Dog-friendly Durham

East Blackdene enjoys an elevated position above St John’s Chapel in the Durham Dales. Tucked away in a small hamlet, this is the perfect retreat to escape to whether you are looking for a walking holiday or simply some quality time to enjoy stunning landscapes and relaxation. This traditional style stone cottage is set within a lovely garden enjoying far reaching views.

Inside, the cottage feels warm and welcoming with home from home comforts. The living room has wooden beams and comfortable sofas set around an open fire and Smart TV, imagine curling up in the cooler months, while French doors open out to the pretty garden and the beautiful views of the rolling countryside beyond. The kitchen is well equipped with everything you will need for your stay.

Upstairs, 3 bedrooms accommodate a variety of sleeping arrangements whether a couple, family, or group of friends. Situated in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, St John’s Chapel is increasingly popular with cyclists doing the alternative C2C route, for walkers there is the long distance Weardale Way, quiet walks by the river and Harthope Burn or more strenuous walks to the higher ground overlooking the valley.

Within a short walk of the cottage, you are down at the riverside and can cross into the village of St John’s Chapel, the largest village in the upper dale, the town hall has a fortnightly cinema, a food store, post office/gift shop, two public houses and a cafe. Within a 7 mile drive the pretty market town of Stanhope, with an 18th-century Stanhope Castle in the centre of the town, a heated open-air swimming pool, the famous fossil tree which is approximately 320 million years old and the Durham Dales Centre, which hosts craft shops and an award-winning tearoom. The popular, annual Stanhope Agricultural Show on the second weekend in September was first held in 1834.

Derwent Reservoir is within a 30-minute drive and perfect for those interested in sailing and fishing, whilst providing a lovely location to walk. Weardale Adventure Centre, 4 miles, offer a host of outdoor activities including canoeing, rock climbing, high ropes, archery, and lots more. There is also Weardale ski club, 4 miles. A great day our for the family is the Killhope Lead mining Museum, 5 miles. NB slightly steep and narrow access to East Blackdene hamlet.

Belle Vue house (UKC4502) has been the family home since the 1890’s and has been lovingly restored in 2020 to a very good standard to include a spacious shaker style kitchen with Neff appliances and a dining area set around a Dimplex electric log-effect fire. The lounge is cosy and overlooks the beautiful cottage style garden, to further relax and enjoy the garden there is a south facing conservatory with garden furniture. The house has three spacious bedrooms, one with en-suite shower room. There is a family bathroom with shower over the bath and a downstairs toilet. Belle Vue (UKC778) is a two bedroomed cottage with a lovely garden so you can sit and relax with a nice glass of something cold on those lovely warm sunny days.
Guests can choose to be as energetic as they feel as there are plenty of places to explore within a short distance on foot or by car. Within walking distance Eggleston has a Gourmet Café in the beautiful grounds of Eggleston Hall with a secret garden and the ruins of a Norman Church. The nearby North Pennines, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offers an abundance of trails for walking, cycling and hiking through the picturesque woodland. There are two pubs in the village which serve good food, and the area is one of the remotest parts of England and a walkers paradise.
The nearby Market Town of Barnard Castle is home to the unusual Bowes Museum, set within stunning grounds and resembling a French Chateau, it’s home to some beautiful artwork and antiques and is often referred to as the Victoria and Albert of the North. Just 4 miles away you can visit the highest Waterfall in England (High Force), rising above Middleton in Teesdale, with alaso offeres some lovely riverside walks. Hamsterley Forest is a short drive away, and offers a full day out for the whole family and provides a wide variety of mountain biking for all skill levels. Within a short drive is the City of Durham with its iconic cathedral, cobbled streets and independent shops and restaurants. Newcastle on Tyne with the Sage Concert Hall and Baltic Arts Centre are within an hour away. Bishop Auckland is home to the Railway Museum and Auckland Castle and Darlington (with Railway links) is only a half an hour’s drive. For a day out to the coast, drive to Saltburn with its beautiful coastline, beach and a Victorian vernacular lift. Shop 4 mile, pub and restaurant ½ mile.
Belle Bue House (UKC4502) and Belle Vue (UKC778) these properties can be booked together to accommodate 8 guests.

