Log Cabins & Lodges in County Durham

Durham County is a quintessential English County loaded with nostalgia from yesteryear. Its winding cobblestone streets will captivate your heart. The famed Durham Cathedral UNESCO site, Wear River cruises and kayaking adventures will make it all worthwhile. Not to mention strolling along the riverside to catch prime entertainment at the Gala Theatre. Boasting superb cafés, art workshops, incredible nature trails and boutique shopping sprees, you can have it all, and close to your log cabin. This area truly has something for everyone.

Indulge in all the stunning, natural scenery that the Durham countryside has to offer without compromising any of the comforts. These lodges are fully equipped with all the amenities, not to mention gardens and gorgeous views. Feel cosy in the living room with a fireplace and TV. Dine outdoors, or take your holiday to the next level by booking a log cabin with a hot tub. Reasonably priced and a great find for any traveller, these lodges will definitely provide exactly what you need for an amazing holiday.

Dust off your boots and head for the North Pennines Area of Natural Beauty. You’ll enjoy heathered moors, meadows of wildflowers, and spellbinding valleys carved out by powerful rivers. Bronze Age burial mounds and archaic villages are all tucked away in these mountains. For a little wildlife entertainment, head over to WWT Washington Wetland Centre where common terns put on aerial acrobatic shows and Asian otters delight with their river antics. The café, rare wildfowl, and play area all await! Jump aboard the Prince Bishop River Cruise and be entertained while visiting the best sites from the water.

Durham is known for its culture. The Durham Museum and Heritage Centre, housed in St Mary-le-Bow church built in 1080, highlights stained-glass windows and intricately carved wainscotting. The museum exhibits a fascinating model of the mediaeval version of the city, while Durham University’s Palace Green Library houses the Museum of Archaeology featuring collections from the Roman, Norman, and mediaeval periods. Barnard Castle is where Charles Dickens resided collecting content for ‘Nicholas Nickleby’. Finally, the Gala Theatre is a must for opera and live performances with two cinemas and a live stage.

If you love nature and walking through rich scenery, Durham County will not disappoint! Blackhall Rocks and Cross Gill are coastal areas filled with natural wonders from aeons ago. You’ll see reef limestone and interesting caves along this important geological and wildlife reserve. Travellers will be exposed to rare species of butterflies, plants like the bird’s eye primrose, and much more. Stargazing is also spectacular as the dark skies offer myriads of stars. Hamsterley Forest features an elaborate network of pathways for wandering the woodlands and Tees Valley. Mountain bikes are perfect for the more adventurous trails.

High Force Waterfall is fed by the river Tees into an ancient gorge with even more ancient rocks below. This site is also the location for the darkest night skies where you can see a myriad of heavenly jewels after twilight and, if you’re lucky, the Northern Aurora Borealis too!

Durham Cathedral and Castle, built in the early 12th century, is a Norman architectural accomplishment and is a testament to the Norman conquest of Britain. Be sure to see the Galilee Chapel, Norman Nave, and Cathedral Tower with its 325 steps. The cloister buildings in the courtyard are 14th century and were featured in Harry Potter’s first film.

The Plotters’ Forest at Raby features a hidden enchanting playground in the mysterious forest. Built with special designs inspired by Raby Castle’s architectural style, the children and young adults will be enamoured by the Neville Gateway, Plotter’s Spire and unusual pentagon shapes. The café is on the top floor for refreshments.

Seaham has many lovely beaches to walk along and enjoy the sea. Seaham Hall Beach is the best for embarking on the global pastime of collecting unique sea glass, thanks to its proximity to the Londonderry Bottleworks where huge amounts of glass were dumped into the North Sea from 1850- 1921.

Beamish features an early 1900s open air museum where you can see costumed staff bring to life the Pit Village and Pockerley Old Hall. Even the transportation is period-themed. Stanhope means “Fortified Hill” and boasts a lovely castle and famous stepping stones across the Wear River. Middleton-in-teesdale is the walker’s choice for its numerous trails winding through rich countryside.

Durham’s Heritage Coast offers leisurely hikes with dramatic vistas. The coastal grasslands support orchids, and ancient forests of oak, ash, and yew trees. Wildlife, such as badger, deer, and fox can also be sighted. In the sea you’ll find porpoises, seals, dolphins, and whales. There’s so much to see along this 11-mile pathway, keep your camera handy!

The iconic Bowes Museum, built in 1892, was designed in the French château architectural style and houses a fascinating collection of French and European art. One of the highlights includes the 18th century singing silver Swan automaton. The museum grounds are also beautiful, nestled in the County Durham countryside.