Cottages in Durham

A county of contrasts, holidays in one of the delightful cottages of Durham offer the city lover vibrant and exciting places to visit, while those seeking the tranquillity of the countryside will enjoy a cottage in the calm and peaceful open spaces surrounding the town. Cottages in County Durham are set in countless miles of open public space, plus with the coast less than ten miles from the eastern side of the county and the city of Durham in a central location, you will have easy access to your ideal holiday, whatever that looks like!

Cottages in Durham are spacious and well presented. Many of the cottages are converted farms, giving them a cosy, rural feel, with large gardens and patios, ready to enjoy outdoor dining or a well-deserved glass of wine. Children will have no shortage of space to run around and burn off energy, and those who enjoy long walks in the country will have immediate access to miles and miles of trails. Cottages in Durham typically have plenty of bedrooms, so they’re a wonderful place to stay for groups or a larger family.

Nearly a thousand years old, Durham Cathedral is one of the most spectacular houses of worship in the world. During that time the Cathedral has seen many changes, including a stint as a prison during the English Civil War. Oliver Cromwell used it to imprison thousands of Scottish captives from the Battle of Dunbar. Durham Cathedral houses the famous Cathedral Library, originally founded in 635 by Lindisfarne Monks! The library now houses important religious and political documents, including a copy of the Magna Carta.

It’s no surprise that County Durham has some of the UK’s most spectacular golf courses across its stunning landscapes. Brancepeth Castle Golf Club has a challenging course with amazing views of its namesake, Brancepeth Castle. Beamish Park Golf Club is to the north of Durham, and as well as a superb golf course, it’s well known for its welcoming and hospitable bar and restaurant – a real treat for the whole family. You’ll be spoilt for choice with many other golf courses, waiting to be discovered and enjoyed during your holiday in Durham.

There’s plenty to enthral even the most hardened of thrill seekers on a holiday to Durham. Why not check out the Beamish Wild high ropes activity course? Climb through the treetops and swing on the ropes as you navigate the forest from way above the ground. Treetop height not high enough for you? Head to the Peterlee parachute centre to experience a once in a lifetime free-fall jump. Durham: Guaranteed to leave you feeling exhilarated!

Traveling to Durham with small children? Don’t miss Adventure Valley, packed with adventure playgrounds, a petting zoo and shows and events. With indoor and outdoor areas there’s super fun whatever the weather.

The living museum of the North, Beamish immerses you into the past, taking you down detailed and accurate reproductions of streets and homes of people who lived in Beamish in the late 1800s and early 1900s. History and education combined for a brilliant day out.

Opened in 1969 and named after the moon mission of the same name, the Apollo Pavilion is an excellent example of 1960s architecture and public art. Designed by Edwin John Victor Pasmore, this is an important art piece from the middle of the 20th century.

Don’t miss the famous Weardale Tapestry; this huge 16 feet long hanging portrays the history of Weardale in brightly depicted hand-embroidered images. The museum also has an excellent depiction of many historical items and is enjoyed by young and old alike.

Located in the heart of Durham city, the Palace Green Library holds many of the region’s precious historical documents and special collections. It has free-to-visit galleries which share the history of Durham and the surrounding area.

Bishop Auckland’s new gallery houses fine art exhibitions with a focus on European paintings from 1600 to 1900. You’ll find rare pieces on loan from private collectors across the UK which have not been on public view before.

Formerly home to the Prince Bishops of Durham, hugely wealthy and powerful men from Elizabethan times, the Castle is now a fascinating place to visit. Top sights include the largest private chapel in the whole of Europe, fine plasterwork and extravagant furnishings.