The Cart Shed has been built to the very highest of standards and is a super detached holiday home in an excellent location and adjacent to the owner’s home. All on one level with large windows, excellent standard furnishing and top quality fixtures and fittings, guests will find that The Cart Shed is the perfect location for a quiet, luxury, well-earned family holiday or a super celebration spot for friends and family to enjoy spending quality time together. Absolutely ideal too for guests with limited walking abilities, all of the rooms are spacious, accessible and really well laid out. The open plan living area boasts a solid wood floor, beautiful wood burner and sliding doors that open the room out into the private garden area. The kitchen area is very well finished with excellent quality fixtures and fittings and ample modern appliances including a dishwasher, fridge, freezer, electric hob, electric oven and washing machine. With high ceilings and quirky wooden beam feature this room is a delight to sit in and would make a great place for family meals and celebrations. Further along the hallway, guests will find two double bedrooms each with a zip and link bed and views across the garden and beyond. The master bedroom offers equally spacious accommodation and a super kingsize bed as well as a very useful en suite shower room with shower cubicle, heated towel rail and underfloor heating. The family bathroom is once again finished to a high standard and offers a free standing bath, separate shower cubicle, heated towel rail and his and hers wash basins – luxury indeed.
The small village of Witton Gilbert has a thriving community and boasts a local farm shop and a couple of great pubs that sell good food all year round. A great spot too for walkers and cyclists, there are many established public footpaths from the village leading into the city and beyond into the scenic countryside of County Durham. Durham itself has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status and is packed full of historic and interesting sites to visit. The cathedral and castle dominate the market place and must be visited at any time of year as there are often popular exhibitions being presented. 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 river cruise along it or enjoy a row in 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 that the city becomes. 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 of the North, see the famous Angel of the North statue in Gateshead, enjoy a day’s shopping at the MetroCentre and explore the vibrant city of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Beach 17½ miles. Shop, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

Modern lakeland home. Woodburner. Balcony with furniture. One well behaved dog welcome. Conservatory dining room. Family friendly. Pub nearby. Private parking.

Escape to the idyllic countryside and experience the perfect holiday retreat at this charming stone-built barn conversion in Barnard Castle. This delightful property offers a cosy and comfortable stay, with all rooms conveniently located on the ground floor and featuring underfloor heating for your utmost comfort.
The barn boasts two welcoming bedrooms, both furnished with double beds, promising restful nights after a day of exploring the picturesque surroundings. The bathroom is a spacious haven, complete with a large walk-in shower and a heated towel rail, ensuring that your daily routine is as delicate as it is convenient. For added convenience, there is a separate toilet. The heart of this barn conversion is the expansive open-plan living area. The stunning living area features a Smart TV and a wood burner, making it the perfect space for relaxation and entertainment. But the real highlight is the glass patio doors that open onto the patio, offering breathtaking views of the rolling countryside. Imagine sipping your morning coffee or enjoying a glass of wine in the evening while taking in the stunning vistas. The modern and well equipped kitchen includes a convenient breakfast bar, allowing you to whip up delicious meals and share your culinary creations with your loved ones. While the property itself offers a tranquil escape, there’s also plenty to explore in the area. The charming town of Barnard Castle is within walking distance, offering a variety of shops, restaurants, pubs, and historic attractions. Don’t miss a visit to the majestic Barnard Castle itself, an English Heritage site that provides a glimpse into the region’s rich history.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Teesdale Way offers picturesque walks and opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. The beautiful High Force Waterfall is a short drive away, and the Bowes Museum is a cultural gem nearby. With an array of attractions and amenities at your doorstep, Southview Barn is the ideal base for a memorable holiday in Barnard Castle.
Book your stay today and discover the perfect blend of rural tranquillity and modern comfort in this delightful stone barn conversion, where you can create cherished memories and savour the beauty of the countryside.

High Bank farm is a lovely, detached property in its own grounds, situated in the picturesque Durham Dales, on the cusp of the Weardale Valley and surrounded by rolling fields and open countryside. The farmhouse offers a high level of comfort, and accommodating up to six people, has plenty of space both inside and out. Surrounding the property are lawned gardens and a south facing patio set with furniture to sit and admire the views. Guests to be aware there is an unfenced pond in the paddock beyond, popular with the local birds and wildlife, children must be supervised in this area and dogs are to be kept on a lead when outside of the enclosed garden.
Cyclists, ramblers and leisurely walkers will find many walks and cycle paths for guests of all abilities and ages that will take guests on towards nearby villages and towns including Wackerfield, 5 miles, Barnard Castle, 8½ miles, and Piercebridge, 12 miles. The closest pub is a mere 2-mile walk away in the nearby village of Butterknowle, and there is also a super fish and chip shop in the nearby village of Cockfield. Nearby in the market town of Bishop Auckland (8 miles) visitors can enjoy the spectacular Kynren show from July to September each year. This epic tale of England spans 2000 years and features a cast and crew of over 1000 volunteers, accompanied by magnificent sets, pyrotechnics, and a captivating soundtrack. Visit Hamsterley Forest, a delightful 2000-hectare site (8 miles) with popular walking trails, cycling routes, orienteering, and picnic spots, including the famous Gruffalo Trail. Nearby, the vibrant market town of Barnard Castle, has a weekly farmers market, riverside walks, local pubs, restaurants, and shops. Bowes Museum is a firm favourite too with beautiful galleries, events and displays.
Guests of all ages will love Raby Castle, which can also be reached within a short drive, where over two hundred deer wander the grounds. The property is also perfect for guests wanting to visit the cathedral city of Durham and is only a 30-minute drive away. This is a city that thrives all year round, and popular tourist attractions include the theatre, Durham Castle and Durham Cathedral, as well as many designer boutiques and shops. Festivals throughout the year include a jazz festival, book week and arts week, and the Lumiere Festival held every other year.

