Dog-friendly Durham

Situated in the small town of Shildon, Freville Cottage is a traditional terraced house that has been decorated and renovated throughout, transforming it into an ideal holiday home. Its great location lends the property to guests wanting to really get to know County Durham and the North East. Perhaps the most popular attraction in Shildon is the National Railway Museum. When coupled with its counterpart in York, these museums make up the biggest railway museum in the world, providing a complete picture of the 300-year history of the railway.

Just 2.5 miles away from the thriving market town of Bishop Aukland, guests will find many enjoyable attractions nearby. Well-known as the ‘Gateway to Weardale’, Bishop Auckland stands high above the meandering River Wear, commanding impressive views over the surrounding countryside and beyond. There are a number of great places to eat and drink in the town, as well as a selection of boutiques and high street shops. Perfect for walkers, cyclists and ramblers, the tracks and trails leading directly from Bishop Aukland take in such sites as Auckland Castle, the country residence for over 900 years of the historic Prince Bishops and their deer park. The Auckland Way Railway Path is an equally popular route.

Head to the market town of Barnard Castle for some of the arts in action. There’s a restored theatre/events hall called the Witham, and the French chateau-like Bowes Museum is home to an impressive collection of European curio. For guests who enjoy visiting historical monuments and churches, there is Escomb Saxon Church, and if that isn’t enough, then Durham’s World Heritage sites surely will be. Durham is an ancient city with a vibrant atmosphere, thanks to its teeming student population. There’s a wealth of attractions and places to explore in and around the city, regardless of its striking cathedral and castle.

For more sporty holiday goers, the nearby county cricket club and Durham’s golf club won’t disappoint. A little further afield but still easily accessible are the magnificent North Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors National Parks. Other attractions in the area include the Angel of the North statue, the Beamish Museum, Newcastle and the Metrocentre. A little closer to home is Raby castle, a fine example of medieval architecture that has a 200-acre deer park that’s ideal for picnicking and taking a stroll. Shop ½ mile, pub and restaurant ¼ mile.

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 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.

Situated in a rural and secluded position, this delightful holiday home complete with open fire offers cosy and welcoming accommodation with excellent views over open countryside. Some 3 miles from Stanhope, which offers a good selection of shops and pubs and in the heart of Weardale providing footpath walking direct from the door. This farmhouse is centrally placed for exploring the Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland and the Lake District, offering attractions to suit all age groups. There is also Hamsterley Forest which is ideal for walking and cycling. Climbing, horse riding, fishing and swimming are all available in the local area. Shop 0.75 miles, pub and restaurant 0.5 miles.

Mill Stone Cottage is well presented and furnished to a good standard throughout and is ideal for families, couples and friends who enjoy holidaying together. Full of character, charm and original features, guests will find a cosy living room with a multi-fuel burner, beams and comfortable sofas. On the first floor guests will find a comfortable en-suite, double bedroom that is very well presented and with super views extending out towards the dales. There is also a twin bedroom and a super family bathroom with a feature bath, heated towel rail and plenty of original features that fit well alongside the practical touches. Outside, guests will have use of a patio area with an outdoor table and chairs to relax on those sunny days.
Perfectly situated in the village of Wolsingham, Mill Stone Cottage is the ideal place for guests who want to really explore this beautiful part of the country. 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. Offering three welcoming, local pubs serving food, as well as a good choice of cafés and local shops selling a range of goods, Wolsingham is a popular destination for guests of all ages. The cottage is situated right at the heart of the village where all the amenities are within easy walking distance of the front door. Perfect for walkers, cyclists and ramblers wanting to explore the Durham Dales and North Pennines, guests will find plenty of established local footpaths, cycle routes and bridleways which lead directly from Wolsingham and into some of the most spectacular countryside that the area has to offer.
The popular town of Stanhope is only 6 miles away, and guests really must take a visit to the Durham Dales Centre where there is plenty of specialist information regarding walks, cycle routes and local area history. As a great base for guests wanting to really explore the local area, Mill Stone Cottage really is the ideal spot. Wolsingham lies only 16 miles away from the cathedral city of Durham, where guests will find plenty of historic attractions including the cathedral and castle, as well as a variety of boutique shops, cafés, bistros and tea shops. Ideal for those wanting to enjoy a romantic break as there are plenty of riverside walks, street festivals and artists, theatre, cinema and leisure centre in the heart of the city. Great too for visiting friends and family at any of Durham University campuses. The lead mining museum in Killhope, 20 miles away, 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, Barnard Castle, Derwent Reservoir and Alston, which is the highest market town in England, can all be reached within an hour’s drive. 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, Hadrian’s Wall, Middleton-in-Teesdale and the spectacular, High Force Waterfall, which is the highest in England. Shop 250 yards, pub and restaurant 100 yards.

