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 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.

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.

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.

Riverside Hideaway sits on the banks of the River Wear, with stunning walking and cycle trails, the C2C, picnic spots and parks along the way. This ground floor flat offers modern, stylish accommodation. The lovely open plan living space has sumptuous sofas, Smart TV, and well-equipped kitchen, sit at the breakfast bar while the designated chef rustles up supper. Through to the bedroom and you have a kingsize bed and a separate bathroom with bath and shower over. There is an enclosed decked area to sit and enjoy the warmer months and many activities nearby whether you are looking to walk/cycle or explore the lovely coast and countryside. For the golf enthusiast, Wearside Golf Club is just ½ mile away. Enjoy a loop around the river crossing the nearby footbridge and visit one of the popular pubs en route, you’ll be spoilt for choice, within a few hundred yards are three great pubs and two Italian restaurants, all riverside and a beautiful spot in the summer months.
Follow the riverside footpath a few hundred yards and you will reach Mount Pleasant Park, enjoy a walk or take a picnic and sit by the lake. Popular landmarks are within easy reach, Penshaw Monument, Victoria Viaduct, Hylton Castle and the popular Sunderland coastal resorts and beautiful sandy beaches at Roker, Seaburn and Whitburn. Great for a day or night out with beautiful promenades to walk along, golden beaches and lots of coffee shops, bars, restaurants, and entertainment. And of course, a visit to the coast would not be complete without some good old fish and chips. Sunderland city centre, just 7 miles, offers a fabulous opportunity to browse the shops, visit the National Glass Centre or maybe a football match or music concert at The Stadium of Light. The Empire Theatre has a full itinerary all year round and is a great place to visit. Conveniently if you wish to leave the car behind, there is a taxi rank just over the river to take you into town. Whatever the reason for your visit, there is something for all tastes and this is a great little base to stay. Beach 11 miles.

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.

This charming, detached former Hemel, close to the owners’ home, lies just 1½ miles from the historic village of Lanchester and only 10 miles from Durham. Lanchester is steeped in history dating back to the 12th century and it has a large village green which sits in the middle of some charming properties, with 3 village inns and eateries to hand. Cyclists will be eager to explore the quiet country roads or take the Derwent Valley Railway Path east to the outskirts of Durham, or west to join the Waskerly Way and on to Weardale. A walk can be taken along these footpaths, the section just south of Lancaster skirting the river Browney being a particular highlight. Corbridge is a mere 15 miles away with super pubs, tea rooms and shops, then carry on to Hadrian’s Wall to visit the Roman forts or a little further to Hexham, with its beautiful abbey. Enjoy Durham with its river walks, fine cathedral, bijou wine bars, traditional pubs and plenty of retail therapy. Alnwick Castle where part of the Harry Potter films were made takes approximately 1 hour, where you can visit the enchanting water gardens and treehouse, and stroll along the cobbled streets. Drive a little further north and follow the Heritage Coastal Route to come across Seahouses and Bamburgh, and the enchanting Holy Island or Lindasfarne, making a great day trip. Come back and relax at this holiday cottage, admiring the views outside after a day’s exploring. Consett 3 miles. Children’s play area 1½ miles. Shop and pub 1½ miles, restaurant ½ mile.

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.