Fido Family Friendly Places

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.

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.

This beautiful, converted barn is all on one level, and combines original character with high ceilings and oak beams, with tasteful modern décor and furnishings. The entrance is into the well-equipped shaker-style kitchen with all modern appliances and a coffee machine for your morning latte. Through to a spacious living area with comfy sofas, a dining area and your own private bar – remember to bring your favourite cocktail! When it comes to bedtime, the master bedroom has a double bed, fitted with high-quality bedding, the shared shower room with a double rainfall shower is off this room. There is an additional bedroom with twin beds and Smart TV. Patio doors lead you to the private courtyard. One of the highlights of your stay is taking a dip in the fabulous private hot tub in your enclosed garden. No matter the weather or season, It is an ideal way to relax whilst either taking in the sunshine or gazing at the stars. In the summer, enjoy al fresco meals or fire up the barbecue. Your well-behaved dogs are welcome too.
With Coatham Woods on your doorstep, the barn is a perfect retreat for walkers and nature enthusiasts. Explore its vibrant woodland habitat during your stay, bursting with wildlife and various species for you to discover. Within a 15-minute drive, visit the town of Yarm, host to fabulous restaurants, boutique shops, cafés and pubs, and just an hour’s drive from the vibrant cities of York, Newcastle, Durham and Harrogate.
Other nearby attractions include Roseberry Topping, a hilltop walk with incredible views over North Yorkshire, or enjoy a day out in Helmsley visiting the castle and walled garden. Enjoy a stroll around Osmotherly and the local reservoir. Visit Barnard Castle, walk around the castle ruins, lovely park, river walks, and the famous Bowes Museum. If you are a lover of the coast, this area has some of the best beaches! Head across to Saltburn-by-the-Sea and take a ride on the funicular railway, amble the quirky shops or take a beach walk and enjoy the fresh air. A little further is the seaside town of Whitby, famed for Bram Stoker’s ’Dracula’, with beautiful coastline, local history, quirky shops, harbour and boat rides, and of course not leaving without a feast of their famous fish and chips! There is so much more to enjoy, one visit is simply not enough!

Moss House is a spacious four-bedroom cottage, which is beautifully presented and full of character, situated in the charming little village of Sunniside. Centrally located, the cottage is within easy access to the cathedral city of Durham and its dales, Northumberland and the northeast coast.
Recently renovated in 2023 to a high standard, it retains many original and period features. Ideal for a group get-together, the property has a large living room with exposed stone walls and comfortable sofas set around a wood burner. The dining room also has a wood burner and opens out into the well-equipped kitchen, a perfect social space! Upstairs are four well-presented bedrooms and a relaxing sauna. There is also a large games room with a snooker table, darts board and a cinema screen. Outside across the lane is a large, enclosed garden, partially lawned with a patio and outdoor BBQ and seating area – perfect for the summer months! Opposite the cottage is a community outdoor gym, play park and 5-aside football/basketball court available for guests to use.
Out and about there is doorstep access to great countryside walks and plenty of areas to take the dogs. The owners run the friendly village pub which is a two-minute walk, which specialises in steaks and grills, a great welcoming atmosphere and an excellent selection of drinks. A perfect place to come to make memories, whether with a group of best friends or your family.
The historic city of Durham, with its magnificent cathedral and river boat trips; the market town of Barnard Castle, with its 12th-century castle, and medieval Raby Castle are all just a short drive away. The open-air Kynren medieval spectacle takes place just 10 miles away and is hugely popular with visitors to the area. The award-winning Beamish Open-Air Museum is just 30 minutes away and is well worth a visit. Also, just a short distance from the A68 for journeys to and from Scotland, offering a perfect base to explore North England with easy access to both coast and country. Bus services are available 50 yards from the property. Durham is 20 minutes away and the Newcastle is only slightly further at 45 minutes’ drive. Beach 23 miles. Pub and restaurant 100 yards.

