Swan Cottage

Families and small groups will find Swan Cottage works well for a few days away. The two bedrooms—one with a king bed, one with bunks—sleep four, and there's a single bathroom with a walk-in shower. Downstairs, the living and dining room has a woodburning stove where you can warm up after exploring outside. The kitchen is equipped for proper cooking: electric oven, gas hob, microwave and dishwasher mean you're not limited to heating takeaways.

The cottage stands in Barnard Castle, a market town with independent shops, galleries, coffee spots and pubs within walking distance. A farmers market runs weekly. Nearby are the Bowes Museum and the castle ruins themselves, both overlooking the River Tees. Beyond the town, public footpaths and cycle routes head into the surrounding countryside and along the river. The garden and courtyard provide outdoor space, and parking is on road.

Essentials like electricity, heating, bed linen, towels and wifi are included; there's also initial fuel for the woodburner. The property is no-smoking throughout. You arrive from 3pm and depart by 10am.