Durham, in the North-East of England, is a county rich in history and architecture. From its infamous cathedral to its castles and dedicated museums, Durham gives us the opportunity to turn back time and witness the Durham of old. As well as the great structures and buildings in the county, Durham is also home to amazing countryside landscapes, rivers and coastline. Read more
Relax in the beautiful Teesdale countryside in this comfortable holiday home which has panoramic views and a dressing room with an infrared sauna. Avelin Cottage is 1.5 miles from Barnard Castle. It's superbly finished and furnished, offering couples and solo travellers a peaceful place to relax while staying close to shops, restaurants, and favourite walks and attractions. Guests rave about how comfortable and welcoming it is, loving everything from the well-equipped kitchen for self-catering to the bathrobes that add to the atmosphere of staying at a private spa retreat.
Mayland Farm Cottage enjoys an enviably peaceful location on a family-run farm close to the North Pennines and the North York Moors National Park. The self-catering cottage is a mile from Woodland village just outside of Bishop Auckland. The owners have created a space where many of their guests choose to visit year after year, making the most of the beautiful walks, exciting mountain bike trails, and charming market towns that are all within easy reach. With three bedrooms that sleep up to five guests and accommodation all on one level, the cottage is ideal for couples, families and friends. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Barnard Castle is the perfect destination for a relaxed walking holiday. This Grade-II listed holiday cottage is in a quiet location close to the River Tees, the Castle and Bowes Museum. Great for cafes, pubs, bars, restaurants and shops, Barnard Castle is renowned for its diverse range of independent shops and the Town's Antiques Quarter. Riverdale Cottage sleeps two people in one bedroom (plus one child under 12) and is dog-friendly with accommodation entirely on ground floor level. Barnard Castle is in Teesdale, close to High Force and within easy reach of Durham, York, the Yorkshire Dales, North Pennines, and Lake District. Guests love the quiet location that is convenient for amenities, sights and attractions. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
1 Teesdale Road is a comfortable and cosy holiday cottage with just a short walk over to the River Tees and into the market town of Barnard Castle and it's shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs, and traditional markets. We have been awarded 4 star Visit England Gold awards in 2022, 2023 and 2024 ! The accommodation is suitable for six people in three bedrooms - two on the ground floor - with an open-plan living area and a patio with lovely views. The location is perfect for a walking or cycling holiday, and the self-catering property has a lockable garage so you can store bikes, SUPs, kayaks and other equipment. Bookings are available all year round for families and friends.
Hazel Lodge is a luxurious self-catered retreat for two adults, located just north of Shotley Bridge in Northumberland. The lodge features a cosy kitchen/living area, a welcoming dining room, and a bespoke bedroom with a king-size bed, freestanding bath, a two-person shower, and an en-suite bathroom. Step out onto the private patio to enjoy a hot tub and traditional sauna. Explore the charming village of Shotley Bridge and nearby towns like Hexham and Durham. Enjoy outdoor adventures in the North Pennines or along the Northumberland coastline. Hazel Lodge offers the perfect blend of luxury and nature for a romantic getaway.
Cedar Lodge is one of six contemporary holiday rentals in a private 300-acre estate north of Shotley Bridge. Designed by a brother-and-sister team to showcase their love of the Northumberland countryside, the holiday lodge sleeps eight in four beautifully appointed bedrooms. It features an eight-person hot tub, an acre of woodland garden, and three Smart TVs with Netflix. Guests rave about their stays, calling it "amazing," "immaculate," and "outstanding." The lodge's location allows easy access to scenic walks, local amenities, and attractions like Hexham, Newcastle, and Durham, offering a perfect mix of city, country, and coastal experiences.
Boot and Shoe Cottage is a charming 18th-century riverfront holiday cottage in Wycliffe, just six miles from Barnard Castle. Its beautifully restored interiors, featuring original fireplaces and beams, blend history with modern comforts. Ideal for families or couples, the cottage offers a double bedroom with serene field views and a cosy twin room. Located in the stunning North Pennines AONB, it's perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, with private fishing, riverside walks, and nearby cycling trails. Explore local treasures like Barnard Castle, The Bowes Museum, and High Force Waterfall, or simply unwind by the fire or stargaze in the peaceful garden. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
The Hayloft is Grade II listed and has been beautifully restored to provide a very relaxing 'home away from home'. The Hayloft has lots of character and natural charm and offers all the right ingredients for a romantic retreat for couples. Located at East Greystone Farm in the idyllic Teesdale Countryside. We are situated between the beautiful villages of Piercebridge and Gainford and are an ideal base for walking. With the Yorkshire Dales, Lakes, East Coast and the cities of York, Durham and Newcastle within easy reach by car, this is a great base for exploring the many sights of North East England.
