Searching for self-catering accommodation near Durham? Take a look at these holiday cottages, and book a relaxing break today.
The city of Durham, in north-east England, is a fantastic place for a UK holiday.
The city is small but very beautiful and well equipped, and the transport links are excellent. So, whether you want a romantic retreat, a family holiday or a getaway with friends, Durham city and the surrounding area is an excellent choice.
The rest of County Durham is also a great location for a holiday. Visit the county’s picturesque market towns, or drive to the Durham Heritage Coast for walks along the winding coastal path. Alternatively, head south into the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to take in the lovely views of the open countryside.
If you’ve decided to holiday in Durham but need help in your search for the perfect holiday cottage, we at Breakfree Holidays are here for you. We’ve put together a list of four of our favourite holiday cottages near Durham. Take a look and start booking your Breakfree Holidays getaway today!
Self-Catering Durham Holiday Cottages
- Rosewood Cottage, Durham
- Stackyard, Witton Gilbert, County Durham
- The Print Shop, Barnard Castle, Yorkshire Dales
- The Turnip Barn, Witton Gilbert, County Durham
Rosewood Cottage
Location: Durham City
Great for: Family stays near the city centre
This beautiful cottage is conveniently located for families or small groups who want to be in the heart of Durham city.
It’s walking distance from the centre of town, providing easy access to the best sights, attractions and restaurants in the area. In under 30 minutes, you can be admiring the pointed spires of Durham Cathedral.
Even closer than that, you’ll find a pub just 0.1 miles from the property. You can stroll down for a drink or a bite to eat without having to worry about finding your way home again.
Facilities: This holiday cottage has three bedrooms and can sleep five guests. Two bedrooms are doubles, and there’s one cosy single. The master bedroom is equipped with a lovely en-suite, featuring a walk-in shower.
There’s also a family bathroom downstairs that features a nice bathtub – perfect for soaking away any sore muscles after a long day of hiking or sightseeing!
The living area is rustic and welcoming, with a working gas fire and plenty of blankets to keep you lovely and warm if you plan to visit County Durham in the winter – it can get cold up here!
Guests can also use the fully equipped kitchen for rustling up any meals, and there’s a comfortable dining area too. The cottage also boasts a picturesque patio area, with furniture and a coffee table so you can sit outside and enjoy a drink or a cuppa if the weather’s good.
Stackyard
Location: Witton Gilbert, County Durham
Great for: Luxurious stays with plenty of outdoor space
This beautiful holiday cottage is situated on the site of a beautiful farm in the village of Witton Gilbert. It’s about 3 miles from Durham city centre, but there are a couple of good pubs in the village itself, so you don’t have to travel if you don’t fancy leaving your luxury cottage! Other local amenities include a small village shop where you can stock up on essentials.
You’ll also be well placed to visit the North Pennines AONB and the Durham Dales, beautiful areas for walking and cycling. If you’re outdoorsy, you can also head to the Durham Heritage Coastline for an afternoon of brisk sea air and coastal walks.
Facilities: Stackyard is a perfect property for groups of six, with plenty of space for three couples. There are three bedrooms, each of which has a comfortable king-size bed.
There’s an en-suite shower room attached to two of these bedrooms, while the third has an en-suite bathroom with both a bathtub and a shower. The fact that there are three bathrooms means every pair of guests can have their own space.
The cottage also has a spacious open-plan living area. It features stylish yet comfortable sofas and armchairs, as well as a dining table and a well-equipped kitchen. You and your friends will be able to cook spectacular meals and enjoy dining together indoors or outside on the deck.
The property boasts a private garden with plenty of space for kids (or pets!) to run around. Two dogs are welcome to come and stay here, so you can sleep easy knowing you won’t have to worry about your pets back home.
The whole cottage is furnished to a high standard, with an emphasis on quality. But the pièce de résistance of this property has got to be the hot tub. It’s the perfect place for a relaxing soak.