Nestling in the peaceful village of Butterknowle in the heart of the Durham Dales, Little Glencrest is packed full of features. The décor is simple and classic with a wonderful cosy feel. The living room, with sofa and Smart TV, has large French doors leading on to the terrace and garden. In the wintertime, the modern wood burner will keep you as warm as toast. The bedroom with a king size bed leads off with en-suite wet room with walk-in shower.
Outside there is a beautiful, flagged terrace, festooned with lights, where you’ll find the KIRAMI wood-fired hot tub. The lawned garden is completely private and secure for dogs. With dark skies in the evening, imagine relaxing in the steaming hot tub with a glass of fizz whilst stargazing. You might hear the local owls and curlews. The terrace is set with a bistro table and chairs to enjoy an al fresco supper.
Butterknowle is a quiet rural village surrounded by farming communities and natural open spaces, with the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty only a few minutes’ drive away. There is an abundance of places to explore, with established public footpaths and cycle routes all within walking distance. Visit the nearby award winning Teesdale Cheese Cafe and shop where you can enjoy brunch, lunch or cake and coffee. The pretty village of Staindrop is just 6 miles away and offers tea shops and cafés. Raby Castle is within easy reach and is a must for guests who wish to catch a glimpse of over 200 deer which wander the grounds. Follow on to the bustling market town of Barnard Castle with a weekly farmers’ market, and some super local pubs, restaurants, independent shops, galleries, and historic buildings. Bishop Auckland, the traditional home of the Bishop of Durham is just a 15-minute drive. Visit the recently renovated Auckland Castle, the Spanish Art Gallery or see the fabulous Kynren Eleven Arches spectacle during the summer months. Here you’ll also find a variety of supermarkets, shops, and restaurants. Hamsterley Forest, a delightful 2000-hectare site of popular walking trails, cycle trails, orienteering and picnic spots, is just a 10-minute drive away.
Grassholme Observatory offers visitors a chance to enjoy the wonders of the universe at workshops and events led by top astronomers throughout the year and is less than half an hour away. The city of Durham can be reached within a 40-minute drive, with its magnificent cathedral and castle and beautiful riverside walks.

Situated in the quiet village of Witton Park, the cottage has an open outlook across the fields. Completely restored offering spacious accommodation for couples, friends and families. The living room has a cosy electric wood burner, perfect for cooler nights. A well-equipped modern kitchen/dining area with all your necessary appliances is a lovely spot to gather. The rear garden is enclosed and offers a seating area.
Just 4 miles from the market town of Bishop Auckland where there are a variety of supermarkets, shops and restaurants and home to the fabulous Kynren Eleven Arches historical spectacle. Visit Bishop’s Palace and Park, with its ancient Deer House and Walled Gardens, or the Spanish Art Gallery in the marketplace. The thriving, popular market town of Barnard Castle, 14 miles, hosts a weekly farmer’s market, and has some super local pubs, restaurants, shops and historic buildings and nearby the famous Bowes Museum and galleries. Perhaps stop enroute at Raby Castle and catch a glimpse of over 200 deer which wander the grounds. Recently opened, families will love to visit the Plotters’ Forest adventure playground hidden away inside the castle’s mysterious woodland. Hamsterley Forest, a delightful 2000-hectare site of popular walking trails, cycle trails, orienteering and picnic spots, is just 13 miles.
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. There is so much to do the area, and close to the main road network should you wish to travel farther afield to the Lake District, Northumberland or North Yorkshire. Woodside Cottage makes a perfect base from which to explore.

Situated in the pretty village of Hawthorn just two miles from the Durham Heritage Coast and a short walk from the stunning Hawthorn Dene, the second largest dene in the county. Set within impressive grounds, Laburnum house has a unique style providing a high level of comfort throughout, with Egyptian cotton bedding and towels provided as an extra indulgent touch. From the grand entrance, the attractive hallway opens into the living room, a decadent space with leather Chesterfields, a blend of antique furnishings and a beautiful inglenook fireplace and wood burner to gather round. A formal dining room will seat the whole family and provides a wonderful space perfect for that special occasion. The kitchen area is spacious and well equipped with all modern appliances, with additional seating here ideal for breakfast. On the first floor are the bedrooms, all decadent in style and offering a high level of comfort. Two en-suite bedrooms with four poster beds, one has an additional single bed and louvre doors leading to a further sleeping area with a single bed, which makes this a great family room. There is also a separate toilet on this level. On the second floor a fabulous master suite runs the entire length of the property, with vaulted ceilings and double bed. A separate landing area with leather sofa making a gorgeous reading nook and a luxurious bathroom with deep bathtub to enjoy an indulgent soak. Walkway to outdoor spa area with wood fired hot tub (at cost) seating 4 people.
When the weather turns cool enjoy the quirky shelter with seating and dressing area, the perfect place to relax and unwind. Enjoy the cool water foot spas with complimentary bottled water and bamboo foot towels, while you chat with your friends, or simply enjoy the peace and quiet with some mindfulness and relaxation.
Externally is a courtyard garden, a raised decked area with table and wrap round seating makes a gorgeous social space to sit and enjoy al fresco meals and a glass of wine. For the outdoor enthusiast, the property is perfectly situated in an area which offers outstanding walking and sightseeing, within a short walk to the stunning area of Hawthorn Dene, a Site of Special Scientific Interest. There is a plethora of things to do locally, including fishing, indoor skiing, a retail park, cycle tracks and a seaglass beach, and within a mile there is even a community centre offering activities, and nearby, the National Trust coastal footpath offers 11 miles of beautiful landscape and impressive coastal scenery. For the children there is an alpaca farm nearby, a play park, and a lovely picnic area to sit and enjoy an ice cream. For the adults, a village pub serving wholesome food a two-minute stroll. Nearby at Seaham, enjoy a day at the seaside, with lovely marina, promenade, cafés, shops and restaurants. All the family will enjoy the community centre activities within a mile. The beach at Seaham is an excellent place to collect sea glass, and visitors come from far and wide for this very reason. Visit Durham, a World Heritage Site, with its famous castle, cathedral and riverside walks, and good selection of eateries. Nearby there are alpacas and National Trust walks and in Dalton Park is a fabulous retail outlet, with shops restaurants and cinema. A pub can be found within 1 mile of Laburnum House.

