Dog-friendly Durham

Bowlees Holiday Cottages are nestled on a hillside in the heart of County Durham, located a mile from the idyllic conservation village of Wolsingham in the Durham Dales. Raby Cottage (ref 27764), Durham Cottage (ref 27765) and Heartwell Cottage (ref UKC1473) are delightful, semi-detached properties. The Farmhouse (ref UKC3218) is detached and boasts everything a large party could ask for. Furnished to a very good standard, The Farmhouse is spacious, light and has ample facilities for up to 16 guests. There is a family suite on the ground floor which has curved walls and a high ceiling, and was previously a gin gang. There is a further suite on the first floor which has a galleried en-suite boasting a huge bath and equally impressive shower area. With a private hot tub, large lawned garden and views across the owner’s unspoilt grounds, which cover nearly 60 acres, guests may never want to leave. These holiday properties are absolutely perfect for families, walkers, cyclists and groups of friends wanting to enjoy a super holiday together. Additionally there is an on-site facility (open 9am-9pm) with games room with full-size snooker table, a heated indoor swimming pool and a shared hot tub. There is also a fishing lake that can be used by guests. Whether you choose to take in the scenic countryside that County Durham has to offer, or are looking for a quieter retreat, this is an ideal holiday base.

For guests who enjoy exploring the local area on foot or by bike, there are numerous established public footpaths and cycle paths that lead directly from the owner’s grounds. These paths go through some of the most scenic woodland and unspoilt countryside in the county. Just minutes away are Tunstall Reservoir and Hamsterley Forest, with bike riding, horse riding and many other activities available. Kilhope Lead Mining Centre and Beamish Museum are close by, as is a real snow ski lift.

Located around 30 minutes from the historic city of Durham with its World Heritage site status, cathedral and castle, guests really must take a day trip there to explore and enjoy all of the historic attractions, as well as indulging in a spot of well-earned retail therapy in one of the many boutiques. Alternatively, visitors can treat themselves to afternoon tea in one of the numerous cafés, restaurants and bistros. The National Railway Museum at Shildon, High Force Waterfall, the Metro Centre, Newcastle Airport, Durham Tees Valley Airport, Diggerland and Newcastle city centre, with its cultural attractions, are all within easy reach. Visit Hadrian’s Wall, Lake District National Park and the beautiful north east coastline. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles. These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 43 guests.

Outstanding detached stone-built property, close to Durham city. Oozing character and charm with original features, flagstone flooring and exposed stonework. Two woodburning stoves. Hot tub. Durham 3 miles.

A spacious, stone-built, end of terrace cottage, set in a remote location. Outstanding countryside views. Lovely garden. Luxurious hot tub. WiFi. Woodburner. Middleton-in-Teesdale 3 miles.

A contemporary, semi-detached house with a hot tub and four bedrooms, located in Mickleton-in-Teesdale, just a two-minute walk from the local pub. Great walking. WiFi. Enclosed garden. Middleton-in-Teesdale 1 mile.

Perfectly located right at the heart of the peaceful village of Bishop Middleham, which boasts one popular village pub and a local shop, this is the most ideal semi-detached holiday home for a family getaway or celebration. Situated just a short 8-mile drive away from the historic cathedral city of Durham, there are many links between the city and the village itself. Well-positioned between the three castles of Durham, Stockton and Darlington, Bishop Middleham became the favourite seat of the early bishops and has a wealth of its own history. Once known as a popular village pub The Dun Cow remains an important part of that history and guests will be able to take a look at the unusual sign above the door which is identical to a carving on the northwest turret of Durham Cathedral. Perfect for extended families wanting to meet up or for groups of friends wanting to holiday together, guests will find that The Dun Cow is spacious, bright, and full of charm. The enclosed garden is large and well designed with a raised decking area and plenty of outdoor furniture.
There are many established public footpaths, walks and cycle paths that lead directly through the village and out into the heart of County Durham. Perfect for families of all ages and with excellent transport links, there are plenty of amenities and attractions all within just a short 30-minute drive. The city of Durham, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is only 8 miles away and is one of the most historic cities in England, offering guests an abundance of attractions to visit and enjoy including Durham Castle and Durham Cathedral. 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 top quality restaurants, bistros, cafés and bars, Durham is a thriving city with plenty of entertainment for guests at all times of the year. Guests have the opportunity to enjoy the Lumiere Festival every other year, 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. Beach 14½ miles. Shop, pub, and restaurant ¼ mile.

Situated high up on a hill above Tunstall Reservoir, in a hidden valley on the edge of the North Pennines, Backstone Bank Farmhouse is a fabulous property in a stunning location. Located next to a working farm, in spectacular surroundings overlooking the Tunstall Valley, this 16th-century farmhouse has amazing views from every room. It offers accommodation of the highest standard, and has been renovated and lovingly furnished, retaining many original features with the addition of top quality facilities. The kitchen is fully fitted with contemporary, quality appliances, yet also retains many original features including exposed beams and two historic larders, and the dining room comfortably seats 9 people. There is also a very useful boot room, which is the ideal place for walkers and pet owners to leave their coats and boots to dry.
Perfect for walkers, country lovers and cyclists, as well as families and friends, this location has something for everyone to enjoy. There are numerous popular footpaths and cycle paths that criss-cross over the surrounding fields and countryside out into the North Pennines and Durham Dales, including the famous Coast to Coast route. 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. The popular town of Stanhope is a little over 6 miles away, and a visit to the Durham Dales Centre is recommended. Plenty of specialist information regarding walks and cycle routes (as well as history about the local area) can be found here. The beautiful and historic cathedral city of Durham is just 17 miles away, and can be reached within an easy 30-minute drive. Well deserving of its UNESCO World Heritage Site status, the area has many historic attractions including Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle, as well as a variety of boutique shops, cafés, bistros and tea shops. Bishop Auckland is just under 13 miles away and plays host to the spectacular Eleven Arches show called Kynren. For families wanting to take a day trip to Beamish Living Museum, this popular tourist attraction is only 16 miles away. The picturesque market town of Barnard Castle is just a 30-minute drive away, with a selection of great pubs in nearby Romaldkirk and Middleton-in-Teesdale. Just a few miles beyond is the majestic High Force, the highest waterfall in England. The lead mining museum in Killhope, 20 miles, 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, Derwent Reservoir, and Alston, which is the highest market town in England, can all be reached within an hour’s drive, and really are worth a visit. 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’s beaches and Alnwick Castle.
Beautifully presented throughout and in a fabulous location, surrounded by acres of land as well as a private garden, Backstone Bank Farmhouse really does have so much to offer. Perfect for families, friends and discerning guests, this property will be the most fabulous base for any occasion at any time of year. Shops, pubs and restaurants 3 miles.

A fantastic four-bedroom semi-detached barn conversion resting in Marwood, Durham. Pet-friendly. Dale views. Hot tub. Original features. Off-road parking. Smart TVs. Staindrop 8.8 miles; Darlington 20.5 miles; Richmond 20.6 miles.

An immaculately presented barn conversion with Villroy and Bosh Bathrooms. located outside the village of Staindrop in County Durham. Modern accommodation. Large garden. Staindrop 1.5 miles. Barnard Castle 5 miles.

Waltons Close is a substantial, detached property sitting in large grounds in the village of Stainton, Cumbria. Woodburning stove. Pet-friendly. Character features. Penrith 3.3 miles; Pooley Bridge 3.9 miles.

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.