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
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 riverfront holiday cottage a short walk over the River Tees from Barnard Castle, 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.
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.
A cosy period cottage in the beautiful Durham Dales, Owl Cottage has been beautifully restored and refurbished to provide a very comfortable holiday home for couples and individual travellers. It is in the historic market town of Middleton-on-Tees, within walking distance of pubs, tea rooms and shops, and within excellent access to fantastic footpaths and cycling routes. Though well-known as a walker's paradise, Middleton-on-Tees is also close to the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the Lake District National Park, putting you within easy reach of some of the best views in the north of England. Bookings, including short breaks of at least three nights, are possible all year round.
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
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.
Popular towns in and around Northumberland National Park:
Barnard CastleBishop AucklandDarlingtonStanhopeSearch 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.
