Dog-friendly Durham

The Cart Shed has been built to the very highest of standards and is a super detached holiday home in an excellent location and adjacent to the owner’s home. All on one level with large windows, excellent standard furnishing and top quality fixtures and fittings, guests will find that The Cart Shed is the perfect location for a quiet, luxury, well-earned family holiday or a super celebration spot for friends and family to enjoy spending quality time together. Absolutely ideal too for guests with limited walking abilities, all of the rooms are spacious, accessible and really well laid out. The open plan living area boasts a solid wood floor, beautiful wood burner and sliding doors that open the room out into the private garden area. The kitchen area is very well finished with excellent quality fixtures and fittings and ample modern appliances including a dishwasher, fridge, freezer, electric hob, electric oven and washing machine. With high ceilings and quirky wooden beam feature this room is a delight to sit in and would make a great place for family meals and celebrations. Further along the hallway, guests will find two double bedrooms each with a zip and link bed and views across the garden and beyond. The master bedroom offers equally spacious accommodation and a super kingsize bed as well as a very useful en suite shower room with shower cubicle, heated towel rail and underfloor heating. The family bathroom is once again finished to a high standard and offers a free standing bath, separate shower cubicle, heated towel rail and his and hers wash basins – luxury indeed.
The small village of Witton Gilbert has a thriving community and boasts a local farm shop and a couple of great pubs that sell good food all year round. A great spot too for walkers and cyclists, there are many established public footpaths from the village leading into the city and beyond into the scenic countryside of County Durham. Durham itself has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status and is packed full of historic and interesting sites to visit. The cathedral and castle dominate the market place and must be visited at any time of year as there are often popular exhibitions being presented. Also great for a spot of lunch, dinner or afternoon tea, there are many quirky tea shops, restaurants, bistros and the smallest gin bar in the county. The River Wear runs through the city and guests will be able to take a river cruise along it or enjoy a row in a rowing boat. The Lumiere Festival takes place every couple of years in November and brings the city to life with live art, music and light shows in the open air theatre that the city becomes. A little further afield but still within an easy 30 minute drive, guests will be able to take a day trip out to the very popular Beamish Living Museum of the North, see the famous Angel of the North statue in Gateshead, enjoy a day’s shopping at the MetroCentre and explore the vibrant city of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Beach 17½ miles. Shop, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

Nestled away in the tiny hamlet of Knitsley, just south of Consett and in the heart of County Durham, The Old Stables, adjacent to the owner’s home, are tucked away in the most beautiful of locations. Private, peaceful and semi rural yet still easily accessible to major road networks, these terraced holiday properties (refs 30710, 30711 and 30712) offer guests quality finishes yet still remain cosy, comfortable and welcoming. Each property is unique and desirable has views across some of the most beautiful countryside that County Durham has to offer. Situated in the owner’s grounds, guests will find the properties private and extremely well-maintained and presented. On arrival, guests will find a welcome pack consisting of local produce from the nearby farm shop. All on one level and perfect for guests of all ages, friends, families and couples will be able to book one property that sleeps four or all three properties can be booked together for larger groups and extended families. With so many attractions and plenty to explore, see and do in the area, The Old Stables can cater for every need. There is even the opportunity for guests to bring their horse along too with prior arrangement with the owner, as there is a paddock and stables on site. Perfect for walkers, ramblers and cyclists of all levels, guests will find that there are many established public footpaths, cycle paths and bridle ways that lead from Knitsley and in to the heart of County Durham and through the Durham Dales, where the scenery can only be described as breathtaking. The Old Stables are also perfect for guests wanting to visit the cathedral city of Durham, which is only 10 miles away. Durham offers plenty to see and do including a theatre, leisure centre, garden centre with coffee shop and children’s entertainment, and many historic attractions, including Durham Castle, Durham Cathedral and the city walls. The River Wear runs through the city and guests can enjoy a romantic boat trip or relax by the riverside. Filled with top quality restaurants, bistros, cafés and bars, the city is thriving at night and is there is often street entertainment to enjoy, including the Lumiere Festival, jazz festival, book week, arts week and many more. The thriving city of Newcastle is less then 20 miles away and perfect for a great night out. The banks of the River Tyne are bustling with bars, restaurants and bistros, and there is definitely something for all tastes. A little further afield, but still within an easy drive from The Old Stables, guests will be able to visit and enjoy Barnard Castle, Raby Castle, Bowes Museum, High Force and Low Force waterfalls. The excellent visitor attraction of Beamish is another must see and once again, is only 10 miles away. 13 miles away, is the Metro Centre, a great shopping complex. Each property offers a well-furnished living room with great views across the surrounding grounds, a well-equipped kitchen, two double bedrooms with Egyptian cotton bed linen. Shop and pub serving food ½ mile.

