Holiday cottages in County Durham

County Durham is well known for its breathtaking countryside, its friendly people and its quiet pace of life. The north west of the county includes the North Pennines which has been designated an area of outstanding natural beauty. This remote moorland is always beautiful, but it’s at its best in late summer when the hills are smothered in purple heather. So why not think about renting a holiday cottage in late August?

Try to make time to visit the City of Durham which is well known for its Norman cathedral and its 11th century castle. These are both World Heritage Sites and well worth a visit. In fact, if castles are your thing, then County Durham boasts ten of them in all.

Further south, near Teesdale, is the powerful High Force waterfall. At 71 feet, this may not be the UK’s highest waterfall, but it must be one of the most spectacular. The entire River Tees charges off a vertical cliff edge and you’ll hear the crashing water long before you see it.

If you’re anywhere near Stanley or Chester-le-Street, then you’ll enjoy a day out at the award-winning Beamish Museum. This living museum is set outdoors and has a wide range of events throughout the year and the Georgian Fair in early June is not to be missed.