Dog-friendly Durham

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.

There are several historic sites nearby pertaining to Hartlepool’s rich history, including the nearby beautiful 12th century St Hilda’s church. A tour of Hartlepool Headland takes in a selection of World War I and World War II historic sites including Heugh Battery which is the only battlefield of WW1 in England. Or celebrate the proud maritime history at the National Museum of the Royal Navy which includes the HMS Trincomalee – the oldest warship afloat in Europe. Making this a great place to explore.
This historical fisherman’s cottage has beautiful original features and is sure to charm you. On the doorstep you have views of the sea, which is only a stone’s throw away, at low tide a sandy golden beach is revealed for you to enjoy. Between the jetty’s this is a sheltered cove, making this a good spot for wild swimming. Stepping inside the cottage you are welcomed into the lounge, which has comfortable seating in front of the TV and the electric stove which sits in the original fireplace. Glass double doors open into the kitchen/diner, with a dining table where you can enjoy meals together. The kitchen opens out into an enclosed patioed garden with outdoor seating. Upstairs on the first floor you have two well-presented bedrooms, from the windows in the master bedroom you have side views of the sea and the jetty with the small lighthouse. The master bedroom has a double bed, and is a generous size, with plenty of storage for your belongings. In the second bedroom you have twin beds. Going up to the second floor you get a sense of the properties age and heritage, with exposed beams and a high vaulted ceiling. This large room has been transformed into a games room, with a Smart TV as well as lots of board games, so no matter the weather you can have fun nights in, bonding as a family or as a couple.
The local area boasts so much to see and do; from the cottage take a stroll along the 1½ mile promenade and follow the signposted history trail or make your way to the marina which is surrounded by a cosmopolitan mix of bistros, bars, cafes and restaurants. A splendid promenade connects the marina with Seaton Carew with miles of golden sands. There are many wonderful attractions just a short distance away, including Saltholme RSPB Reserve where rich bird life and even seals can be spotted, the National Glass Centre at Sunderland for a day out with a difference where you can try your hand at glass making, as well as Summerhill nature reserve and outdoor play centre, just to name a few.
For the more active, the National Cycle Network Route 14 can be found in the local town and takes you all the way to Seaham, while the North York Moors National Park is well-worth venturing too for its spectacular scenery, enticing heritage and beautiful nature. You are within easy reach of the historic city of Durham, which is gorgeous for a day out with its magnificent cathedral and winding cobbled roads lined with independent shops and quirky bars and cafes. Seascape is a fantastic choice for your coastal escape, with history and scenery to soak up during your stay. Beach 160 yards. Pub and restaurant 110 yards.