The Print Shop
Location: Barnard Castle, Yorkshire Dales
Great for: Romantic getaways in a cosy cottage
Just on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, this cute little cottage in Barnard Castle is a perfect choice for couples in search of a romantic escape.
The cottage is tucked away but still within easy reach of the market town’s amenities. You’ll find pubs, shops, restaurants and plenty of gorgeous attractions to keep you and your loved one occupied.
Take a stroll down towards the castle that the town is named for – it’s the perfect place to test your eyesight by seeing if you can spot the boar emblem of Richard III that’s hidden on a high window.
The River Tees, which winds its way through the centre of this picturesque town, is a lovely place for a romantic stroll. Alternatively, hop in the car and drive 15 miles north along the river to see the magnificent High Force Waterfall, one of the most beautiful falls in England.
Durham city is only 20 miles from Barnard Castle, so you’ll be ideally placed to pay a visit to the pretty cathedral city during your stay as well.
Facilities: The Print Shop is perfectly equipped for two people in search of romance. The cottage is cute and cosy; it’s small but surprisingly spacious indoors and is very well equipped too.
The property has a reverse layout, so you’ll find the bedroom and bathroom downstairs. The bedroom is the ideal place for cuddling up with your loved one for a film night – there’s a TV in the room so you can put on your favourite movie and nestle in for the night!
Upstairs, you’ll find a lovely open-plan living space. There’s a comfortable sofa and another television, as well as a kitchen area that features a hob and a microwave. There’s even a dishwasher, meaning you won’t have to spend time washing up afterwards!
The stone-built property is a perfect base for exploring County Durham and beyond. It’s simply idyllic.
The Turnip Barn
Location: Witton Gilbert, County Durham
Great for: Characterful farm stays with friends
This beautiful cottage is a listed farm building in the village of Witton Gilbert. It’s situated just a 10-minute walk from a shop and a pub, so you’ll have everything you need within walking distance.
There are also several walking routes and footpaths that you can follow from right outside the property, so this is an ideal choice of accommodation for groups who want to get outside and enjoy some natural beauty. It’s a dog-friendly cottage too, so you can bring your pooches or pups along with you for these strolls!
Durham city centre is within easy reach of the property, and the bustling city of Newcastle-upon-Tyne is 21 miles away. Head for a fun night of dancing with pals, and take a taxi back to your peaceful farm cottage!
Facilities: When you arrive at this property, you’ll be taken aback by both the size and the style. It’s a large farmhouse that’s been wonderfully renovated – it has every mod con but manages to retain an authentic style too. It’s a charming and characterful place with plenty to keep guests happy.
The property has three bedrooms and can sleep six, meaning it’s perfect for groups of friends or a family. There are two double rooms with king-size beds and one twin room. Each bedroom has an en-suite bathroom, and all rooms are beautifully furnished.
The sitting room has a charming wood-burning stove, as well as French patio doors that lead out into the enclosed garden. Let your dogs outside to run around, or take yourself outside with a cup of tea in the morning. The garden also features a barbecue and a table and chairs, so you can cook up a feast when the sun shines!
If the weather isn’t so good, don’t worry. Inside, you’ll find a spacious and fully equipped kitchen, with everything you need to cook a delicious meal for your friends or family.
This holiday home is light, bright and spacious – it really does make for the perfect group getaway.
Visit County Durham for a Great Holiday or Short Break
Durham County and the city of Durham are excellent destinations for a holiday in the north-east of England.
You’ll have easy access to some great nightlife in Newcastle and beautiful countryside and walking routes in the nearby North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Even the Lake District National Park is accessible by car in under two hours. You’ll also be within easy reach of the coast, so short breaks here could include clifftop walks or a day at the beach.
Cottages in County Durham provide a perfect base for exploring the area. Book your stay in one of our favourite self-catering properties.
Haven’t decided on an area yet? Check out these holiday properties in Cromer or cottages near Oxford instead.