Dog-friendly Durham

Belle Vue house (UKC4502) has been the family home since the 1890’s and has been lovingly restored in 2020 to a very good standard to include a spacious shaker style kitchen with Neff appliances and a dining area set around a Dimplex electric log-effect fire. The lounge is cosy and overlooks the beautiful cottage style garden, to further relax and enjoy the garden there is a south facing conservatory with garden furniture. The house has three spacious bedrooms, one with en-suite shower room. There is a family bathroom with shower over the bath and a downstairs toilet. Belle Vue (UKC778) is a two bedroomed cottage with a lovely garden so you can sit and relax with a nice glass of something cold on those lovely warm sunny days.
Guests can choose to be as energetic as they feel as there are plenty of places to explore within a short distance on foot or by car. Within walking distance Eggleston has a Gourmet Café in the beautiful grounds of Eggleston Hall with a secret garden and the ruins of a Norman Church. The nearby North Pennines, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offers an abundance of trails for walking, cycling and hiking through the picturesque woodland. There are two pubs in the village which serve good food, and the area is one of the remotest parts of England and a walkers paradise.
The nearby Market Town of Barnard Castle is home to the unusual Bowes Museum, set within stunning grounds and resembling a French Chateau, it’s home to some beautiful artwork and antiques and is often referred to as the Victoria and Albert of the North. Just 4 miles away you can visit the highest Waterfall in England (High Force), rising above Middleton in Teesdale, with alaso offeres some lovely riverside walks. Hamsterley Forest is a short drive away, and offers a full day out for the whole family and provides a wide variety of mountain biking for all skill levels. Within a short drive is the City of Durham with its iconic cathedral, cobbled streets and independent shops and restaurants. Newcastle on Tyne with the Sage Concert Hall and Baltic Arts Centre are within an hour away. Bishop Auckland is home to the Railway Museum and Auckland Castle and Darlington (with Railway links) is only a half an hour’s drive. For a day out to the coast, drive to Saltburn with its beautiful coastline, beach and a Victorian vernacular lift. Shop 4 mile, pub and restaurant ½ mile.
Belle Bue House (UKC4502) and Belle Vue (UKC778) these properties can be booked together to accommodate 8 guests.

The Old Chapel Retreat, a charming, detached, 19th-century chapel has been skilfully restored to retain much character and charm throughout. It provides quirky, clever holiday accommodation whilst retaining some original stone floors and walls. Perfectly located in the heart of this pretty picture postcard village with quaint inns and tea rooms. Within walking distance is the medieval grand fortress of Raby Castle with its 200-acre deer park surrounding the castle. Barnard Castle, a thriving market town, is only 5 miles with exciting shops and pubs. Auckland Castle, home of the Bishop of Durham and the wonderful nature reserve at Low Barns, is also close by. Beamish Museum lies only 20 miles away where life in the 1800s/1900s can be relived in this working museum. Motor enthusiasts may like to visit Croft Circuit only 12 miles. Durham city, only 17 miles, has a magnificent castle dating back to 1072, a beautiful cathedral, fine shops, galleries and eateries. Try a day exploring the magnificent Roman Wall country in Hexham and Corbridge, easily reached in under an hour and close to the Pennines. A little further venture to Northumberland taking in the magnificent heritage coastal route, stopping off to see Alnwick and explore the castle used to film Robin Hood, Harry Potter and Elizabeth. Meander through the cobbled streets, or visit the enchanting Alnwick Gardens with one of the largest Treehouse restaurants and water fountains. Relax with a drink and barbecue in the enclosed courtyard area after a day out exploring this exciting area or head up to the top floor for a relaxing game of pool in the games room. Shop and pub 25 yards.

Syke Cottage is a Grade II listed cottage dating back to 1790. Providing welcoming holiday accommodation, it is situated in the picturesque village of Mickleton in Teesdale. With modern amenities, the cottage still retains its traditional charm and is warm and welcoming. Set within beautiful countryside with far-reaching views.
Downstairs, the country kitchen has all the appliances you will need for your stay, with a rustic farmhouse-style table to accommodate your party for breakfast or supper. The living room has wood floors oak beams, and a wood burner which has huge appeal for cosy winter nights. Upstairs are three bedrooms offering a variety of sleeping arrangements. The double bedroom on the second floor has vaulted ceilings with beams and a Velux window, with a handy en-suite shower room. On the first floor are double and twin rooms with a family bathroom. To the rear of the cottage is a lovely lawned garden to enjoy, where you can sit in peace and quiet and enjoy the beautiful views.
Set in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Mickleton is just off the Pennine Way Walk and close to the impressive High Force which is one the most impressive waterfalls in England. There are many beautiful scenic walks and cycle paths direct from the door. Within a 15-minute drive is the historic market town of Barnard Castle. Here you can visit the famous Bowes Museum, its castle ruins, and the weekly markets, and is home to many lovely restaurants, pubs, and independent shops. A little further afield, the Yorkshire Dales National Park is within a 40-minute drive of the beautiful Cathedral City of Durham with its cobbled streets, grand architecture, and riverside walks. Even the North York Moors National Park or the Lake District National Park can both be visited for a day trip so handy is its central location on the Pennines.
When it comes to eating out, Mickleton village has a pub serving wholesome bar meals. There are 2 or 3 restaurants within 2 miles of the cottage. A well-stocked supermarket can be found in Middleton-in-Teesdale, just 2 miles away.

Set in beautiful, tranquil grounds of 130 acres, including a section of the River Tees with fishing rights and an arboretum with over 240 species of trees, this superb detached former granary situated on a working farm, has been creatively converted to provide a spacious holiday home brimming with character. Near the North Pennines, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this charming house is perfectly located to tour the Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland with its majestic castles and magnificent beaches, and the Lake District is an hour’s drive away. Close by is the picturesque village of Neasham with a friendly pub and riverside walks, whilst Durham Tees Valley airport is only 4 miles. The owner, who lives on the estate, can organise many activities for visitors by arrangement including rough shooting, canoeing (canoes not provided), deer stalking (at cost), fishing (free), cycles for guests use, horse riding and badger and bird watching (70 species seen). The appealing market towns of Richmond, Yarm and North Allerton make an interesting day out. Stabling and paddock available (for 1 horse, at cost). Shops, pub and restaurant 2 miles.

No.1 Old Hall Cottage is accessed from the lane adjacent to The Old Hall. It is a stone built conversion situated within 15 minutes’ drive of both the historic city of Durham with its mainline rail link, and Bishop Auckland, home of the Prince Bishops at Auckland Castle. This holiday property has a private outdoor seating area which is on two levels with garden views and benefits from its own hot tub set on the upper patio, suitable for 4 adults, it is for exclusive use of guests staying at this cottage. The site has no through traffic and is a rich haven for birds and wildlife, with country walks from the door and cycle tracks. This is the gateway to the Durham Dales, Weardale and Teesdale, with splendour at Raby Castle and Bowes Museum, industrial heritage at Killhope, Beamish and Shildon. Visit Keilder Water, Hadrians Wall, the Northumberland Coast and the Lake District. Shop 2 miles, pub and restaurant ¼mile.

There is another property on this site (refs 30419 with hot tub).

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.

A superb detached property in the former mining village of Rookhope, County Durham. En-suite, WiFi. Perfect base for families and groups of friends. Stanhope 6 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.

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.