Dog-friendly Durham

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).

Occupying an elevated position overlooking the hills and valleys of Teesdale, Ornella View is a detached cottage, nestled in a perfect location for guests wanting to really explore the countryside of County Durham. Well-loved as a family home, Ornella View offers a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere with plenty of space for larger groups of guests. On the ground floor are two spacious living areas, each with ample space for the whole family. In the main living room, guests will find a cosy wood burner and comfortable sofas, as well as an open plan dining area, and in the sitting room there is a large TV and plenty of space to relax. Families will also enjoy the added bonus of a games room in the garage, which houses a pool table, dartboard and sofa. The kitchen is well equipped and perfect for those family celebrations too. On the first floor, guests will find a large family bedroom which offers a double bed and two full size single beds, which is ideal for parents with small children. There is also a double bedroom, twin bedroom and further double bedroom with an en-suite shower room. The family bathroom has a bath and a separate shower cubicle. Guests will find ample garden space around the property with a lawned area to the rear and ample garden furniture for those sunny days. There is a hot tub seating 6 in the garden, please bring your own towels for use with the hot tub.
Perfect for walkers of all abilities, the area offers an abundance of established public footpaths and walk ways that pass through the village and out beyond through Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty including the North Pennines and many of the pretty villages in Teesdale. The Mid Teesdale circular walk and the Pennine Way are both close by and offer guests the most perfect opportunity to really enjoy the natural delights of the area, culminating in a trip to the spectacular Low Force Waterfall which is the first of a series of waterfalls to explore. Also perfect for cyclists, the area is well-known for its many cycle routes and off road opportunities. Only 2 miles away is the the popular village of Middleton–in–Teesdale where guests will find a thriving area with many amenities including excellent local pubs and restaurants, as well as a local shop and market place. A little further afield but still along the path of the Teesdale Circular Walk, guests will be able to stop off at Eggleston Hall for a spot of lunch in the very popular tearooms. Guests can wander through the beautiful gardens which cover 4½ acres and includes a stream and stunning views of the fells. Perfect for families, there are many attractions for guests of all ages within a 30-minute radius. Barnard Castle and The Bowes Museum are only 8 miles away and certainly worth a visit, Stanhope for The Dales Visitor Centre and Killhope for the Lead Mining Museum are both within a 30-minute drive away. Bishop Auckland, which is home to the annual Kynren Spectacular, can also be reached within a 30-minute drive, and is a must see for families staying at Ornella View between July – September. The cathedral city of Durham and the majestic Lake District are both reachable in around a 45-minute drive too. Shop 2 miles, pub 180 yards, gastro pub 360 yards.

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.

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.