I am snuggled up in front of the fire, thinking about the week ahead and better weather, are you doing the same ?
Looking at the availability we have over the next week including short breaks for Half Term.
Beamish Cottage available 12th and 13th February - perfect for 2 pre valentine get away or ideal if you are having to work away http://www.ridingfarmcottages.co.uk/our-co…/beamish-cottage/
Cross Cottage available from the 9th February - ideal for a family get away http://www.ridingfarmcottages.co.uk/our-cott…/cross-cottage/
Lapwing Cottage is available from the 10th February including valentine weekend - come on you romantics http://www.ridingfarmcottages.co.uk/our-co…/lapwing-cottage/
The Hayloft is available from 11th February a perfect last minute getaway http://www.ridingfarmcottages.co.uk/our-cotta…/the-hay-loft/
Bowes Barn available from 12th February - don’t forget dogs are welcome http://www.ridingfarmcottages.co.uk/our-cottages/bowes-barn/
Pig Run Barn available from 9th February - perfect base for exploring Newcastle - http://www.ridingfarmcottages.co.uk/our-cotta…/pig-run-barn/
Sheep Pen is available for a romantic weekend from 14th February- ideal for Durham http://www.ridingfarmcottages.co.uk/our-…/sheep-pen-cottage/
Love is in the air, with only 10 days to go, here are a 10 ideas for the romantics out there
A trip down memory lane for a guests staying in Pig Run Barn
This was the first tractor guests staying in Pig Run Barn ever drove, when he used to work on a farm in his youth .
Angus and our guest talked about farming and tractors most days
They could not believe Angus had the same tractor he first drove so many years ago - all part of the fun of staying on a farm !
http://www.ridingfarmcottages.co.uk/our-cotta…/pig-run-barn/
We all need a few ideas and inspiration on what to do on holiday, whether a short break or longer. Hope this is the inspiration you need to book a holiday in Durham, we are lucky we live here!
1.Beamish Museum
Beamish, the Living Museum of the North and is just a stone’s throw away from us and in 2020 they are celebrating its golden jubilee 50 years Another great reason to visit with special 50th birthday events and exhibitions taking place throughout the year. – it’s a great day out and is a firm favourite with the family and guests.
Home to internationally significant fine & decorative art collections, this magnificent French style chateau has been delighting visitors for over 120 years. Alongside the outstanding permanents collections, you’ll find a fantastic programme of ever-changing exhibitions to be amazed by, Don’t forget The Silver Swan preforms every day at 2pm – don’t be late
3. Durham Cathedral
Durham Cathedral, one of the great buildings of Europe. Set on a rocky promontory next to the castle and in the heart of the city of Durham, the medieval city huddled below the river sweeping round, the profile of the World Heritage Site – instantly recognisable to all. If you are feeling energetic, why not climb to the top of the tower – the views are stunning
4. North Pennines – Area of Natural Beauty
The North Pennines AONB and UNESCO Global Geopark covers much of the Durham Dales, and is the perfect place for a countryside escape. The stunning landscapes and changing seasons are guaranteed to take your breath away. There’s lots to discover, whether you're exploring on two feet or two wheels or four.
5. High Force
High Force is one of the most impressive waterfalls in England. The River Tees has been plunged into this gorge for thousands of years but the rocks it reveals are dating back over 300 million years!
6. Raby Castle
Raby Castle is soaked in over 600 years of history, built by the mighty Nevills in the 14th century and is one of the finest and best preserved medieval castle in the North East of England.
7. Tanfield Railway
Tanfield Railway the world’s oldest railway. The trains run every weekend including Bank Holidays along with special events the UK! On a stargazing break in Durham you can see the Milky Way in all its glory, distant galaxies and even sparkling star clusters as the county’s skies come alive after dark.
8. Durham Cricket - Emirates Riverside
Durham Cricket are playing host to some exciting cricket The Vitality T20 Blast along with normal cricket fixtures. If sport is not your bag, lots of music events are coming in the summer including Michael Buble.
9. Kyren – an epic tale of England
Join young Arthur on his spellbinding journey through time and watch legends come to life in the thrilling tale of his quest. From the fog of war and the noise of battle to the heat of industry; from Romans to Victorians; from the lavish pomp and pageantry of royal ceremony to thrilling choreography, amazing stunts, equestrianism, water jets, special effects and pyrotechnics, this multi-award-winning live action, outdoor theatre spectacular delights and dazzles the senses as the last 2,000 years are brought to vivid life on an enormous scale.
