Dog-friendly Durham

Superb contemporary second floor apartment with fabulous views over sea and harbour in Hartlepool. Modern open plan living, stylish accommodation. 5 mins walk to marina, restaurants and pubs. 2 miles to Seaton Carew beach. Durham 18 miles.

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.

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.

Harrison House is conveniently located in the village of Low Pittington, with nearby road links to the A1 and A19, and guests can use this as a great base to explore the north of England. The property has been refurbished in 2022, furnished for your comfort and relaxation. The living room is inviting and spacious, comfortably accommodating guests with a Smart TV for your entertainment. The separate kitchen/dining area is a great social space, whether you are gathering for a hearty breakfast or celebratory supper, the modern shaker-style kitchen is well-equipped to cater for all your needs. Outside is an enclosed lawned garden and patio, set with table and chairs for summer dining.
Upstairs are two bedrooms and a family bathroom. A further loft-style bedroom can be found on the second floor, with vaulted ceilings, a Velux window and an en-suite shower room, and is a lovely cosy space away from it all.
Guests can simply park up and relax, or enjoy countryside walks from the door. There is a farm shop within a short walk, here you will find butchery, coffee shop, delicatessen and retail shop. A little further you can enjoy a walk across the golf links to Ramside Hall Golf and Spa, where golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round of golf on the championship courses.
Visit the City of Durham and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Durham Castle and Cathedral. The Gala Theatre is located in the centre of the city, making the cottage 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. The Lumiere Festival takes place every second November, or enjoy the jazz festival, arts festival, miners gala and many more free attractions, as well as the weekly farmers’ market.
The university colleges and campuses can be found nearby, and this is the ideal base to get to know the university and visit friends and family who might be attending one of the graduation ceremonies. 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 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 just 8 miles away, and the city of Sunderland and its coastal resorts of Roker, Seaburn and Whitburn are all within 15 miles. This lovely cottage provides a superb base from which to enjoy the beautiful county of Durham. Beach 8 miles. Pub and restaurant 1¾ miles

The Hawthorns is perfectly situated on the Heritage coastline and just a stone’s throw away from Seaham harbour, marina and abundance of local amenities. A perfect holiday base for families and couples as well as their furry friends to enjoy this popular part on the north of England. Interiors are spacious with a modern style with an open plan kitchen/dining room making a great social space. There is a separate living room, and sure to be a big hit is the games room with Smart TV, pool table and darts board. The kitchen and utility area are well equipped with everything you need for your stay. Upstairs are three bedrooms and a family bathroom. Directly accessible from one of the bedrooms is a terraced area with garden furniture to enjoy the sea views beyond. There is a small outside courtyard leading off the living space, ideal if you are bringing your pet with you.

Seaham is a lively harbour town with its own marina. Enjoy walks along the coastal path or the sandy North Beach with its famous glass pebbles and children will have fun in the rock pools. You may even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of dolphins offshore which frequently visit the area. Don’t forget to take your picture with ’Tommy’, the WW1 statue. There is an abundance of good coffee shops, bars, and restaurants along the sea front. An absolute must is the local fish and chips! You can also treat yourself to the spa or a lovely meal nearby Seaham Hall. There are plenty of family friendly activities to enjoy such as the nearby go-karting facility for those budding Formula 1 drivers. If you want to explore further afield, The Hawthorns is also ideally place near the A19, north towards Newcastle and south towards North Yorkshire Moors, coast, and Dales. Beach 300 yards.