Situated in the peaceful village of Bishop Middleham, which is just a short drive away from the city of Durham, semi-detached Brewery House Cottage is the perfect destination for guests wanting to explore the surrounding areas. Right in the heart of Bishop Middleham and only a minute’s walk away from two pubs and a small village shop, Brewery House Cottage has amenities right on the doorstep and is a great place to stay. Perfect for romantic breaks, guests will be able to make full use of the many places to eat, which are within a 10-minute drive. Enjoy the peace and quiet and romantic setting of the cottage itself, beautifully finished to very good standards, it offers guests a high level of comfort with extra touches, including fluffy dressing gowns complimentary toiletries and a welcome tray.
Great for walkers and cyclists, there are many established public footpaths 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 cathedral city of Durham 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 restaurants, bistros, cafes 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, miners gala and many more free attractions as well as the weekly farmer’s market and pavement artists that line the streets and market place. Nearby is the historic Auckland Castle in Bishop Auckland.
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. Durham County Cricket Club and Durham Golf Club are also only a short drive away as well as the pool and leisure centre at Freeman’s Quay. Full of personal touches, chic and romantic, Brewery House Cottage really is the perfect destination at any time of year. Shop ¼ mile, pub 100 yards and restaurant 3½ miles.

A warm welcome is extended when you stay at the Manse. This exquisite property can accommodate up to 12 people and is perfect for family reunions, special occasions, or a relaxing getaway with friends. The moment you step inside, you will be enchanted by the unique and exquisite decor, creating a truly unforgettable experience. The aim of your stay here is to refresh and rejuvenate, and of course, be stress-free.“Marketing it as a relaxing retreat with all the modern life but to take time out in the garden and relax in the barrel sauna or hot tub while you bathe under the apple trees.”
Conveniently located just minutes from the A1 Just an 8-minute drive takes you to the historic city of Durham. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is filled with a variety of historic sites and popular visitor attractions that are centuries old. Durham Castle and Cathedral must be visited to appreciate the awe-inspiring architecture. The Gala Theatre is located in the centre of the city, making the Manse a perfect location 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 at any time of the year. Guests can try their hand at canoeing or stand-up paddle boarding down on the river!
The incredible Lumiere Festival takes place every second of November, enjoy the jazz festival, arts festival, miners gala, and many more free attractions, as well as the weekly farmers’ market. The top-class cricket ground of Durham County Cricket Club is also only a 20-minute drive away, great for enjoying a test match or concert. The very popular Beamish Living Museum is a 30-minute drive away and makes a good day out for families of all ages. The Angel of the North sculpture is just a 20-minute drive away, while Newcastle and the Metro Centre are 30 minutes by car. The Heritage Coast is under 20 miles away. This fabulous property provides a superb base from which to enjoy our beautiful County of Durham

