Situated in the picturesque Durham Dales, on the cusp of the Weardale Valley and with the river running right at the back of the glorious garden, Kingfisher Cottage is the most idyllic location for guests wishing to explore the area. Nestled in a row of cottages with rear views across the river, open countryside and fields, there is no better place from which to enjoy all of the magnificent scenery that this area has to offer. The property has a rear garden, which is a great space in which to sit and watch the local kingfisher fly by, and also to enjoy the peaceful sounds of the birds and river running by. Perfect for walkers, guests will find many established public footpaths that lead directly along the river and through hills and dales of County Durham and Weardale Valley and pass through nearby villages and beyond. Cyclists, ramblers and leisurely walkers will find many walks and cycle paths for guests of all abilities and all ages that will take guests on towards the nearby villages and towns, including Wackerfield, 4 miles, Barnard Castle, 10 miles, and Piercebridge, 11 miles. The closest pub is a mere 10-minute walk away, and there is also a fish and chip shop in the nearby village of Cockfield, which lies just 2 miles away.
Ideal for families, couples or groups of friends, Kingfisher Cottage really does boast the perfect location for exploring the local area. With many attractions, there is an abundance of opportunities for a day out. Hamsterley Forest is only 5 miles away and is a delightful 2000-hectare site of popular walking trails, including the Gruffalo Trail, cycle trails and orienteering, as well as plenty of spots for the perfect picnic. The thriving market town of Barnard Castle is often popular with visitors and hosts a weekly farmers market, local pubs, restaurants and shops. Raby Castle can also be reached within a short drive and is a must see for visitors who wish to catch a glimpse of over 200 deer which wander the grounds and are so comfortable in their natural habitat. The village of Staindrop is only 4 miles away and lies just next to Raby Castle. Staindrop is set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and offers tea shops, cafés and a local family butcher, and lies close to the nature reserve of Low Barns and Auckland Castle. Also perfect for guests wanting to visit the cathedral city of Durham, as Kingfisher Cottage is only a 30-minute drive away. Popular tourist attractions in Durham include the Lumiere Festival, jazz festival, book week, arts week, the theatre, castle and cathedral, as well as many designer boutiques and shops. Shop 1/2 mile, pub 250 yards, restaurant 3 miles.

A detached property, nestling in the Co Durham countryside between Teesdale and Weardale, Cotswolds Cottage offers spacious accommodation for up to six people and their furry friends, with the owners living adjacent to the property. The open plan living room looks out through huge windows across the patio and beyond to the stunning countryside. It has a separate dining area, and fully equipped kitchen with all the modern appliances you would expect to give you that home from home experience. There’s also a utility/boot room, ideal to step into after a day out exploring.
There are three double bedrooms, two of which are conveniently located on the ground floor, with two ground floor bathrooms.
Outside is a spacious patio area with garden furniture and BBQ; a great space to take your morning coffee, and take in the peace and tranquillity, or fire up the BBQ on a summer’s night and gather your friends and family for some alfresco dining.
Hamsterley is a popular base for getting about in the Durham Dales, with nearby towns such as Wolsingham, Frosterley, Stanhope, and Hamsterley Forest with way-marked walks, cycle ways and a visitor centre, whilst the Durham Dales has wonderful scenery, including High Force in Upper Teesdale with its 70ft waterfall. There is so much to see in the area - Durham City is just 14 miles away, with its magnificent cathedral and cobbled streets and abundance of restaurants, coffee shops and array of shops and galleries. Within an hour’s drive are the beautiful Northumberland beaches and castles. Kilhope Lead Mining Centre and Beamish Museum are a short drive away. Shop 4 miles, pub 200 yards and restaurant 7 miles.

