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.

Perfectly located in the small, unspoilt village of Bolam, this beautiful single-storey holiday property, attached to the owner’s home, is in the ideal location for guests wishing to really explore the local area and surrounding counties. This quaint village is small and welcoming, and occupies a crest of high ground on the edge of the Tees basin with panoramic views into the Tees Vale. Guests will often see horses being ridden through the main street at any time of day and will be far away from any of the hustle and bustle of daily life. Ideal for guests wanting to enjoy a quiet romantic break, Bolam is peaceful and pretty, and is home to a village pub that serves food and drink, situated just a few hundred yards away from the cottage. There is also a Michelin starred restaurant that is located just 3 miles away too, making this the perfect excuse to enjoy a fabulous three course meal in top quality surroundings.
Perfect for walkers, cyclists and ramblers, with plenty of walks, cycle paths, bridleways and established footpaths that pass through the village and beyond into some of the most picturesque countryside that County Durham has to offer. Taking guests through unspoilt woodland, open fields and fabulous countryside, guests will be able to wander far and wide through some of the many small villages and towns that lie in the surrounding areas including Staindrop, Heighington, Cockfield, Evenwood, Little Newsham and Ingleton.
For guests who enjoy a round of golf on their holiday, there is the perfect opportunity to visit one of the many surrounding golf courses, including Headlam Hall Country Hotel and Spa, and Bishop Auckland Golf Club. The pretty village of Staindrop is only a little over 8 miles away and is an ideal destination for a day trip. Set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and peppered with cafés, tea shops, pubs and a butchers, this is a great spot to enjoy a leisurely lunch and then a wander around Raby Castle, where visitors will have the pleasure of being able to catch a glimpse of over two hundred deers, comfortable in their natural habitat within the grounds of the estate and castle. Only 14 miles away, the thriving and historic town of Barnard Castle is also a must see. There is a popular weekly farmers market offering local produce, as well as many various pubs, restaurants, shops and places of interest, including the ruins of the castle itself, along with a visit to the world famous Bowes Museum.
Visit the cathedral city of Durham, which is only a 35-minute drive away, with an abundance of historic and popular attractions, including Durham Castle, Durham Cathedral and the River Wear. Durham is a city that is thriving all year round and is an ideal location for all ages, with many popular activities and shows to see and enjoy including the Lumiere Festival, jazz festival, book week, arts week and the theatre, as well as many designer boutiques and shops.

Beach 25 miles. Shop 5 miles, pub and restaurant 100 yards.

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, 86” TV, 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.

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.

This large detached house was originally the village school and was totally renovated to provide good quality, well appointed and well equipped holiday accommodation. Situated just off the front street of Frosterley, on the same site as ref 7723. The property stands in a lovely garden with south facing patio and has fine views from the south living room and master bedroom. Superb walking and cycling country, it is well placed for touring Teesdale and the Yorkshire Dales. Barnard Castle 13 miles, Durham City 18 miles and Newcastle 32 miles. The Lake District 1 hour away. The property is adjacent to the owners well-landscaped caravan park which has privately owned caravans only and therefore is very quiet. Shop 165 yards, pub 550 yards.

No.1 Old Hall Cottage is accessed from the lane adjacent to The Old Hall. It is a stone built conversion situated within 15 minutes’ drive of both the historic city of Durham with its mainline rail link, and Bishop Auckland, home of the Prince Bishops at Auckland Castle. This holiday property has a private outdoor seating area which is on two levels with garden views and benefits from its own hot tub set on the upper patio, suitable for 4 adults, it is for exclusive use of guests staying at this cottage. The site has no through traffic and is a rich haven for birds and wildlife, with country walks from the door and cycle tracks. This is the gateway to the Durham Dales, Weardale and Teesdale, with splendour at Raby Castle and Bowes Museum, industrial heritage at Killhope, Beamish and Shildon. Visit Keilder Water, Hadrians Wall, the Northumberland Coast and the Lake District. Shop 2 miles, pub and restaurant ¼mile.

There is another property on this site (refs 30419 with hot tub).

Situated in a rural and secluded position, nestled in the heart of the serene countryside, this traditional cottage offers a perfect retreat with stunning views over the open countryside. Inside, the cosy living room invites you to unwind with its charming open fire and TV, creating an ideal space for relaxing evenings. The well-equipped kitchen/dining room is a cook’s delight, complete with modern appliances and traditional dining table, perfect for family meals or intimate dinners. The cottage boasts two comfortable bedrooms: one with a plush double bed and the other with twin beds, providing flexible sleeping arrangements. The bathroom is well-appointed, featuring a bathtub with a shower attachment, ensuring convenience and comfort. Outside, the enclosed lawned garden is a private oasis, furnished with garden furniture and a BBQ, perfect for al fresco dining and enjoying the tranquil surroundings.
Some 3 miles from Stanhope, which offers a good selection of shops and pubs and in the heart of Weardale providing footpath walking direct from the door. This farmhouse is centrally placed for exploring the Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland and the Lake District, offering attractions to suit all age groups. Climbing, horse riding, fishing and swimming are all available in the local area.
Stanhope, a village in the heart of the Durham Dales, offers an array of delightful activities and sights. Stanhope Castle is an iconic historical gem set against a picturesque backdrop. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy the nearby Weardale Railway, providing a scenic journey through the stunning landscapes of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The village is also home to the remarkable Stanhope Fossil Tree, a 320-million-year-old artefact displayed proudly in the churchyard of St. Thomas’ Church. Stroll along the River Wear or enjoy the vast expanses of open moorland, perfect for hiking and birdwatching.
Additionally, Stanhope’s vibrant marketplace, with its selection of quaint shops, traditional pubs, and charming tea rooms, invites visitors to savour local cuisine and warm hospitality. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, historical discoveries, or a peaceful retreat, Stanhope provides a delightful escape into the beauty and heritage of the English countryside.

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.

A detached property, nestling in the Co Durham countryside between Teesdale and Weardale, Cotswolds Cottage offers spacious accommodation for up to six people and their furry friends, with the owners living adjacent to the property. The open plan living room looks out through huge windows across the patio and beyond to the stunning countryside. It has a separate dining area, and fully equipped kitchen with all the modern appliances you would expect to give you that home from home experience. There’s also a utility/boot room, ideal to step into after a day out exploring.
There are three double bedrooms, two of which are conveniently located on the ground floor, with two ground floor bathrooms.
Outside is a spacious patio area with garden furniture and BBQ; a great space to take your morning coffee, and take in the peace and tranquillity, or fire up the BBQ on a summer’s night and gather your friends and family for some alfresco dining.
Hamsterley is a popular base for getting about in the Durham Dales, with nearby towns such as Wolsingham, Frosterley, Stanhope, and Hamsterley Forest with way-marked walks, cycle ways and a visitor centre, whilst the Durham Dales has wonderful scenery, including High Force in Upper Teesdale with its 70ft waterfall. There is so much to see in the area - Durham City is just 14 miles away, with its magnificent cathedral and cobbled streets and abundance of restaurants, coffee shops and array of shops and galleries. Within an hour’s drive are the beautiful Northumberland beaches and castles. Kilhope Lead Mining Centre and Beamish Museum are a short drive away. Shop 4 miles, pub 200 yards and restaurant 7 miles.