Stanley Cottage

Durham Cathedral and its castle are within reach, along with the university's museums and riverside walks. Stanley itself has shops and restaurants, and you're close enough to venture further—Beamish Museum, Hadrian's Wall, and the North Pennines are all accessible for day trips. The cottage works as a base whether you want to stay put or travel out.

Stanley Cottage has four bedrooms spread across two floors: three with double beds that can be separated into singles, and one with bunks. The bathroom is on the first floor; there's a separate toilet downstairs too. The kitchen is equipped for proper cooking—gas hob and oven, dishwasher, microwave—and the living room has a smart TV and log-effect fire. Bed linen, towels, heating, electricity and wi-fi are all included. One dog stays free.

The back garden is the real draw: a private hot tub fits four, there's furniture and a barbecue, and you can park three cars on site. The cottage takes up the whole property, so you're not sharing with anyone else. No smoking inside. Children under five can use a travel cot and highchairs; stairgates are available too.