Get More From Your St John's Chapel Hot Tub Cottage Break
Booking cottages with hot tubs in St John's Chapel puts you right in the heart of Weardale with access to some of the most dramatic moorland scenery in County Durham. This former lead mining village sits at 1050 feet above sea level and offers the kind of remote self catering experience that feels worlds away from everyday life. The surrounding North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty stretches for miles in every direction.
St John's Chapel makes an excellent base for hot tub breaks whether you're after romantic breaks for 2 or planning getaways with a large family. The village has proper shops and pubs yet maintains that secluded feel that makes hot tub stays so appealing. You can book everything from boutique cottages to large holiday houses with private hot tub facilities and many are dog friendly too.
Sightseeing in St John's Chapel
The village transformed from a quiet farming settlement into a bustling lead mining centre during the 18th and 19th centuries. St John's Chapel got its name from the chapel built here in 1465 and the current church dates from 1752. The old market cross still stands in the village centre and the surrounding landscape is dotted with remnants of the mining industry including spoil heaps and old workings.
Top 5 Attractions You Have to See in St John's Chapel
The area offers attractions ranging from natural wonders to industrial heritage sites that tell the story of this unique corner of England.
Killhope Lead Mining Museum
Located just 4 miles west of St John's Chapel, Killhope is one of Britain's best preserved lead mining sites. You can go underground in the Park Level Mine and see the massive 34-foot waterwheel that powered the ore crushing machinery. The museum brings Victorian mining life to vivid reality.
High Force Waterfall
England's most powerful waterfall sits 12 miles northwest near Forest-in-Teesdale. The River Tees plunges 70 feet over the Whin Sill escarpment creating a spectacular display. The woodland walk to the falls takes about 10 minutes from the car park and there's a viewing platform right at the top.
Weardale Railway
This heritage railway runs from Stanhope through Frosterley to Wolsingham covering 7 miles of scenic track. The line originally served the local quarries and mines. Steam and diesel trains operate on selected dates throughout the year and special events include Santa specials and fish and chip evenings.
Cow Green Reservoir
This remote reservoir lies 8 miles northwest in Upper Teesdale and sits at over 1500 feet above sea level. The surrounding blanket bog supports rare arctic-alpine plants including the Teesdale violet. It's brilliant for isolated walks where you might not see another soul for hours.
Stanhope Ford and Market Town
Just 5 miles east, Stanhope serves as Weardale's main market town. The ford across the River Wear makes a lovely spot for paddling on warm days. St Thomas's Church contains a fossilised tree stump estimated at 250 million years old. The town has independent shops and several good pubs.
Don't Miss These...
| Attraction | What You'll Experience | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Killhope Lead Mining Museum | Underground mine tours and Victorian industrial heritage with hands-on activities | Families |
| High Force Waterfall | Dramatic 70-foot waterfall with woodland walks and viewing platforms | Everyone |
| Weardale Railway | Heritage steam and diesel trains through scenic Weardale countryside | Families |
| Cow Green Reservoir | Remote upland walking with rare plants and complete solitude | Couples |
| Stanhope Ford | Historic market town with river ford and ancient fossilised tree | Everyone |
Visitor FAQs
How do I get to St John's Chapel?
The village sits on the A689 which runs through Weardale. From the A1(M) take the A68 west then join the A689 at Tow Law. The nearest train station is Durham at 28 miles. Bus services connect to Bishop Auckland but a car is essential for exploring.
What family activities are available near cottages with hot tubs in St John's Chapel?
Killhope offers underground tours and gold panning. The Weardale Railway runs family events throughout the year. Walking trails suit all ages and the ford at Stanhope is perfect for paddling. Several farms welcome visitors during lambing season.
Where are the best romantic spots?
Cow Green Reservoir offers complete isolation with stunning views. The walk to Cauldron Snout waterfall provides dramatic scenery. Evening walks along the River Wear near Ireshopeburn are peaceful. Book a table at The Blue Bell in Frosterley for excellent food.
Is there good shopping nearby?
Stanhope has independent shops including a butcher and deli. The Weardale Cheese shop in Stanhope sells local produce. For major shopping head to Bishop Auckland 18 miles east or Durham at 28 miles. Several craft workshops operate in the dale.
Why choose a cottage with hot tub here?
After walking the high moors or exploring underground mines a hot tub provides perfect relaxation. The remote location means dark skies for stargazing from your jacuzzi. Many holiday cottages and lodges offer this luxury and you'll find options from cheap cottages to luxury cottages with swimming pool facilities.
St John's Chapel gives you access to some of England's wildest country breaks. Whether you're after a 1 bedroom retreat for last minute romantic breaks or big cottages for a large group, the combination of dramatic scenery and hot tub relaxation is hard to beat.
Places to stay range from traditional stone holiday homes to modern log cabin style fishing lodges. You can visit for 1 night or book longer cottage breaks. Pet friendly cottages mean you can bring dogs along. Check Sykes Cottages and other rental sites for deals on unique cottages and villas.
The best thing about holiday lets here is waking up to those moorland views then ending each day soaking under the stars. Country breaks don't get much better than this combination of adventure and comfort.