Dog-friendly Durham

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 and cats live on the property.

Situated in the quiet village of Newfield, just 8 miles from the city of Durham, 8 Stonebank offers comfortable and cosy accommodation and is the ideal base for couples and friends wanting to really explore the local area. The spacious living room with Smart TV and relaxing sofa is most welcoming after a day exploring the local area. There is a separate kitchen and dining room. Upstairs is a bathroom and two bedrooms. All bedrooms have a TV. There is a children’s play park just opposite, and a pub within walking distance. To the rear there is an enclosed yard, ideal for those bringing their furry friend.
The stunning local landscapes and heritage offer an interesting variety of days out. Steeped in history, nearby Bishop Auckland, 3½ miles, offers a variety of shops, pubs and restaurants, as well as historical attractions including Auckland castle and the now famous Kynren Spectacular, showcased July-September annually and bookable in advance. The performance of Kynren charts over 2000 years of British history, myth and legend. Local attractions include Durham’s castle, cathedral and the city walls. The River Wear runs through the city and guests can enjoy a romantic boat trip or a glass of champagne by the riverside. Filled with quality restaurants, bistros, cafés and bars, the city is thriving at night and there is often street entertainment to enjoy including the Lumiere Festival, jazz festival, book week, arts week and many more. For those who love shopping, there is the famous Metro-Centre, which is situated in Gateshead near Newcastle upon Tyne, approximately an hour away. Many National Trust and heritage sites are within easy reach including Barnard Castle, Raby Castle, Bowes Museum, Beamish and High Force Waterfall. Being conveniently close to the main road network of the A1 and A68, it’s easy to explore a variety of places including the North Yorkshire Dales, city of York, County Durham and Durham Heritage Coast.

Meadow View is a lovely cottage situated in a perfect location to enjoy all amenities in the popular market town of Stanhope, often referred to as ’The Gateway to the Dales’. The North Pennines, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is the perfect setting for a rural retreat or for guests who enjoy walking or cycling, For cyclists, it is a handy location for cycling and mountain biking trails at Hamsterley Forest, and is close to the C2C route.
Fully renovated in 2021, Meadow View Cottage has a warm and welcoming feel, with lots of special touches throughout. The modern, rustic-style living room has relaxing sofas, an oak dining table, flagged floors and an inglenook fireplace with cosy wood burner. Adjoining this is the well-equipped kitchen and handy utility room with indoor storage space for cycles. Outside is an enclosed courtyard area with table and chairs, a lovely spot for a morning coffee or evening meal. There are also hot and cold taps to wash down your furry friends after their riverside walks! Upstairs are two beautifully appointed bedrooms to catch your sleep. The family bathroom has a modern style with a shower attachment over the bath.
Along the High Street you will find pubs, tea shops and cafés, a local butchers, bakers and takeaway food options, as well as interesting gift shops. 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 and routes running directly from the town and out towards some of the traditional villages including Eastgate, Cowshill, Rookhope, Killhope, Frosterley and Wolsingham.
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. In the warmer weather, enjoy the river or local open-air swimming pool, which is the only heated open-air pool in the county. Throughout the year, Stanhope hosts a variety of popular outdoor events ranging from music festivals to the annual Stanhope Show.
In nearby Bishop Auckland visit Kynren – An Epic Tale of England, a spectacular live action show that takes place every summer. Hamsterley Forest, Raby Castle, or a little further visit Barnard Castle with its lovely riverside walks, High Force and Low Force Waterfalls, and the famous Bowes Museum. Within an easy 40-minute drive, guests will be able to visit the city of Durham with its historic cathedral, castle and university. 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. With so much locally to see and do, Meadow View Cottage makes an excellent base to stay. Pub and restaurant 528 yards.

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.

Fully refurbished in 2021, Hare Cottage sits in an elevated position overlooking open fields and countryside. Set within its own private grounds with an extensive lawned garden and front terrace, you can sit undisturbed and enjoy the sounds of the countryside and watch the wildlife.
Tucked away at the rear of the cottage is a sunny patio with table and chairs. Furnished for your comfort, the spacious living room is warm and welcoming with extra large sofa and chairs to relax while watching your favourite movies or box sets on the 60" TV - and curl up in front of the beautiful wood burning stove in the cooler months. The kitchen is well-equipped with all your modern appliances and has everything you will need to rustle up breakfast or supper. For your convenience, there is a ground floor, kingsize bedroom which steps out onto the rear patio. A stylish ground floor bathroom too, with a modern p-shaped bath and a rainfall shower over. The oak staircase leads up to the en-suite first floor bedroom with twin beds, vaulted ceiling and Velux windows taking in the surrounding views.
Should you wish to explore further afield, there are an abundance of walking and cycling routes; the surrounding rural area is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and tourists alike with stunning scenery from moorland to fellside. Within a short walk, you are down at the riverside in the village of Westgate, a popular village in the Weardale Valley, a few miles west of Stanhope. The village, which includes a traditional pub with restaurant, church and an active village hall, is surrounded by the moorland of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and riverside walks.
Nearby is the pretty market town of Stanhope, located on the popular C2C Cycle Route. Other tourist attractions include the 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, 2 miles, offer a host of outdoor activities including canoeing, rock climbing, high ropes, archery and lots more. There is also Weardale ski club, 2 miles. A great day our for the family is the Killhope Lead mining Museum, 5 miles.

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.

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.

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.

This spacious detached property is perfect for family get togethers, or friend’s reunions, and the hot tub and games rooms are an added bonus! Set within its own large enclosed gardens, surrounded by stunning open rural views, this property offers exceptional space for any occasion. There are two large living rooms, both feature wood burners and look out onto the beautiful landscape. The large dining kitchen is the perfect central hub for those entertaining dinners and social conversations over a glass of something. The two games rooms with pool, air hockey and a games console portal will keep the younger members of the stay thoroughly occupied.
Upstairs there are four large bedrooms, the master would be ideal for those with young babies, and two family bathrooms, whilst to the ground floor there is a further bedroom, all with panoramic views, comfortable beds and lavish bedding.
Outside, the extensive gardens are laid mainly to lawn, are enclosed and perfect for young children and pets to play in, whilst the hot tub adds that extra special feeling to the stay. Bike storage and garaging is also available should you need it.
Cyclists, ramblers and leisurely walkers will find many walks and cycle paths for guests of all abilities. You can explore Low Barns Nature Reserve, one of County Durham’s most important wildlife sites. Hamsterley Forest is a delightful 2000-hectare site of popular walking trails, including the Gruffalo Trail, as well as cycle trails, orienteering and plenty of spots for a picnic. The cathedral city of Durham can be reached within a 20-minute drive, a current World Heritage Site. Durham is home to many popular tourist attractions including the Lumiere festival, jazz festival, book week, arts week, the theatre, castle and cathedral as well as many designer boutiques and shops. Shop, pub and restaurant ½ mile.