Tucked away behind a Yorkshire stone wall and with the River Tees flowing across the back of the garden, Grace’s Retreat can only be described as a real gem of a cottage. Attached to the owners home, yet maintaining ample privacy for guests, this semi-detached, single-storey cottage offers excellent quality accommodation, in a super location. With brilliant transport links between Yorkshire, County Durham and the A1 not far away, guests will find plenty of places to visit and explore during their stay. Perfect for walkers and cyclists, Grace’s Retreat lies close to many established walking and cycling routes, including walks along the River Tees and not far from the famous Coast to Coast cycle route, which has become one of the most popular in the country. With three excellent local pubs and a Michelin starred restaurant all within a 10-minute walk, guests need not venture too far for a fabulous meal and a great night out. Perfect for romantic breaks, this could not be better situated for that special occasion or a treat with the spa at Rockcliffe Hall less than 2 miles away. Fishing and golf are also very popular in the area with a top class golf course within a 5-minute drive from the doorstep. For excellent shopping, cinema, leisure centre and railway station, the city of Darlington is just 3 miles away. Catterick Racecourse is only a 20-minute drive away for those guests wanting to enjoy a day at the races and York Races can be reached in around an hour. The historic market town of Richmond is a little under 30 minutes’ drive away and has a weekly farmers market as well as an abundance of attractions to explore including Richmond Castle, which stands high on the hill and looks out over the thriving market town below. The magnificent Yorkshire Dales National Park is an hour’s drive away and in the opposite direction, guests will find the cathedral city of Durham within an hour too. Many pretty Yorkshire towns and villages including Thirsk, Ripon, Yarm, Northallerton and Leyburn are all close by and offer all of the welcoming hospitality that the county is famous for. There is even the opportunity to visit one of the dazzling Yorkshire beaches and coastline with the seaside town of Whitby and glorious Robin Hood’s Bay, both can be reached within an easy one and a half hour’s drive.
Grace’s Retreat has been lovingly renovated to a good standard. With a large, open plan living area and kitchen, guests will find ample space to enjoy all of the features including original wood panelling, beams, wooden floor, 50" Freeview TV and a super wood burner that is perfect for those romantic evenings in. The bedroom is full of quality furnishings and boasts a kingsize bed and the bathroom is well finished throughout with a top quality shower cubicle and heated towel rail. Outside guests will find a small courtyard area with outdoor seating and also a private parking space. Warm and welcoming, Grace’s Retreat really is a great place to relax, unwind and enjoy a holiday or special occasion at any time of year. Beach 26 miles. Shop 1 mile, pub and restaurant 400 yards.

Just under a one mile walk away from the pretty village of Frosterley in the Durham Dales, White Nettle Cottage is the ideal location for guests wanting to explore the local area. Boasting a variety of excellent pubs serving local food and ales, as well as an excellent fish and chip shop and a number of small shops and convenience store, Frosterley has everything that guests might need to enjoy a peaceful break in this picturesque area. Perfectly located for walkers and cyclists, White Nettle Cottage lies just a short distance away from the popular Weardale Way.
Recognised as being an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Durham Dales consist of rugged upland, wild flower meadows, fertile river valleys and majestic waterfalls. There are plenty of public footpaths, bridleways, walks and cycle paths for guests to explore and enjoy the magnificent scenery of this unspoilt area. The popular town of Stanhope is just under 3 miles away where guests will be able to visit the Durham Dales Visitor Centre to find out even more about the area, enjoy a browse around the small shopping area or stay for a spot of lunch in the café. Stanhope also lies on the famous Coast to Coast Cycle Route so is also a great destination for keen cyclists too. Killhope with its lead mining museum, Hamsterley Forest, Barnard Castle, Bishop Auckland, and many quaint villages that dot the landscape including Wolsingham, St John’s Chapel, Eggleston and Middleton-in-Teesdale can all be reached by car in less than an hour. The Cathedral City of Durham is only 18 miles away and can be reached in a 35-minute drive south west. To the north, guests will be able to explore the historic sights and settlements of Northumberland and to the east is the county of Cumbria and the Lake District.
Perfect for a quiet romantic break or as the ideal spot for a small family holiday, this terraced cottage offers comfortable accommodation of a good standard. Originally built in the 1800s for the quarry workers of the area and keeping many original features and with great views across Weardale, White Nettle Cottage really does have plenty to offer for a fabulous holiday. On the ground floor the living room is cosy and warm with a wood burner and original stone flagged floors. There is a spacious dining kitchen with patio doors that lead out on to the rear garden where there is a small sitting out area and patio. The kitchen boasts appliances including an electric hob and oven, washing machine, Nespresso coffee maker and retro SMEG fridge/freezer. On the first floor there is a bathroom with an electric shower over the bath, a twin bedroom and a master bedroom with a kingsize bed and stunning views across the valley. Guests will find White Nettle Cottage the perfect place to stay at any time of the year. Beach 35 miles. Shop 1 mile, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

Situated on the Durham heritage coastline, Leaf Cottage provides the perfect base for enjoying the superb countryside and culture of Durham County, Land of the prince Bishops.

