Wolsingham Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Wolsingham Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Wolsingham sits in a prime spot for exploring the North Pennines. The town itself has a lovely historic centre with the 12th-century St. Mary and St. Stephen's Church worth a visit. I always recommend taking the heritage trail which starts at the Market Place.

Just 20 minutes away is High Force Waterfall (DL12 0XH, open daily 10am-4pm), England's largest waterfall with a 21-metre drop. It scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor and costs about £2.50 per person. The walking route is well-maintained and suitable for most abilities.

Hamsterley Forest (DL13 3NL) is only 15 minutes by car and offers walking trails, mountain biking and a play area. It's free to visit but parking costs £6 for the day. We think it's best in autumn when the colours are amazing.

The Weardale Railway runs heritage trains from Stanhope station (DL13 2YS), just 10 minutes from Wolsingham. Check their website for running days as they vary seasonally. Kids love the special Santa trains in December!

Pet Friendly

Many Wolsingham cottages welcome dogs, with some accepting up to three pets. Most have enclosed gardens where your dog can run safely while you enjoy the hot tub.

The Black Bull pub (DL13 3ET) in Wolsingham town centre welcomes dogs and serves good food. They even offer water bowls and treats at the bar. Their Sunday roasts are fantastic after a long walk.

Hamsterley Forest has miles of dog-friendly trails. Dogs must be on leads in some areas but there are designated off-lead zones too. The visitor centre sells maps showing the best routes for dog walking.

The Durham Dales Centre (DL13 3DW) in nearby Stanhope has a café where dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area. They serve excellent scones and proper tea in proper pots!

If your dog loves water, try the River Wear which runs through Wolsingham. There are several safe access points where dogs can paddle. Just watch for fishing areas where access might be restricted.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Wolsingham

Tunstall Reservoir (DL13 3NJ) is a hidden gem just outside Wolsingham. The 2.5-mile circular walk around the reservoir takes about an hour and offers stunning views. The path is well-maintained but can get muddy after rain. Visitors often mention the peaceful atmosphere and abundant wildlife. There's a small car park that fills quickly on summer weekends, so arrive early.

Low Barns Nature Reserve (DL14 0AG) is a 15-minute drive from Wolsingham and managed by Durham Wildlife Trust. This wetland site has three bird hides and boardwalks through different habitats. Entry costs £3 for non-members. Recent TripAdvisor reviews praise the variety of birds visible throughout the year. The coffee shop serves excellent homemade cakes too!

Wolsingham Market Place hosts one of England's oldest markets every Tuesday. Local farmers sell produce and you'll find everything from handmade crafts to local cheeses. The market has run since 1308! One visitor wrote: "Bought the best Cumberland sausages I've ever tasted from a farmer who raises his own pigs." Don't miss the local honey - it's amazing on toast after a morning in the hot tub.

Is Wolsingham good for walking?

Yes! Wolsingham sits on the Weardale Way, a 77-mile route following the River Wear. From your cottage, you can access numerous walks without needing to drive. The tourist information centre in the town square offers free walking maps with routes ranging from 2-10 miles.

Where can I eat in Wolsingham?

The best restaurant is Number 10 (DL13 3AE), which serves modern British food using local ingredients. Book ahead as it's small and popular. For pub grub, try The Black Bull or The Bay Horse. Mrs Peggotty's Tea Room does excellent breakfasts and lunches.

Can I go fishing near Wolsingham?

The River Wear runs through Wolsingham and offers good brown trout fishing. Day tickets cost around £15 from Wolsingham Post Office. Tunstall Reservoir is stocked with rainbow trout and permits are available online through Northumbrian Water.

Is there public transport to Wolsingham?

Yes, the town is served by the 101 bus from Bishop Auckland (runs Monday-Saturday). The nearest train station is Bishop Auckland, about 12 miles away. Taxis from there cost approximately £25.

Where's the nearest supermarket?

Wolsingham has a Co-op (DL13 3AB) for essentials. For a bigger shop, there's a Morrisons in Crook (10 minutes' drive) or Tesco in Bishop Auckland (20 minutes). Many cottages offer welcome hampers with local produce if requested.

What should I pack for my hot tub cottage?

Bring extra towels for hot tub use as cottage towels shouldn't be used. Flip-flops are useful for walking between the cottage and tub. Don't forget swimwear, though some guests enjoy the privacy of rural cottages for skinny dipping!

Some helpful links:

1. This is Durham - Official Tourism Site
2. North Pennines AONB Information
3. Hamsterley Forest Official Site
4. Low Barns Nature Reserve
5. Weardale Railway Timetables