Dog-friendly Durham

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.

An exceptional stable conversion resting on the outskirts of Barnard Castle in North Yorkshire. Single-storey accommodation. Open-plan living. WiFi. Hot tub. Middleton in Teesdale 12.8 miles; Richmond 15 miles.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Situated in the quiet village of Witton Park, the cottage has an open outlook across the fields. Completely restored offering spacious accommodation for couples, friends and families. The living room has a cosy electric wood burner, perfect for cooler nights. A well-equipped modern kitchen/dining area with all your necessary appliances is a lovely spot to gather. The rear garden is enclosed and offers a seating area.
Just 4 miles from the market town of Bishop Auckland where there are a variety of supermarkets, shops and restaurants and home to the fabulous Kynren Eleven Arches historical spectacle. Visit Bishop’s Palace and Park, with its ancient Deer House and Walled Gardens, or the Spanish Art Gallery in the marketplace. The thriving, popular market town of Barnard Castle, 14 miles, hosts a weekly farmer’s market, and has some super local pubs, restaurants, shops and historic buildings and nearby the famous Bowes Museum and galleries. Perhaps stop enroute at Raby Castle and catch a glimpse of over 200 deer which wander the grounds. Recently opened, families will love to visit the Plotters’ Forest adventure playground hidden away inside the castle’s mysterious woodland. Hamsterley Forest, a delightful 2000-hectare site of popular walking trails, cycle trails, orienteering and picnic spots, is just 13 miles.
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. There is so much to do the area, and close to the main road network should you wish to travel farther afield to the Lake District, Northumberland or North Yorkshire. Woodside Cottage makes a perfect base from which to explore.

Serving a host of purposes whether business or pleasure, the property is ideally placed for commuting to the major commercial centres of the North East, Durham University and an ideal base for touring the Durham Dales, Northumberland, the Borders and North Yorkshire.
The bungalow has been fully refurbished to a high standard throughout. With beautiful décor and stylish furnishings. The lounge has an attractive bay window overlooking a mature tree lined avenue, contemporary sofa and chairs, and a smart TV for your entertainment. The modern gloss kitchen is well equipped and has a large breakfast bar that comfortably seats four people, leading through to the garden room with dining table. Two spacious and tastefully furnished bedrooms with original features, a super kingsize bed (can be twin on request) and kingsize bed have high quality mattresses to ensure a good night’s sleep. The bathroom is modern in style and has a walk-in rainfall style shower.
To the rear of the property there is an attractive and secluded deck area with planted borders. Utilise the table and relaxed seating to enjoy a glass of wine, or dine alfresco on a warm summer evening. The bungalow sits back from the road on a tree lined avenue near the market town of Chester-le-Street in County Durham, mid-way between the cities of Durham and Newcastle with excellent links to major road networks. There are frequent bus services which pass the property and can take you to durham or Newcastle with ease. Famed for its cricket presence, being home to the Emirates Durham International Cricket Ground which is just a short stroll away. Chester-le-Street has a wide range of shops, restaurants and bars, and also has the lovely Riverside Park – the perfect place for dog-walking, taking children for a paddle or to simply enjoy the tranquillity of the area. Ideal for cyclists and walkers with the C2C route within 5 minutes walking distance of the property. Enjoy a drink or a meal at the local inn with its country style bar and restaurant.
With so many attractions in proximity – Beamish Living Museum is just 4 miles, the cosmopolitan City of Newcastle with a huge array of shops, bars, restaurants and vibrant Quayside and galleries is 20mins away. Visit the historic City of Durham with its stunning Castle, Cathedral and riverside walks, beautiful cobbled streets and shops, bars and restaurants. Families visiting students at the University of Durham and Newcastle will find this a convenient location. Visit the North East coast, (13 miles) or a little further North the beautiful coastal villages and castles in Northumberland.

A wonderful cottage nestled in the village of Stanhope, County Durham. Contemporary finish. Ideal for families. Off-road parking. Luxury accommodation. Durham 22 miles.