Refurbished in 2020 to a good standard, Leaf Cottage is warm, cosy and comfortable, and is ideal for families, couples, singletons and our four-legged friends, as Seaham beaches are dog friendly throughout the year. With a private courtyard garden you can enjoy a relaxing evening with the tipple of your choice, alternatively you can visit one of the nearby pubs or restaurants overlooking the beach.

Seaham is a lively harbour town with its own marina on the Durham Heritage Coast. Admire the dramatic cliff top views on your walk along the coastal path or enjoy the tranquil beauty of the sandy North Beach with its inviting rock pools. Don’t forget to take your picture with ’Tommy’, the WW1 statue. You can also treat yourself to dinner at Seaham Hall, once the Georgian Estate of Sir Ralph Milbanke, where Lord Byron, considered one of the historical leading figures of the Romantic movement, married Sir Ralph’s daughter, Anne Isabella Milbanke. Leaf Cottage is ideally place near the A19 for those wishing to explore further afield.

Durham city on the river Wear, with its famously stunning Cathedral, a UNESCO world heritage site, and castle, as well as its world famous university, is easily accessible with a 20-minute drive - take advantage of the Park and Ride. Nearby Newcastle upon Tyne boasts a first class shopping experience with numerous restaurants and cafés. Visit the Baltic Art museum or the Sage Gateshead on the river Tyne. You can also visit the world famous Angel of the North sculpture, designed by Sir Antony Gormley. For those wishing to explore the delights of the Durham countryside, you can visit Teesdale, Weardale or Tynedale, all set in the wild and wonderful north Pennines (an AONB). Why not visit High Force in Teesdale, which is one the largest waterfalls in England.

For those wishing to explore even further afield, there are the National Parks of Northumberland, home of Hadrian’s Wall and Bamburgh Castle, the Yorkshire Dales home to Wensleydale cheese, and the North Yorkshire Moors, home of Heartbeat and Dracula country. All are within easy reach. Beach 1½ miles. Shop and pub ¼ mile, restaurant 1 mile.

Tucked away in the middle of a row of traditional terraced cottages, Bishop’s Cottage is warm, welcoming and the perfect place for families to enjoy the nearby entertainment. Totally refurbished throughout in 2018, this traditional cottage maintains all of its charm and character alongside modern and tasteful design. The living room and dining area are cosy and well-presented with comfortable furnishings and a wood burner. The kitchen is modern and fitted with good quality appliances throughout. The downstairs bathroom has been finished to a super standard and offers a shower over bath, and heated towel rail. On the first floor you will find a second toilet as well as a lovely double bedroom and super twin bedroom with views across the fields and countryside. Outside there is a small sitting-out area and charcoal barbecue for summer evenings.
Situated a little over a mile from the town of Bishop Auckland, where you will find an abundance of attractions just a short drive or walk away. Steeped in history Bishop Auckland offers a variety of shops, pubs and restaurants, as well as historical attractions including Auckland Castle and the now famous Kynren Spectacular which is showcased between June and September each year. The epic performance of Kynren charts over 2000 years of British history, myth and legend. The show itself uses a cast of thousands of volunteers from the area and unfolds upon a landscaped, open air stage which is huge in size and has a full size lake at its centre. This is one event that you really must book, if only to see the dazzling pyrotechnics and shimmering light show, all within the back drop of Auckland Castle. You can even look out towards the Eleven Arches event area and see the fireworks from the garden of the cottage!
The location is also perfect for guests wanting to visit the cathedral city of Durham, Bishop’s Cottage is situated about a 15-minute drive away. Popular tourist attractions include the Lumiere Festival, held every two years, the annual jazz festival, book week, arts week, the theatre, castle and cathedral as well as many designer boutiques and shops. The location is a great base for guests with friends and family based at Durham University as the main campuses are all within an easy 20-minute drive. If you enjoy a walking or cycling holiday then Bishop’s Cottage provides a great base for exploring County Durham by foot or by cycle. Hamsterley Forest is only 7 miles away and is a delightful 4900-acre site of popular walking trails, including the Gruffalo Trail, cycle trails and orienteering, as well as plenty of spots for the perfect picnic. Only 1½ miles away you will find the village of Escomb which is home to Escomb Church, the earliest Saxon church in Britain. Witton Castle in Witton-le-Wear is 5 miles away and offers fly fishing, a bird sanctuary, historic castle and beautiful grounds. The National Railway Museum in Shildon is only 3 miles away, and is another great destination for a fun filled day out for all ages. Shop and pub 1 mile, restaurant 2 miles.