Located in a great spot within a couple of minutes’ walk away from the centre of Stanhope, The Butts Cottage is in the perfect location for walkers, cyclists, small families or guests wanting to enjoy a quiet, romantic break. Fully refurbished, this detached cottage is cosy and welcoming, and is all on one level. The kitchen is small and compact, yet offers a good range of appliances and a breakfast bar for dining. The double bedroom is small and well presented, whilst the single bedroom is ideal for a child. There is a small garden to the front, and the River Wear is just a short walk away.

Stanhope is a thriving market town offering a variety of local amenities, including plenty of pubs, tea shops and cafés, a sweet shop, local butchers, bakers and fish and chip shop – all within walking distance from the front door of The Butts Cottage. 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.

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 Christmas Town. 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 university. The university campuses can be reached within a 45-minute drive, so are very accessible for guests wanting to visit friends and family there yet remain a short distance away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. 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. Shop, pub and restaurant 275 yards.

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.

Reading Room Cottages are lovingly furnished, traditional style cottages set on the historic Barningham Estate. Situated in the picturesque village of Barningham, the cottages are conveniently located next to a great local pub, where guests can enjoy delicious locally sourced food and drink to both eat in and take away. The cottages have been decorated in keeping with their surroundings, using a mixture of antique and contemporary furniture, giving it a traditional and natural aesthetic.
The cottages gets their names from their traditional function as a place where the inhabitants of the village could come and read the daily newspaper that had been delivered to Barningham Park – the home occupied by the Milbank family since 1690. Barningham village is a picturesque village situated between Richmond and Barnard Castle. It was named Durham Rural Community Council’s ‘Best Small Village’ in 2010 and is a tranquil conservation village, with a large village green, a church, a village bakery, shop and an active village hall.
The Reading Room Cottages are ideally situated for guests wishing to explore the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. There is a wide range of activities to pursue in the area including walking, cycling, fell running, birdwatching and wildlife spotting. Fishing and shooting are available by private request with the owners- seasonal walked up and driven shooting and stalking for individuals or groups can be arranged.
History lovers can enjoy the rich Bronze Age heritage that can be found at remote sites on Barningham Moor, including Chieftan burial mounds and the Cup and Ring Stones. Visit historic market towns including nearby Barnard Castle, offering many independent shops, cafés and restaurants, as well as a large supermarket. Other attractions in Barnard Castle include the Bowes Museum, Witham Arts and Cultural Centre, Rokeby Hall and The Chocolate Fair.
Historic Richmond is 12 miles away and is where you will find Richmond Castle and a large cobbled market square surrounded by shops, tea rooms, pubs and restaurants. Other attractions include Auckland Castle, Raby Castle, High Force Waterfall, The Forbidden Corner at Leyburn, Duncombe Park, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Gardens, which can all be reached in under an hour. For special occasions, spa treatments are available at Middleton Lodge, 11 miles away, or the Morritt Hotel and Spa, 2½ miles. Shop 500 yards, pub and restaurant 25 yards.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 7 guests.

This converted barn has produced a larger than average cottage which can accommodate up to six people. Situated in the Upper Teesdale Valley, the holiday cottage provides a wonderful base for touring this area of the Northern Dales, with wonderful views - ideal for walkers. Enjoy the local pub, just 600 yards, renowned for its food. The cottage has many attractive features, including exposed stone walls, Velux roof windows in bedrooms, and is fitted with all modern conveniences. Shop 2 miles, pub 600 yards.