The Hawthorns is perfectly situated on the Heritage coastline and just a stone’s throw away from Seaham harbour, marina and abundance of local amenities. A perfect holiday base for families and couples as well as their furry friends to enjoy this popular part on the north of England. Interiors are spacious with a modern style with an open plan kitchen/dining room making a great social space. There is a separate living room, and sure to be a big hit is the games room with Smart TV, pool table and darts board. The kitchen and utility area are well equipped with everything you need for your stay. Upstairs are three bedrooms and a family bathroom. Directly accessible from one of the bedrooms is a terraced area with garden furniture to enjoy the sea views beyond. There is a small outside courtyard leading off the living space, ideal if you are bringing your pet with you.

Seaham is a lively harbour town with its own marina. Enjoy walks along the coastal path or the sandy North Beach with its famous glass pebbles and children will have fun in the rock pools. You may even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of dolphins offshore which frequently visit the area. Don’t forget to take your picture with ’Tommy’, the WW1 statue. There is an abundance of good coffee shops, bars, and restaurants along the sea front. An absolute must is the local fish and chips! You can also treat yourself to the spa or a lovely meal nearby Seaham Hall. There are plenty of family friendly activities to enjoy such as the nearby go-karting facility for those budding Formula 1 drivers. If you want to explore further afield, The Hawthorns is also ideally place near the A19, north towards Newcastle and south towards North Yorkshire Moors, coast, and Dales. Beach 300 yards.

Harrison House is conveniently located in the village of Low Pittington, with nearby road links to the A1 and A19, and guests can use this as a great base to explore the north of England. The property has been refurbished in 2022, furnished for your comfort and relaxation. The living room is inviting and spacious, comfortably accommodating guests with a Smart TV for your entertainment. The separate kitchen/dining area is a great social space, whether you are gathering for a hearty breakfast or celebratory supper, the modern shaker-style kitchen is well-equipped to cater for all your needs. Outside is an enclosed lawned garden and patio, set with table and chairs for summer dining.
Upstairs are two bedrooms and a family bathroom. A further loft-style bedroom can be found on the second floor, with vaulted ceilings, a Velux window and an en-suite shower room, and is a lovely cosy space away from it all.
Guests can simply park up and relax, or enjoy countryside walks from the door. There is a farm shop within a short walk, here you will find butchery, coffee shop, delicatessen and retail shop. A little further you can enjoy a walk across the golf links to Ramside Hall Golf and Spa, where golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round of golf on the championship courses.
Visit the City of Durham and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Durham Castle and Cathedral. The Gala Theatre is located in the centre of the city, making the cottage 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. The Lumiere Festival takes place every second November, or enjoy the jazz festival, arts festival, miners gala and many more free attractions, as well as the weekly farmers’ market.
The university colleges and campuses can be found nearby, and this is the ideal base to get to know the university and visit friends and family who might be attending one of the graduation ceremonies. 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 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 just 8 miles away, and the city of Sunderland and its coastal resorts of Roker, Seaburn and Whitburn are all within 15 miles. This lovely cottage provides a superb base from which to enjoy the beautiful county of Durham. Beach 8 miles. Pub and restaurant 1¾ miles

A wonderful main house and annex resting in Egglesburn, Durham. Pet-friendly. North Pennines AONB. Off-road parking. Barnard Castle 7.2 miles.

A spectacular three-bedroom holiday home settled in the quaint village of Staindrop in County Durham. Patio garden. En-suite. Washer/dryer. Barnard Castle 5.5 miles; Durham 19 miles.