County Durham

With everything from rich urban culture to rugged coastal scenery on offer, Durham has something for everyone. And it might surprise you, because a holiday cottage in County Durham is not just about visiting the world-famous Norman cathedral, it is also an opportunity to explore cobbled streets and diverse landscapes, to shop and sightsee, and to either relax or get active depending on the sort of holiday you want. The city itself has enormous curb appeal – visit the traditional university, discover the historic magic of the castle, wander round galleries and museums, shop in boutiques and markets, and sit in charming quintessentially English cafes. And outside the main city there are plenty of unique places to stay in County Durham. Take a look at the market town of Barnard Castle (home to the fascinating Bowes Museum), Bishop Auckland (home to Auckland Castle) and Chester-le-Street (home to a popular cricket ground!). 

One thing’s for sure - any holiday house in north east England guarantees some stunning surroundings. Did you know that County Durham has an award-winning stretch of Heritage Coast? The coastal path winds through unspoilt grasslands and around beautiful beaches and headlands, or you could stop off at the buzzing harbour town of Seaham, with its spa and seaside restaurants. And photographers, nature lovers and outdoor activity enthusiasts must spend some time in the Durham Dales, part of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. These peaceful hills and valleys, strewn with market towns, forests and rivers, are an unbeatable setting for a holiday cottage in County Durham, and sights like High Force waterfall and Raby Castle are unmissable. It’s doesn’t matter whether you’re a town mouse or a country mouse, a holiday in County Durham is hard to beat.