10. Oriental Museum
From Ancient Egypt to modern China, the only museum in the North of England devoted entirely to the art and archaeology of the great culture of Northern Africa and Asia .
11. Seaham
Take a stroll along the beautiful beaches of Seaham and you're sure to find some tiny treasures to take home with you. Seaham, on the Durham Heritage Coast is world-famous for its abundance of unique sea glass, so why spend a day at the beach and see how much sea glass you can collect.
12. Killope
Killhope is a multi-award winning 19th century mining museum in the centre of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), where you can experience the life and work of the lead mining families of the North Pennines.
Famous for its iconic working waterwheel, the venue offers so much more to do and see, including stunning landscape, captivating art installation, fascinating lead mininghistory, scenic walks and amazing wildlife. Maybe you’ll spot one of the famous red squirrels.
13. Northern Saints Trails
Durham has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries, and to celebrate 2020 has been designated Durham’s Year of Pilgrimage.
At the heart of the Year of celebrations is the launch of the Northern Saints Trails, positioning the North East as the ‘Christian Crossroads of the British Isles’.
14. Dalton Park
Dalton Park is the region’s biggest outlet shopping centre. At Dalton Park, you’ll find over 60 outlet shops to visit, with savings of up to 50% off top brands and high street favourites. There’s also plenty of cafes and restaurants to enjoy a quick break from all the shopping. You can even see the latest movie releases on the big screen at the on-site Cineworld cinema.
15. Diggerland
Diggerland is the ultimate adventure for kids big and small – they must like tractors, diggers and dumpers !
16. Palace Green Library
Palace Green Library is home to the University’s special collections which span across centuries. Through their unique exhibitions and archives, weekly visitors flock here in their thousands to discover Durham and beyond.
17. Durham Castle
Next door neighbour to Durham Cathedral sitting at the heart of Durham's World Heritage site and occupied continuously since the 11th century, the Castle is now home to the students of University College, part of Durham University. There are tours around the castle and I would recommend
18. Durham University Botanic Gardens
Durham is filled with glorious gardens and magnificent country parks to explore and enjoy. Be amazed by plants and flowers from across the globe at Durham University’s Botanic Garden, and get the perfect view of Durham’s UNESCO World Heritage Site from Wharton Park.
19. Auckland Castle
Follow in the footsteps of some of the most powerful men in British history at Auckland Castle – the former home of the Prince Bishops of Durham. Journey through a thousand years of history, art, and faith as you explore the castle’s gothic state rooms and grounds. Get an insight into how the Bishops lived in their private apartments, get up close to treasured pieces of art in the Bishop Trevor Gallery, and enjoy a relaxing stroll through the castle’s ancient deer park.
Hamsterley Forest is 200 hectares of wonderful forest on miles of way-marked horse riding and walking trails with plenty of picnic spots along the way. Explore 33 miles of cycling tracks with spectacular views and even go on a Gruffalo hunt!
We look forward to welcoming you and your family
We have a few to choose from !
We have a few to choose from, all our cottages are either 5 Star or 4 Star Gold
With cottages that sleep 2 upto cottages that sleep upto 10
Cottages that except dogs, cottages that are ideal for the less mobile
All in ideal locations to explore Durham, Newcastle Gateshead, Beamish and Northumberland
Guess right and a prize awaits you
Stanley Indoor Bowls Centre on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 February 2020 will host the British Isles Indoor U25 Men's International Series - We are only 4 miles away Come and see teams from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales compete in a round robin tournament to determine the British Isles Champions.
The English Indoor Bowling Association (EIBA), National Governing Body for the sport of Indoor Bowls in England, is pleased to announce that Durham will be hosting the British Isles Indoor U25 Men’s International Series.
The event will take place at Stanley Indoor Bowls Centre on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 February 2020 from 9.30am each day and will see teams from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales compete in a round robin tournament to determine the British Isles Champions.
With six matches taking place over the two days there is plenty of opportunity for the local community to experience the event
We have accommodation for contestants, supporters and everyone else to enjoy this international competition
Call us on 0191 370 1868 or book on line http://www.ridingfarmcottages.co.uk/
How was your Blue Monday ?
We are updating all the guests information in the cottages, putting together an illustrated walking guide and children’s trail.
A perfect excuse for a walk around the farm and take some photos, to illustrate the peaceful countryside we and our cottages are surrounded by
I loved the red sky at the finish
Why don’t you ?
Need some ideas for Half Term Holiday, whilst staying with us ?
Beamish Museum’s has some fantastic fun planned for February Half Term!
