Dog-friendly Durham

A delightsome, semi-detached cottage sitting on a farm near Wolsingham, Durham. Hot tub. Woodburning stove. Shared indoor swimming pool and games room. Hamsterley 7 miles; Bishop Auckland 9.8 miles; Durham 14.6 miles

This beautiful, semi-detached cottage rests in Frosterley, Durham. Hot tub. Enclosed garden. Woodburning stove. Close to amenities. Consett 13.9 miles; Barnard Castle 17.3 miles; Durham 17.2 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.

Reading Room Cottages are lovingly furnished, traditional style cottages set on the historic Barningham Estate. Situated in the picturesque village of Barningham, the cottages are conveniently located next to a great local pub, where guests can enjoy delicious locally sourced food and drink to both eat in and take away. The cottages have been decorated in keeping with their surroundings, using a mixture of antique and contemporary furniture, giving it a traditional and natural aesthetic.
The cottages gets their names from their traditional function as a place where the inhabitants of the village could come and read the daily newspaper that had been delivered to Barningham Park – the home occupied by the Milbank family since 1690. Barningham village is a picturesque village situated between Richmond and Barnard Castle. It was named Durham Rural Community Council’s ‘Best Small Village’ in 2010 and is a tranquil conservation village, with a large village green, a church, a village bakery, shop and an active village hall.
The Reading Room Cottages are ideally situated for guests wishing to explore the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. There is a wide range of activities to pursue in the area including walking, cycling, fell running, birdwatching and wildlife spotting. Fishing and shooting are available by private request with the owners- seasonal walked up and driven shooting and stalking for individuals or groups can be arranged.
History lovers can enjoy the rich Bronze Age heritage that can be found at remote sites on Barningham Moor, including Chieftan burial mounds and the Cup and Ring Stones. Visit historic market towns including nearby Barnard Castle, offering many independent shops, cafés and restaurants, as well as a large supermarket. Other attractions in Barnard Castle include the Bowes Museum, Witham Arts and Cultural Centre, Rokeby Hall and The Chocolate Fair.
Historic Richmond is 12 miles away and is where you will find Richmond Castle and a large cobbled market square surrounded by shops, tea rooms, pubs and restaurants. Other attractions include Auckland Castle, Raby Castle, High Force Waterfall, The Forbidden Corner at Leyburn, Duncombe Park, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Gardens, which can all be reached in under an hour. For special occasions, spa treatments are available at Middleton Lodge, 11 miles away, or the Morritt Hotel and Spa, 2½ miles. Shop 500 yards, pub and restaurant 25 yards.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 7 guests.

Reading Room Cottages are lovingly furnished, traditional style cottages set on the historic Barningham Estate. Situated in the picturesque village of Barningham, the cottages are conveniently located next to a great local pub, where guests can enjoy delicious locally sourced food and drink to both eat in and take away. The cottages have been decorated in keeping with their surroundings, using a mixture of antique and contemporary furniture, giving it a traditional and natural aesthetic.
The cottages gets their names from their traditional function as a place where the inhabitants of the village could come and read the daily newspaper that had been delivered to Barningham Park – the home occupied by the Milbank family since 1690. Barningham village is a picturesque village situated between Richmond and Barnard Castle. It was named Durham Rural Community Council’s ‘Best Small Village’ in 2010 and is a tranquil conservation village, with a large village green, a church, a village bakery, shop and an active village hall.
The Reading Room Cottages are ideally situated for guests wishing to explore the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. There is a wide range of activities to pursue in the area including walking, cycling, fell running, birdwatching and wildlife spotting. Fishing and shooting are available by private request with the owners- seasonal walked up and driven shooting and stalking for individuals or groups can be arranged.
History lovers can enjoy the rich Bronze Age heritage that can be found at remote sites on Barningham Moor, including Chieftan burial mounds and the Cup and Ring Stones. Visit historic market towns including nearby Barnard Castle, offering many independent shops, cafés and restaurants, as well as a large supermarket. Other attractions in Barnard Castle include the Bowes Museum, Witham Arts and Cultural Centre, Rokeby Hall and The Chocolate Fair.
Historic Richmond is 12 miles away and is where you will find Richmond Castle and a large cobbled market square surrounded by shops, tea rooms, pubs and restaurants. Other attractions include Auckland Castle, Raby Castle, High Force Waterfall, The Forbidden Corner at Leyburn, Duncombe Park, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Gardens, which can all be reached in under an hour. For special occasions, spa treatments are available at Middleton Lodge, 11 miles away, or the Morritt Hotel and Spa, 2½ miles. Shop 500 yards, pub and restaurant 25 yards.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 7 guests.

