Holiday Cottages in Durham
County Durham combines historic cities and villages with dramatic countryside, open moorland and a rugged stretch of North Sea coastline.
Durham City is dominated by its magnificent cathedral and castle, while beyond the city the Durham Dales and North Pennines offer a very different experience of rolling hills, valleys, rivers and open countryside.
To the east, the Durham Heritage Coast provides clifftop walks, beaches and wide sea views, while historic attractions and country estates offer plenty to discover in between.
Premier Cottages has a small but varied collection of luxury holiday cottages in Durham, providing a comfortable base for exploring the county and surrounding North East.
Luxury Self-Catering Cottages in Durham
A self-catering cottage gives you the freedom and privacy to enjoy County Durham at your own pace. Spend the day exploring the countryside, visiting historic attractions or walking along the coast, then return to your own comfortable accommodation.
The collection includes properties of different sizes, with options suitable for couples and families as well as larger accommodation for groups and family gatherings.
Depending on the property, you may also find features such as private hot tubs, gardens, games facilities and outdoor space.
Romantic Cottages in Durham
Durham's peaceful countryside, historic villages and dramatic landscapes make an appealing setting for a romantic break.
Our collection includes cottages suitable for couples, providing a relaxing base for exploring the countryside together or simply taking some time away.
Some properties also offer private hot tubs, making them particularly appealing for a relaxing countryside escape.
Whether you're celebrating an anniversary or simply looking for a quieter break for two, a luxury cottage gives you the privacy and flexibility to enjoy Durham at your own pace.
Family-Friendly Cottages in Durham
County Durham offers plenty for family holidays, combining outdoor adventures with castles, museums, historic attractions and days out.
Our family-friendly cottages provide comfortable accommodation, with some properties offering gardens, games facilities, outdoor space and other family-friendly features.
Beamish, The Living Museum of the North is one of the area's best-known family attractions, while Durham City and the surrounding countryside provide plenty of other options for days out.
Large Holiday Cottages in Durham
Durham also offers accommodation suited to larger family gatherings and holidays with friends.
Some properties can accommodate larger parties, providing spacious living areas and shared facilities that make it possible for everyone to stay together.
This can be particularly useful for multigenerational holidays, celebrations and group getaways.
Durham City and Its Historic Heritage
Durham City is one of the county's greatest attractions, with its historic centre built around the River Wear and dominated by Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle.
The cathedral and castle form a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while the surrounding streets offer independent shops, cafés, restaurants and historic buildings.
The city makes an excellent destination for a day out, combining history and architecture with a lively modern centre.
Beyond Durham City, attractions such as Auckland Castle and Finchale Priory provide further opportunities to explore the county's history.
The Durham Dales and North Pennines
The Durham Dales and North Pennines offer some of the county's most spectacular countryside, with hills, valleys, waterfalls, rivers and open moorland.
The area is particularly well suited to walking and cycling, with quiet country lanes and extensive networks of footpaths and trails.
The North Pennines National Landscape also provides opportunities for wildlife watching, stargazing and exploring some of the quieter landscapes of northern England.
A cottage in County Durham makes an excellent base for discovering these landscapes before returning to the comfort of your own accommodation.
The Durham Heritage Coast
The Durham Heritage Coast stretches along the North Sea, with clifftop paths, beaches, grasslands and wide coastal views.
Walking the coast provides a different perspective on the county, while historic coastal villages and nearby attractions offer opportunities to combine outdoor activities with sightseeing.
Although the Premier Cottages collection in Durham is small, the wider county makes an appealing destination for guests looking to combine countryside and coast.
History, Heritage and Days Out
Durham has a long industrial and cultural history, with attractions ranging from medieval castles and monasteries to former mining landscapes and museums.
Beamish offers a particularly immersive experience, recreating life in North East England across different periods, while the Durham mining heritage sites provide further insight into the region's industrial past.
For history enthusiasts, Durham provides plenty to explore beyond the cathedral itself.
Walking, Cycling and Outdoor Adventures
County Durham is an excellent destination for outdoor activities, with the Durham Dales, North Pennines and Heritage Coast providing a variety of landscapes to explore.