Beamish Museum is 50 this year and they are celebrating there birthday, with lots of activities and toys
Beamish will be exploring childhood and toys, as well as celebrating the museum’s 50th anniversary. Enjoy birthday parties in each of our areas across site and join in with party games, celebrations and birthday cakes - did someone mention cake?
As part of the development at Beamish Museum they have been working with lots of community groups in Middlesbrough exploring the history of childhood and toys in the 1950s, linked to the development of our toy shop in our 1950s Town.
All this and more to explore at Beamish Museum, perfect for keeping all the family happy over Half Term Holidays - we are ideally situated for Beamish Museum - only 7 minutes away and lots more attractions across Durham, Newcastle and Northumberland.
That's the first week of school done- phew How many weeks to go till Half Term ?
That's the first week of school done, with a large cup of coffee in my my hand, I am now working out how many weeks till Half Term !
Only 5 weeks to go, so book your Half Term get away with the family and friends we still have some availability
There is plenty going on around Durham, Newcastle and Northumberland
Climb to the top of Durham Cathedral, visit Beamish Museum, explore Northumberland, go on a treasure trail in Newcastle or just chill out in one of our cottages, surrounded by peaceful countryside, plenty of footpaths and cycleways all bursting with wildlife to keep you all busy - just a few ideas
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Everyone loves a visit to Beamish Museum Photos are thanks to guests and friends Sorry none of us ice skating too busy trying to stay upright ! Love to see everyone’s photos
Everyone loves a visit to Beamish Museum
Photos are thanks to guests and friends
Sorry none of us ice skating too busy trying to stay upright !
Love to see everyone’s photos
Nothing like a day out with the family, walking in the wind by the seaside, followed by hot chocolate and sausage rolls - yummy How lucky are we to live so near to such diverse and stunning coastline and countryside - come and see for yourself in 2020
Nothing like a day out with the family, walking in the wind by the seaside, followed by hot chocolate and sausage rolls - yummy
How lucky are we to live so near to such diverse and stunning coastline and countryside - come and see for yourself in 2020
First Review of Pig Run Barn in 2020 Excellent Location and Warm Welcome To celebrate we are offering all guests booking this weekend an extra 10% off
First Review of Pig Run Barn in 2020
Excellent Location and Warm Welcome.
Well equipped and nicely decorated. Very cosy two bedrooms perfect for a family. My Grandchildren loved it. A lot of thought had gone in to making guests welcome. We loved the cake !! Excellent location to explore local attractions.
We are so glad everyone enjoyed their stay at Pig Run Barn
http://www.ridingfarmcottages.co.uk/our-cotta…/pig-run-barn/
It's not too late to book for New Year! Special 2 night stays available, sleeping 2 - 5 persons perfect ways to see 2020 in
It's not too late to book for New Year! Pop the cork and see in the New Year in style with your family and friends very own holiday cottage!
We have special 2 night stays available, sleeping 2 - 5 persons
Call us or look on our New Year page, here we come 2020
Whooppeee! Can’t wait till we go. Beamish Museum may sell more tickets when we go, for pure entertainment of watching a farmer & a farmers wife ice skate !!
Whooppeee!
Can’t wait till we go.
Beamish Museum may sell more tickets when we go, for pure entertainment of watching a farmer & a farmers wife ice skate !!
Latest Review of Beamish Cottage
Latest Review of Beamish Cottage
“The small gestures were greatly appreciated. The very well stocked breakfast basket and the fresh homemade cake was just lovely.
Thank you. “
Why don’t you enjoy a last minute get away or enjoy a bit more comfort if you are working in the area
http://www.ridingfarmcottages.co.uk/our-co…/beamish-cottage/
With only a week to go till the big day - are you panicking for last minute Christmas presents ? Why not book a short break away in either one of our self catering cottages or Farm House Bed and Breakfast
Don't panic because there is only a week to go till Christmas Day, we can help with any last minute present ideas. How about a last minute get away for New Year
Check out Our Cottages or Farm House Bed and Breakfast
What does New Year mean to you ? How do you want to spend New Year ? Quiet get away from it all ? Catch up with family and friends?
What ever you decide to do for New Year take the hassle out of it and spend it in one of our cottages.
We have cottages suitable for 2 to a party of 6
Check out our availability on our Christmas Page
Due to the sickness bug that is going about, we now have last minute availability in Granary Barn. The poor family that where going to stay in Granary Barn had a weekend of fun planned with a trip to Beamish Museum, Newcastle Christmas Market and Durham - why don't you instead ?
Granary Barn is a 5 Star Cottage, sleeping up to 4 people over two bedrooms both of which enjoy en-suite facilities & high ceilings.