Sitting in the very heart of the Dales, this cosy quaint holiday cottage is a superb self-catering base for visiting many popular areas including the Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland, Cumbria and the coast. Alternatively, enjoy the unspoilt beauty of County Durham or simply relax when you stay at Innkeepers Cottage.
"Middlehope Cottage" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Durham. This charming County Durham community is located in Weardale, the centre of the North Pennines aonb, which is well-known for its superb cycling and walking trails. St. John's Chapel has two welcoming village pubs, one of which serves food, as...
"4 Castle Terrace" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Durham. The pretty village of Bowes is situated amid the unspoilt countryside of Teesdale, in County Durham. The village boasts a traditional old pub and has a long history dating back to the Romans. Its most famous landmark is Bowes Castle, built on...
"Cottage in County Durham" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Durham. A perfect couples getaway, close to the Cathedral City of Durham and market towns of Corbridge and Hexham. Anglers can try their luck at Waskerley and Derwent Reservoirs. Situated close to the Waskerley Way and Pennine Way, there are plenty of...
"Barn in County Durham" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Durham. Nestled within the picturesque landscape of the Durham Dales, this stone built cottage, once a humble farm building, exudes rustic charm and historic allure. Surrounding the cottage, lovely meadows stretch into the distance, crossed by ancient...
"Leazes Cottage" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Durham. Situated in one of the most beautiful counties of England, Durham city is one of the jewels in England’s crown. Dominated by the historic centre, a World Heritage Site, the city is home to magnificent Durham Cathedral, with its breath-taking...
"Barn in County Durham" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Durham. Resting on the edge of Grassholme Reservoir on the outskirts of the village of Mickleton, this one level cottage offers beautiful views across the water and fells. In the summer, Grassholme Reservoir is host to a range of water sports including...
"East Crossthwaite Cottage" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Durham. The Pennines village of Middleton-in-Teesdale sits in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the very heart of Teesdale. There is a range of amenities on offer in Middleton-in-Teesdale, including shops, eateries and pubs. For those who want...
"Grace Cottage" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Durham. This quaint County Durham village sits in Weardale in the heart of the North Pennines aonb, an area known for its excellent bird watching, cycling and walking. As well as two friendly village pubs, one serving food, St John's Chapel offers a...
"High Church Hill" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Durham. This peaceful village is nestled between the North Pennines aonb and the wonderful city of Durham. Witton Gilbert has a convenience shop, two pubs, one of which serves meals, and a Chinese takeout. Durham is only three miles away, and it is...
"Thistlewood House" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Durham. The picturesque town of Wolsingham is a quintessentially British market town in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Nestled in the beautiful valley of Weardale, the town boasts a number of well-regarded pubs, cafes and...
"Church Cottage" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Durham. The market town of Barnard Castle is situated in the unspoilt countryside of Teesdale in County Durham. It stands on the site of an ancient Roman ford which crosses the river.
"Honey Hirst" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Durham. This delightful cottage is nestled in a quiet corner of the village and offers a perfect blend of tranquillity and charm, with a range of picturesque walking and cycling trails from the doorstep. There is a village shop, pub, and restaurants...
"Westholme" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Durham. Nestled deep within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you will find charming town of Middleton-in-Teesdale. With bustling shops, exciting pubs and tasty local eateries, its little wonder this scenic setting is a popular hot...
"Bracken Cottage" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 3 guests in Durham. Stanhope is an ancient market town resting in the Wear Valley, County Durham and within striking distance of the North Pennines. The town is often referred to as the "Capital of Weardale" and sits at the confluence of the river and the Stanhope...
"Beeches Cottage" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Durham. A comfortable detached, three bedroom cottage situated in Weardale, sleeping up to 6 guests. * Size: Sleeps 6, 3 bedrooms.* Nearest beach: 56 mile.* Nearest pub: 1 mile.* Nearest shop: 1 mile.* Pets: Sorry, no pets.* Short breaks: Available...
"Bilberry Nook Cottage" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Durham. Westgate is a small village in Weardale, popular for walking and cycling. Westgate once marked the boundary of Stanhope Park, the scene of many grand, historical, hunting expeditions. Nearby is Slit Wood, a site of Special Scientific Interest,...