Walk through the hills and valleys, follow riverside paths, cycle quiet country lanes or explore the coast on foot.
The county also provides access to wider North East destinations, including Northumberland and the Yorkshire Dales, depending on where you choose to stay.
After a day outdoors, return to your cottage to relax and enjoy the privacy of self-catering accommodation.
Dog-Friendly Cottages in Durham
Durham's countryside, walking routes and coastal landscapes make it a good destination for a holiday with dogs.
Some Premier Cottages in Durham welcome dogs, allowing you to bring your four-legged companion along.
Check each individual property listing for its specific dog policy, facilities and any applicable charges.
Choosing Your Luxury Cottage in Durham
With a small but varied selection of luxury cottages in County Durham, you can search according to your dates, group size, location and the facilities that matter most to you.
Looking for a romantic cottage for two? Need somewhere family-friendly or dog-friendly? Want a private hot tub? Or perhaps you're planning a larger gathering with family or friends?
Use the property listings above and our search filters to find the Durham holiday cottage that's right for you.
Why Book a Premier Cottage in Durham?
Premier Cottages is a collection of independent holiday cottage owners who share a commitment to quality. Our properties are 4 and 5 Star luxury self-catering accommodation, giving you a consistently high standard while retaining the individual character of each cottage.
When you book through Premier Cottages, you book direct with the owner. This means you can communicate with the people who know their cottage and its local area best, while enjoying the privacy, flexibility and space of a self-catering holiday.
From romantic countryside escapes and family holidays to group gatherings and outdoor breaks, discover a Durham cottage that's right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luxury Holiday Cottages in Durham
What areas of County Durham have holiday cottages?
Premier Cottages has luxury holiday cottages in different parts of County Durham, including countryside locations within reach of the Durham Dales, North Pennines and Durham City. The collection changes as new properties join, so check the current cottages above for the latest locations.
Are Premier Cottages in Durham luxury cottages?
Yes. Premier Cottages specialises in high-quality self-catering accommodation, with properties achieving a 4 or 5 Star grading through our quality standards. Individual cottages vary in size, style, facilities and setting.
Can I find cottages for couples in Durham?
Yes. The collection includes cottages suitable for couples looking for peaceful countryside or romantic breaks.
Are there family-friendly cottages in Durham?
Yes. Our Durham collection includes family-friendly properties with gardens, outdoor space and other facilities suitable for family holidays.
Can I find large holiday cottages in Durham?
Yes. Some Premier Cottages in Durham provide spacious accommodation suitable for larger groups and family gatherings.
Are there cottages with hot tubs in Durham?
Yes. Some Premier Cottages in Durham offer private hot tubs.
Are there dog-friendly cottages in Durham?
Yes. Some Premier Cottages in Durham welcome dogs.
Is Durham good for walking holidays?
Yes. The Durham Dales, North Pennines and Heritage Coast provide a variety of walking opportunities, from countryside routes through the hills and valleys to coastal paths.
Can I visit Durham Cathedral from a holiday cottage?
Yes. Durham Cathedral is one of County Durham's most important attractions and can be visited from cottages throughout much of the county, depending on the location of your property.
Can I visit the North Pennines from a Durham holiday cottage?
Yes. The North Pennines are within County Durham and provide excellent opportunities for walking, cycling, wildlife watching and exploring the countryside.
Can I visit Beamish from a Durham holiday cottage?
Yes. Beamish, The Living Museum of the North is one of County Durham's best-known attractions and makes an excellent day out for families and anyone interested in the region's history.
Can I book a Durham holiday cottage direct with the owner?
Yes. Premier Cottages is a collection of independent holiday cottage owners, and properties are booked direct with the owner. This gives you the opportunity to communicate directly with the people who know the cottage and its local area best.
Find Your Luxury Holiday Cottage in Durham
From the historic city and cathedral to the Durham Dales, North Pennines and Heritage Coast, discover a luxury holiday cottage for your next County Durham escape.
Browse our collection, explore the available cottages and find the perfect base for your holiday.