Bramble Cottage at Stowhouse Farm

Old Cornsay, County Durham

Sleeps: 3

» Price Range pw: £232-£493

Kitchen/dining room. Sitting room with gas 'wood burner effect' stove in fireplace. Double bedroom. Bathroom/WC with separate shower cubicle. Single bedroom.

Nestling within 120 acres of peaceful farmland, four pretty and very comfortable cottages are ideally situated for exploring the unspoilt treasures of England's northerly counties. Attractions as diverse as Northumberland's glorious coastline, Beamish Open Air Museum and Newcastle's Metro Centre shopping lie within easy reach and Durham city, with its castle and cathedral is just 9 miles. The city hosts an annual regatta – England's oldest rowing competition – and the colourful Miners' Gala, Christmas Festival and numerous folk events provide excellent entertainment. Visitors can experience the working conditions of Victorian miners in the original tunnel at Killhope Lead Mining Museum, or explore Raby Castle, one of the country's most impressive medieval fortresses, at Staindrop. Quiet, roads pass through countryside and some of the finest scenery in England, whilst glorious walking starts from the door and the coast to coast cycle track is nearby, as are golf, coarse and fly fishing and riding. Shops 2 miles. Pub serving food ½ mile.