County Durham Travel Guide

Interested in visiting County Durham?  Visit County Durham and discover the stunning countryside of the Durham Dales and North Pennines, charming towns and pretty villages, the magnificent city of Durham, historic attractions and more.  If you love nature and outdoor pursuits, there is plenty to discover and explore on a cottage holiday in County Durham, in the North East of England.
 

So What Exactly Does County Durham Offer for Cottage Holidays?

County Durham in Northern England has lots to offer for cottage holidays.  Let’s consider each attraction in turn.

• Countryside of the Durham Dales and North Pennines
   
• Charming Towns and Villages in County Durham
   
• The Historic City of Durham
   
• Historical Attractions in County Durham

Countryside of the Durham Dales and North Pennines 

Discover the land of the 'Prince Bishops', in the north east of England with a trip to County Durham.  Enjoy walking and hiking through the Durham Dales and exploring the rolling hills, unspoilt moorlands and riverside scenery.  Remember to stop off at local pubs along the way, for a bit of respite and a refreshing drink.

The stunning North Pennines is also just waiting to be discovered.  The Pennine Way can guide you to some of the best of the area.  Enjoy hill walking and wildlife watching in nature reserves, wooded ravines and discover amazing waterfalls like High Force within the dramatic landscape of the Pennine hills.

Also popular for its forest trails and cycle routes is Hamsterley Forest.

For a taste of some of the best of the countryside, remember to stock up on local produce to cook up at your holiday home with trips to the local farm shop.
 

County Durham’s Charming Towns and Villages

The best known towns and villages in County Durham include the lovely market town of Barnard Castle with its castle ruins, independent shops and walks by the rivderside, and Stanhope which offers much of the same on a smaller scale.
 

The Historic City of Durham 

Visit the city of Durham with its grand cathedral, castle now used as student accommodation, step back in time in the cobbled streets of nearby towns, take tea in a traditional tea shop...

The shopping centre has a lively air contributed to by the thousands of students in term time.

Durham also plays host to many events, including Lumiere Durham; a superb light festival which takes place in November every other year.  Visit in December and you may be lucky enough to catch the Durham Christmas festival.
 
 

Historical Attractions in County Durham 

Some of County Durham’s best historical attractions include:

•    The City of Durham’s Norman Cathedral and Castle.

•    Beamish Museum

•    Auckland Castle

•    Raby Castle
 

Book a Cosy Holiday Cottage in County Durham

County Durham is home to a good selection of traditional cottages with cosy features like woodburners and open fireplaces.  Pet-friendly rentals are available for those holidaying with dogs too.  Relax and unwind at a home from home, or for something even more relaxing why not rent a County Durham holiday house with a hot tub for relaxing soaks after invigorating days out exploring the hills?  For northern hospitality and ample charm, County Durham has so very much to offer.

Search holiday cottages in County Durham

We hope we’ve inspired you with our guide to what County Durham offers for cottage breaks, and whether you opt to visit in winter or summer time, we hope you have a fabulous time.