unspoilt countryside in the county. Just minutes away are Tunstall Reservoir and Hamsterley Forest, with bike riding, horse riding and many other activities available. Kilhope Lead Mining Centre and Beamish Museum are close by, as is a real snow ski lift.

Located around 30 minutes from the historic city of Durham with its World Heritage site status, cathedral and castle, guests really must take a day trip there to explore and enjoy all of the historic attractions, as well as indulging in a spot of well-earned retail therapy in one of the many boutiques. Alternatively, visitors can treat themselves to afternoon tea in one of the numerous cafés, restaurants and bistros. The National Railway Museum at Shildon, High Force Waterfall, the Metro Centre, Newcastle Airport, Durham Tees Valley Airport, Diggerland and Newcastle city centre, with its cultural attractions, are all within easy reach. Visit Hadrian’s Wall, Lake District National Park and the beautiful north east coastline. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles. These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 43 guests.

The Barn is situated in the grounds of the owner’s farm where pure bred Aberdeen Angus cattle are raised, and is in a superb location. One of two cottages The Barn has fabulous views, and the open plan living/dining/kitchen areas are spacious and grand with high ceilings and a beautiful feature window. It has comfortable furnishings and a warming wood burner, whilst each of the three bedrooms offers an en-suite and there is ample space and privacy for families or guests that like to holiday with friends. The north-facing balcony area is the perfect vantage point for enjoying the view and there is also a separate, enclosed garden area for those al fresco evenings. Hidden away down a quiet country lane yet conveniently within easy distance of the county’s most historic and unspoilt scenery, The Barn has something to offer guests of all ages.
The property lies only 5 miles away from Bishop Auckland, where the incredibly popular Kynren Spectacular is performed between July and September every year. Barnard Castle, the Bowes Museum and Raby Castle can all be reached within an easy 30-minute drive as well as the historic, cathedral city of Durham which has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Younger children and train enthusiasts will enjoy taking a trip to the National Railway Museum in Shildon which is only 15 minutes’ drive away or take a ride on The Train to Christmas Town which runs through nearby Weardale and leaves from Stanhope Station only 25 minutes away. Perfect for walkers and cyclists too, the property is surrounded by open countryside and fields, and guests will find many established walks, public footpaths and cycle paths within the area leading out into smaller villages including Witton-le-Wear, Escomb and Butterknowle. Hamsterley Forest is one of the north’s most popular destinations for cyclists too, and is only 4 miles away. This impressive 2000-hectare site covers some of the most beautiful countryside and offers various bike trails of different difficulties and plenty of walks for guests of all abilities including the very popular Gruffalo Trail for children. Beach 26½ miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.