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.

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.

The Stables is a stunning property and sits in an elevated position with grand views over rolling countryside, just outside the popular village of Stanhope in the Durham Dales. Within the extensive grounds there is a variety of seating areas, picnic tables and loungers - something here for everyone. Completed in July 2022, The Stables has been finished to an exceptional standard. Care has been taken to allow for accessible entry for less mobile guests, or wheelchair users. The spacious open plan living space has huge floor to ceiling windows bringing the outside in, the leather corner sofas are positioned to take full advantage of this. A suspended egg chair is bound to be a firm favourite, while a wall mounted Smart TV provides entertainment. There is a large well-equipped kitchen/dining room, boot room, a utility room and separate toilet. The bedrooms offer flexible sleeping arrangements on request.

Outside, enjoy a dip in the hot tub set in a smaller courtyard garden, a great way to relax after a busy day. Amble down to the fountain to find a quiet spot to read a book or enjoy an al fresco supper. As night draws in, take a warm throw to wrap up and sit and experience the amazing starry skies above. The children will love the activity play area. To cater for your stay, grocery deliveries from the major supermarkets are available, and if required arrangements can be made for a local Thai chef to provide meals on request (by contacting the owner).
The village centre is approximately one mile away with an excellent variety of local amenities, where you will find pubs, tea shops, cafés, butchers, bakers, and takeaways. Located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Stanhope is often referred to as ’The Gateway to the Dales’. There are many established walks, cycle paths, and routes running directly from the town and out toward some of the traditional villages. In the warmer weather, enjoy the Weardale Open Air Swimming Pool. Also ideal for children is the Weardale Railway which stops in Stanhope, and covers an 18-mile heritage line that chugs through parts of County Durham and has different events all year round. Other attractions include a visit to Raby Castle, or Barnard Castle with its lovely riverside walks and the famous Bowes Museum. Two horses, dogs, cats, and four hens live on the property.

Stanhope Old Hall is a Grade II* listed, medieval manor house which dates to around the year 1139 and sits in a prominent position on the edge of Stanhope. This stunning and unique property oozes history and is full of period character and charm with mullioned windows, flagstone floors, exposed stone walls, beamed ceilings, original wood panelling and inglenook fireplaces. The main reception room is grand, with lots of space to accommodate your group. Comfortable sofas gather around a large stone inglenook with open fire – wonderful for winter evenings. The raised dining area has a banquet size table and just the thing for a special occasion. There is a further snug/games room with Smart TV and set around a wood burner. Outside, Stanhope Hall has spacious grounds, there is an enclosed rear gravelled courtyard, perfectly safe for your furry friends, with a raised decked area with seating, BBQ and attractive pergola – a perfect spot to take your morning coffee and make plans for the day. To the entrance there is a small lawned area, however a short stroll with take you to the large lawned paddock – with football goal set up – this is the perfect space for some family fun and picnics in the summertime.

Stanhope is a bustling market town with everything you need on the doorstep. A short walk will take you into the centre where you can explore the cobbled streets that wind down towards the river and some beautiful riverside walks. The high street has an array of independent shops, bakery, butchers, coffee shops, pubs, and eateries. Within a short stroll of the hall is the local pub where a warm welcome awaits. Directly across the road you can find a tapas/steak restaurant – booking in advance required. Further into town are two further pubs. Fancy staying in but don’t want to cook, there are take-aways to cater for all tastes.

Located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Stanhope is often referred to as ’The Gateway to the Dales’. At the nearby Durham Dales Centre you will find a great selection of walking maps, and information as well as a variety of craft shops and a small café. There are many established walks, cycle paths including the C2C running directly from Stanhope and out towards some of the traditional villages including Eastgate, Cowshill, Rookhope, Killhope, Frosterley and Wolsingham.
Enjoy a visit to Raby Castle, which is set in a scenic deer park. or a little further visit Barnard Castle with its lovely riverside walks, shops, galleries and eateries and the Bowes Museum. Within a 40-minute drive, you can visit Durham with its historic cathedral, castle, and university. Beamish Living Museum, Gateshead Metro centre, 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.