Discover the Heart of the North East: Attractions in and Around County Durham
With two cottages in County Durham and one in the charming village of Lanchester, our holiday lets offer the perfect base for exploring this captivating part of England. From historic marvels and family-friendly fun to stunning natural landscapes, there's something to enchant every visitor.
Historic and Cultural Gems
Durham City: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Durham's historic centre is dominated by the magnificent Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle. Wander the cobbled streets, enjoy a peaceful riverside walk, or even climb the Cathedral tower for a breathtaking view of the city and surrounding countryside.
Angel of the North: Standing proudly on a hillside just south of Gateshead, this iconic sculpture by Antony Gormley is a powerful symbol of the North East. Its imposing size and graceful form make it a must-see landmark, visible from the A1 and with a car park for a closer look.
Beamish, The Living Museum of the North: Step back in time at this open-air museum. Ride a tram, explore a 1900s colliery village, a 1940s farm, and a 1950s town, and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of North East history.
The Auckland Project, Bishop Auckland: This impressive collection of attractions includes Auckland Castle, the historic home of the Prince Bishops of Durham, a Spanish Gallery, and the fascinating Mining Art Gallery, which celebrates the work of artists who depicted the life and community of the local mining industry.
Raby Castle: One of England's best-preserved medieval castles, Raby Castle offers a glimpse into history with its grand halls and beautiful gardens. Keep an eye out for the deer roaming freely in the expansive parkland.
Family Fun and Adventure
Hall Hill Farm (near Lanchester): Just a short drive from Lanchester, this working farm is a huge hit with children. You can get up close with animals, enjoy a tractor ride, and have fun on the play areas.
Diggerland Durham: For a truly unique day out, Diggerland is an amusement park where kids and adults can operate real diggers, dump trucks, and other construction machinery.
Hamsterley Forest: This vast woodland offers a playground for all ages. Enjoy scenic walking and cycling trails, a high-ropes course, and fantastic play areas for the kids.
Holmside Park: An excellent option for active families, with over 20 indoor and outdoor activities, from trampolining to an adventure park.
Natural Beauty and Outdoor Pursuits
High Force Waterfall: Located in the stunning Durham Dales, High Force is one of England's most spectacular waterfalls, where the River Tees plunges 21 metres into a pool below. The surrounding area is perfect for walkers and nature lovers.
The Lanchester Valley Walk: Right on your doorstep in Lanchester, this disused railway line is now a flat, traffic-free path ideal for a relaxing stroll or a family bike ride through beautiful countryside and woodland.
Durham Heritage Coast: Take a trip to the coast and explore the dramatic clifftop scenery and unique wildlife of this beautiful stretch of coastline from Seaham to Crimdon. It's a fantastic spot for a walk and even a little sea glass hunting.
North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty: A short drive will take you into the heart of the North Pennines, with its wild moors, dramatic valleys, and dark skies perfect for stargazing.
Retail Therapy in the North East
For those who love to shop, you're spoiled for choice with three fantastic retail destinations within easy reach of our holiday homes.
Metrocentre, Gateshead: Located just across the river from Newcastle, the Metrocentre is one of the largest shopping centres in the UK. It's an all-in-one destination with over 200 shops, restaurants, and leisure facilities. You'll find a huge range of high street brands, as well as department stores like Marks & Spencer and Next.
Newcastle upon Tyne: A vibrant and bustling city, Newcastle offers a brilliant mix of shopping experiences. In the heart of the city, Eldon Square is home to over 100 shops, while the historic Grainger Market offers a traditional and independent shopping experience. For a lively weekend outing, be sure to visit the Quayside Market, which takes place every Sunday and features a wide array of local crafts, art, street food, and unique gifts.
Durham City: Durham's shopping scene offers a charming blend of independent shops and high-street names, all set against a stunning historic backdrop. Wander through the winding, cobbled streets like Saddler Street and Elvet Bridge to discover a host of independent boutiques, gift shops, and art galleries.
Local Delights: Lanchester and Shotley Bridge
Our holiday lets are perfectly situated to let you experience the best of local life. Both Lanchester and nearby Shotley Bridge offer a relaxed pace and a handful of hidden gems.
Lanchester Village: A historic Roman village, Lanchester is home to the remains of the Roman fort, Longovicium, which can be explored on the Lanchester Roman Walk. The village also has a wonderful array of local pubs and cafes to enjoy, as well as the popular Lanchester Garden Centre, which features an aquatic centre and its own small zoo, Potters World, perfect for a fun family outing.
Shotley Bridge: This picturesque village is known for its beautiful stone buildings and historic connections to a sword-making industry. Enjoy a walk along the scenic riverside, or a stroll in the local Allensford Country Park, which has a great play area for children and is perfect for a picnic.
County Durham offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from the ancient to the adventurous. We hope this guide inspires you to explore everything this wonderful county has to offer during your stay with us.
