Durham Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Durham Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Durham packs a lot into a small area. The city centre is compact enough to explore on foot but rich in attractions. Durham Cathedral (Palace Green, DH1 3EH) opens 10am-4pm Monday-Saturday and 12:30pm-4pm Sunday and remains free to enter though donations are welcome. I recommend climbing the tower for £5.50 to get amazing views across the city.

Beamish Open Air Museum (DH9 0RG) sits just north of Durham and scores 4.8/5 on TripAdvisor. It's a living history museum where you can ride trams, visit coal mines and experience life in the 1820s, 1900s and 1940s. Open daily 10am-5pm, it's worth allocating a full day here.

The Bowes Museum (DL12 8NP) houses an impressive collection of European fine art in a French-style château. Its famous mechanical Silver Swan dates from 1773 and still works! TripAdvisor gives it 4.5/5. Open daily 10am-5pm, tickets cost £15.50 for adults.

We always tell visitors not to miss High Force Waterfall in Teesdale. It's England's largest waterfall and absolutely spectacular after rainfall. The walking route from the car park (DL12 0XH) takes about 15 minutes and costs £2.50 per person.

Pet Friendly

Durham is brilliant for dog owners. Many cottages with hot tubs welcome pets, often providing dog beds, bowls and even treats. Always check if there's an extra charge - typically £20-30 per dog.

The Durham Dales offer endless walking opportunities where dogs can run free. Hamsterley Forest (DL13 3NL) has miles of trails through woodland and is popular with local dog walkers. The forest café welcomes dogs and even offers puppuccinos!

In Durham city, several pubs allow dogs inside. The Victoria Inn (DH1 3RA) not only welcomes dogs but provides water bowls and treats. Their Sunday roasts are excellent too.

Durham Heritage Coast has some restrictions on certain beaches during summer months, but Crimdon Beach allows dogs year-round. I'd recommend bringing a towel in your car to dry off your dog before returning to your cottage hot tub!

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Durham

Durham Cathedral and Castle form a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dominates the city skyline. The cathedral dates from 1093 and represents some of the finest Norman architecture in Europe. Harry Potter fans will recognise the cloisters which featured as Hogwarts in the films. The guided tours (£5) are worth every penny as guides share fascinating details about the building's history. One visitor wrote: "Even as someone not religious, I was moved by the beauty and sense of history here."

Raby Castle (DL2 3AH) is one of England's best-preserved medieval castles, surrounded by a 200-acre deer park. The interior contains impressive artwork and furniture spanning centuries. Their walled gardens are particularly beautiful in summer. Open 10am-4pm (closed Saturdays), adult tickets cost £13. A recent visitor commented: "We spent 4 hours here and could have stayed longer. The guides in each room were incredibly knowledgeable."

Crook Hall Gardens (DH1 5SZ) is a hidden gem just a 10-minute walk from Durham city centre. This 13th-century manor house sits among themed gardens including a Shakespeare garden and a secret walled garden. It's much less crowded than other attractions and feels like stepping into another world. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm. One TripAdvisor reviewer noted: "The maze kept our children entertained for ages while we enjoyed tea in the garden."

What's the best time to visit Durham?

Spring and early autumn offer the best balance of decent weather and fewer tourists. Durham's Lumiere light festival in November transforms the city with spectacular installations and is worth braving colder weather for. Summer brings the best weather for enjoying your hot tub, but expect higher prices.

Do I need a car in Durham?

While Durham city is walkable, a car is essential for exploring the wider county and reaching most cottages with hot tubs. Public transport exists but is limited in rural areas. Taxis from Durham station to rural properties can be expensive (£20-30 typically).

Is Durham good for families?

Yes! Beyond Beamish Museum, families enjoy Adventure Valley (DH1 5SG), Durham's biggest family attraction with indoor and outdoor play areas. Hall Hill Farm (DL13 4QL) lets children feed lambs and handle small animals. Most cottages with hot tubs can provide high chairs and travel cots if requested in advance.

What's the food like?

Durham has excellent local produce. Don't miss Durham Lamb from the Pennine hills or local cheeses like Durham Camembert. The Food Pit in Durham Market Hall offers great local food. For eating out, Finbarr's Restaurant (DH1 5BQ) serves excellent modern British cuisine using local ingredients.

Can I go swimming in the sea?

Durham's Heritage Coast has several beaches, but they're not primarily for swimming. Seaham Beach has improved water quality in recent years but check current ratings before swimming. Your cottage hot tub offers a warmer alternative!

What should I pack?

Walking boots are essential for exploring the countryside. The weather can change quickly, so bring waterproofs even in summer. Swimming costumes for your hot tub, obviously and flip-flops for walking between the cottage and tub.

Some helpful links:

1. This is Durham - Official Tourism Site
2. Durham Cathedral Official Website
3. Beamish Museum
4. North Pennines AONB