Beckwick is a spacious bungalow on the outskirts of the market town of Bishop Auckland, well known for its castle and gardens and annual Kynren historical spectacle. Tucked away in a quiet residential area, the bungalow sits in private grounds behind a gated entrance. With extensive gardens, the property looks out across the landscaped garden onto a small ornamental lake. Sure to be a great attraction is the 6-seater hot tub, offering fun for all whatever time of year.

Inside the property are well laid out social spaces, a large lounge with comfortable sofas. A separate garden room with wall mounted TV and a bar area! There is a games room, complete with an air hockey table! For the designated chef the kitchen/dining room will provide everything you need whether rustling up a hearty breakfast or supper.
The utility room is equipped with sink and washing machine. There are 4 bedrooms, the master bedroom with kingsize bed, robes and en-suite shower room, a second with ¾ double bed and en-suite shower room, a third bedroom with a kingsize bed and 4th bedroom sleeping 3 people with a double bed and single bunk over. There is a spacious wet room with non-slip floor, walk in shower and separate bath. All bathrooms have been newly installed in 2021.

Beckwick is just under 2 miles from the town centre to discover the surprising story of Bishop Auckland. Auckland Castle has been home to Francisco de Zurbarán’s series of Spanish masterpieces Jacob and His Twelve Sons, for over 250 years. These striking paintings are the starting point for this new gallery, in the heart of Bishop Auckland. There is an abundance of cafés, eateries, bars and take-aways to choose from.

Auckland Castle is one of the best-preserved bishops’ palaces in the whole of Europe and is at the centre of The Auckland Project. The Castle recently reopened after undergoing major conservation work, which has transformed its state rooms to their original Georgian Gothic splendour, as designed by the renowned English architect James Wyatt. Enjoy the Deer Park and the incredibly popular Kynren open-air Spectacular is performed between July and September every year. Two thousand years of history, myth and legend rush by in 90 minutes as we join young Arthur on his epic quest. Rebellions, wars, magic, majesty, celebration and heartache are vividly brought to ground-shaking life in a dazzling outdoor-theatre spectacular, although you will need to book!

Younger children and train enthusiasts will enjoy a trip to the National Railway Museum in Shildon which is only 10 minutes’ drive away. Hamsterley Forest, 8 miles away, is a popular destination for all ages. With beautiful countryside, various bike trails and plenty of walks for guests of all abilities including the very popular Gruffalo Trail for children. Take a drive to the Dales villages of Wolsingham, Frosterley and Stanhope or a little further to Middleton-in-Teesdale and the impressive High Force Waterfalls. Barnard Castle, the Bowes Museum and Raby Castle are within an easy 30-minute drive as well as the historic cathedral city of Durham which has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Here you can enjoy an abundance of shops, cafés, bars and restaurants and beautiful walks along the riverside, take out a boat or try your hand at paddle-boarding!

Situated in the quiet village of Newfield, just 8 miles from the city of Durham, Stonebank Cottage offers comfortable homely accommodation and is the ideal base for small families and friends wanting to really explore the local area. The spacious living room with a large Smart TV and relaxing sofa is most welcoming after a day exploring the local area. There is a separate kitchen and dining room with a wood burner. Upstairs is a bathroom and three bedrooms, comprising a kingsize master bedroom and two twin bedrooms (one has a pull-out single bed). 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. Across the back lane is a large raised lawned-garden with seating, and a double garage conversion which is a great social space with the addition of a luxury six-seater hot tub with mood lighting and chill out chairs, comfortable seating and home bar area.
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.

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.

A superb mid-terrace house sitting in Witton Gilbert, Northumberland. Pet-friendly. Off-road parking. Hot tub. En-suites. Durham 3.5 miles; Chester-le-Street 6.2 miles; Newcastle upon Tyne 16.2 miles.