An exceptional converted chapel featuring many original features including stained glass windows and ornate ceilings, a unique holiday home for a large get-together. Dales Chapel is ideal for large groups of family or friends. It is a former Methodist chapel which dates back to the late 1800s and provides a spacious and characterful holiday home. The Grade ll listed chapel conversion combines original character with contemporary living to great effect, and is situated in the market town of Middleton-in-Teesdale, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and historically the most northern of the Yorkshire Dales. The property retains many original features including stained glass windows and an ornate ceiling to the striking second floor open-plan entertainment area. This entertainment room has a full size snooker table, fussball table, home cinema area with HD projector, Sky Q, DVD and Wii. There are also two seating areas to relax with wood burners set in limestone fire surrounds either side of a bar area with granite work surfaces. In addition to being perfect for family and friend get togethers, Dales Chapel is ideally suited for small business strategy residentials and off-site meetings. A laptop can be connected to the projector and large screen for management meetings. Details of caterers can be provided if required.
Middleton-in-Teesdale has pubs serving food, shops and tea rooms and there is plenty to keep you occupied. The area is perfect for walkers of all ages and abilities, with several footpaths leading from the village. The Pennine Way passes through the village and half an hour’s brisk walk brings you to Low Force, the first of a series of spectacular waterfalls in the area. One of Middleton’s attractions is High Force Waterfall, England’s largest single-drop waterfall, and there’s a lovely walk popular with families here. The area offers an abundance of walking and cycling for all abilities. Grassholm reservoir is nearby for fishing and sailing. The splendid scenery encourages all kinds of outdoor pursuits, from cycling along the C2C route and cross-country hacks, to watersports and wonderful walks. This charming market town is more like a big village, framed by the Pennine Fells and nestling beside the River Tees.
Barnard Castle is a beautiful old market town 10 miles away, and is home to the magnificent Bowes Museum, famous for its mechanical silver swan. Killhope Lead Mine is within a thirty-minute drive, as is Bishop Auckland, where the spectacular outdoor Kynren show takes place every year during the summer months. Beautiful Durham city and the Lake District are approximately a 50-minute drive away and well worth a visit. Shop 20 yards, pub and restaurant 50 yards.

Situated on the grounds of the owner’s farm where purebred Aberdeen Angus cattle are raised, The Granary is one of two cottages in a superb location. The Granary is a converted detached granary. It has underfloor heating throughout and electricity is supplied by the farm’s own wind turbine. Overlooking the hills and dales of beautiful County Durham guests will be able to see over miles of open countryside right across to Durham Cathedral and beyond. Hidden away down a quiet country lane yet conveniently within easy distance of the county’s most historic and unspoiled scenery, The Granary has something to offer guests of all ages.
The property lies only 5 miles away from Bishop Auckland, where the incredibly popular Kynren Spectacular is performed between July and September every year. Barnard Castle, the Bowes Museum, and Raby Castle can all be reached within an easy 30-minute drive as well as the historic, cathedral city of Durham which has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Younger children and train enthusiasts will enjoy taking a trip to the National Railway Museum in Shildon which is only 15 minutes drive away or take a ride on The Train to Christmas Town which runs through nearby Weardale and leaves from Stanhope Station only 25 minutes away. Perfect for walkers and cyclists too, the property is surrounded by open countryside and fields, and guests will find many established walks, public footpaths, and cycle paths within the area leading out into smaller villages including Witton-le-Wear, Escomb, and Butterknowle. Hamsterley Forest is one of the north’s most popular destinations for cyclists too, and is only 4 miles away. This impressive 2000-hectare site covers some of the most beautiful countryside and offers various bike trails of different difficulties and plenty of walks for guests of all abilities including the very popular Gruffalo Trail for children. Beach 26½ miles. Shop, pub, and restaurant 1 mile.

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.

Overlooking the River Wear, this conversion of farm buildings is peacefully situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Adjoining another cottage, it makes a comfortable holiday base to explore the area. The Northern Dales is made up of waterfalls, rugged upland, fertile valleys and meadows. Market towns dot the area, the historic town of Barnard Castle with the Bowes Museum and Durham, with its cathedral and cobbled streets easily accessible. Shop 400 yards, pub 300 yards.

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.