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.

Situated in the quiet village of Newfield, just 8 miles from the city of Durham, 8 Stonebank offers comfortable and cosy accommodation and is the ideal base for couples and friends wanting to really explore the local area. The spacious living room with Smart TV and relaxing sofa is most welcoming after a day exploring the local area. There is a separate kitchen and dining room. Upstairs is a bathroom and two bedrooms. 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.
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.

Featherstone House is a lovely detached, stone-built bungalow situated in Coatham Mundeville, near Darlington, conveniently close the A1 Road network. Refurbished in 2022, offering ground floor accommodation, the bungalow is extremely spacious and is perfect for families with members of all ages. To the front of the property is a lovely sunroom which is relaxing and catches the evening sun, a spacious lounge with chesterfield sofas set around a log burning fire and smart TV for your entertainment. A separate dining room has patio doors opening out onto the decked area with hot tub, and open plan kitchen opens into a large conservatory. This is a great space to gather and entertain. The kitchen is oak shaker style with beautiful granite worktops and is fully equipped to cater for your needs. Off to bed and there are three good sized bedrooms, the master bedroom with king size bed, a double bedroom and finally a twin. There are two bathrooms one with shower and the other with a free-standing bath and shower attachment. The bungalow is perfect for a family or group get together or special celebration.
Step outside onto a lovely raised decked area with relaxing sofas and dining table and chairs, a lovely outside place to entertain or simply sit and relax and enjoy the sunshine. The hot tub is bound to be a huge hit with everyone whatever the weather! Beyond the beautiful lawned garden is meadowland and country walks. This ideal location is within a 5-minute stroll of the popular Hall Garth Golf & Country Club Hotel where you can enjoy a morning coffee, breakfast, afternoon tea or evening meal in the restaurant, the adjoining Stables Bar also serves food and drink. Here, golf enthusiasts will be sure to enjoy their favourite sport, while ladies can relax and pamper in the Spa. Nearby is Darlington town centre, there is a bus stop immediately outside of the property which will take you either direction to Darlington or the City of Durham. Within a short drive you can visit Northallerton and Richmond, both have excellent restaurants, wine, and coffee bars. Darlington railway station connects in 30 minutes to York, Durham, and Newcastle. There are many activities to enjoy and places of interest to visit.
With great access to local countryside walks and cycling, Featherstone House is a perfect base for the outdoor enthusiast. The Yorkshire Dales market town of Richmond, with its imposing Castle, and riverside walks, extends to the Yorkshire Dales National Park with beautiful walks and picture postcard villages. Darlington Railway Museum houses the world’s first passenger locomotive (1825). Shildon Railway Museum, Beamish and Bowes’ Museum in the quaint town of Barnard Castle. The Cathedral City of Durham is under 30-minute drive with its Castle and riverside walks, excellent assortment of restaurants, coffee shops and bars. High Force one of the most spectacular waterfalls in England, is close by in Teesdale in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Alternatively, you can head to the coast, north to the Northumberland Coast and beautiful beaches, the Durham Heritage coast at Seaham and Whitburn, or south to Redcar and Whitby. Whether a short stay or celebration or coming for a family holiday, Featherstone House will perfectly accommodate your needs and provide you with a convenient base to get out and about in County Durham, Northumberland, and North Yorkshire.