"Barn 1" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Durham. Ebchester is a charming village perched on the edge of County Durham, a stone's throw away from the North Pennies Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The village is home to a well-stocked village shop with all the essentials you need for a...
"The Miners Hall Retreat" is a 4 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 8 guests in Durham. Stanley is a quaint former colliery town located in County Durham, near the vibrant cities of Sunderland and Newcastle upon Tyne. The town is known for Beamish, a world-famous open air museum with recreations of Georgian, Victorian and...
"1 Braeside" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Durham. Wearhead is a village in County Durham at the top of Weardale. Named after the source of the River Wear, the village boasts some of the highest peaks in County Durham. Wearhead is set in rural countryside with the nearest shop being 3 miles...
"Cottage in County Durham" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Durham. This pretty village can be found resting on the edge of Teesdale in County Durham. Within the small village, you will be delighted to find a number of shops and dog friendly pubs. Within close reach of the village is the spectacular Raby Castle...
"Queen Elizabeth Suite" is a 4 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 8 guests in Durham. The ancient market town of Stanhope lies in the beautiful Wear Valley in the heart of superb walking country. Described as the "Capital of Weardale", it occupies a sheltered position on the north side of the Wear at the confluence of the river...
"Lavender Cottage" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 3 guests in Durham. In the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the charming village of Wolsingham is a very British market town. The village is a popular stop-off site for travellers, nestled in the lovely valley of Weardale. There are several...
"2 Riverside" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Durham. Arguably the most idyllic little village in unspoilt Teesdale, Romaldkirk has pretty greens, old stone cottages, a beautiful old church and two pubs. The village itself is surrounded by Dales countryside and makes an ideal base for walking and...
"Auckland Cottage" is a 4 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 9 guests in Durham. Wolsingham is a market town resting in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, just 10 miles away from Bishop Auckland. Within the town you will find a magnitude of amenities, including pubs, cafes and restaurants, as well as...
Popular towns in and around Northumberland National Park:
Barnard CastleBishop AucklandDarlingtonDurhamHartlepoolLanchesterShotley BridgeStanhopeSearch within North East England
In terms of culture, Durham has it all. As a recognised World Heritage Site, its architecture is the first point of call for visitors to the county. The Romanesque Cathedral, built as a shrine of worship to St Cuthbert, has an awe-inspiring structure that rests on land in the heart of the River Wear. Surrounded by deep woodlands and charming riverbanks, the Cathedral sits beautifully within the county. Durham Castle, and other monumental buildings used by the University, are close by and are also worth visiting if your interests lie in architecture. Dotted along the River Wear, through Durham city, are three main bridges (Framwellgate, Elvet and Prebends) which all offer beautiful views for visitors to see.
The countryside of County Durham is home to many surprises. The High Force waterfall, plunging 70 feet into the water, is the highest waterfall in England. A walk through the alluring woodlands surrounding the waterfall leads to this captivating sight, where visitors can experience a breathtaking view. The Durham Dales, which partly sit in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, encompasses Teesdale and Weardale, a truly tranquil part of the English countryside. With valleys, moors and hills laced through the Dales, they are a great option for walkers and ramblers alike. Hamsterley Forest offers woodland walks as well as cycling and horse riding routes for those wanting to travel a little differently.
County Durham is also home to many museums. The mining history of Durham is kept alive in Killhope, which offers a snapshot of what life was like for lead mining families in the past. There is also a huge, working water-wheel on site. Beamish, the Living Museum of the North, is a great option for old and young. The outdoor museum depicts everyday life in the North East of England, at the time of the Industrial Revolution. Focusing mostly on Victorian and Edwardian culture, it uses replica buildings, working vehicles and actors in costumes to relive the era. Beamish is renowned in the North-East of England as a great family day out; an unmissable trip for tourists.
Architecture, history and local culture are all great reasons to visit County Durham. Experience beautiful buildings and bridges or take a trip to a unique outdoor museum. Wander down the cobbled streets of the city of Durham into a local pub and you will witness the renowned, friendly nature of the people. Durham is a place where you will never be short of good company! Alternatively, for something more relaxing, visit the moors of the Durham Dales and catch a glimpse of the infamous waterfall. Whatever you decide, Durham is an interesting and fantastic county to fulfil anyone's holiday needs.
