Dog-friendly Durham

Perfectly located right at the heart of the peaceful village of Bishop Middleham, which boasts one popular village pub and a local shop, this is the most ideal semi-detached holiday home for a family getaway or celebration. Situated just a short 8-mile drive away from the historic cathedral city of Durham, there are many links between the city and the village itself. Well-positioned between the three castles of Durham, Stockton and Darlington, Bishop Middleham became the favourite seat of the early bishops and has a wealth of its own history. Once known as a popular village pub The Dun Cow remains an important part of that history and guests will be able to take a look at the unusual sign above the door which is identical to a carving on the northwest turret of Durham Cathedral. Perfect for extended families wanting to meet up or for groups of friends wanting to holiday together, guests will find that The Dun Cow is spacious, bright, and full of charm. The enclosed garden is large and well designed with a raised decking area and plenty of outdoor furniture.
There are many established public footpaths, walks 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 city of Durham, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, 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 top quality restaurants, bistros, cafés and bars, Durham is a thriving city with plenty of entertainment for guests at all times of the year. Guests have the opportunity to enjoy the Lumiere Festival every other year, 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. Beach 14½ miles. Shop, pub, and restaurant ¼ mile.

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.

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.