The Cottage has a relaxed spacious open plan country style, with 3 arch windows over looking the fields, comfy chairs & sofas along with games, books & DVD's ideal to relax with a glass of something after a busy day! Fully equipped with high quality furnishings, little extras, fully equipped open plan kitchen - ideal for keeping an eye on the little ones & Free Wi-Fi. The cottage is ideal for couples & families, it enjoys a sunny patio & lawn with a network of footpaths & cycleways for you to explore all bursting with wildlife.
Granary Barn is only 1.5 miles from Beamish Museum, yet surrounded by peaceful countryside with views of the countryside of our family farm Riding Farm. Chester le Street, Team Valley & Newcastle/Gateshead are only 4 miles away. Durham a World Heritage Site only 10 miles away.
Don't forget the cottage is all decorated for Christmas as well
Excellent stay on a farm with great facilities near lots to do.
10 out of 10 for Riding Farm Cottage
"Excellent stay on a farm with great facilities near lots to do.The facilities in the cottage were excellent and all that we needed."
Always lovely to hear that guests have enjoyed there stay. they seemed to pack a lot into a short break,
First Day - a trip to Newcastle to see the bridges over the River Tyne, then off for some shopping and cinema at the Metro Centre
Second Day - Beamish Museum, they made the most of the day arriving at 10 am and they where the last to leave!
Third Day - was spent at Hadrian's Wall - well why not
Why don't you come and enjoy a short break with us or longer at Riding Cottage
Riding Cottage sleeps upto 4 people all ensuite bedrooms. Surrounded by quiet and peaceful countryside, only 1.5 miles from Beamish Museum, Newcastle/Gateshead - 4 miles, Durham -10 miles. The Cottage has a relaxed spacious country style,with wood burning stove combined with modern luxuries. Fully equipped with high quality furnishings.
Check out our availability online by clicking Riding Cottage
or give us a call 0191 3701868
Make this festive season truly magical by booking one of our cottages for Christmas or New Year . We still have some availability and short breaks for you to enjoy the Christmas holidays! Check out our Christmas and New Year Availability
There is nothing like Christmas, one of our favorite times of year. We have some availability over the festive time, with lots to do in the area over Christmas. whether visiting family or friends our cottages will give you a perfect festive getaway, you can enjoy your Christmas celebrations in a cosy cottage within the beautiful peaceful surroundings . We have cottages for 2 upto 6 and everything in between . Spending Christmas in a cosy cottage is a wonderful idea - spend time with the ones you love in a comfortable home from home, relax, and let that holiday feeling fill you with Christmas cheer. All our cottages will be decorated for Christmas and full of Christmas treats for you to enjoy.
Check out our Christmas and New Year Availability
or call us on 0191 370 1868
See you soon Ho Ho Ho
Mrs Christmas
Our day started with sunshine A fright in the middle and frost at the end
Perfect for walk or jog or just chill and read a book
That’s what are guests did today, I don’t blame them after a packed weekend in Durham at Lumiere and the Christmas Parade at Beamish Museum
Why don’t you ?
How has your day been ?
Our day started with sunshine
A fright in the middle and frost at the end
Perfect for walk or jog or just chill and read a book
That’s what are guests did today, I don’t blame them after a packed weekend in Durham at Lumiere and the Christmas Parade at Beamish Museum
Why don’t you ?
Latest Review of The Hay Loft - Great hosts, clean & nicely appointed accommodation in a wonderful setting, close to pretty much everything you can imagine in the North East. If you're looking for a quiet, relaxing break it's possible, if you want to be active & outdoorsy it's possible, if you want to shop, eat out (from top restaurants to great little cafe's) or experience the big city nightlife it's all within reach.
The Hay Loft cottage is ideal for couples & families wanting the combination of a countryside break & a city break The Hay Loft. is surrounded by a network of footpaths & cycleways for you to explore. The cottage enjoys a relaxed spacious country style, over 2 floors - accommodation has 2 bedrooms, both ensuite, combined with modern luxuries. Fully equipped with high quality furnishings, fully fitted kitchen & free Wi-Fi.
| Great hosts, clean & nicely appointed accommodation in a wonderful setting, close to pretty much everything you can imagine in the North East. If you're looking for a quiet, relaxing break it's possible, if you want to be active & outdoorsy it's possible, if you want to shop, eat out (from top restaurants to great little cafe's) or experience the big city nightlife it's all within reach. | |||
| Tips for other travellers We recommend (as a family with older children/teens): Durham Climbing Centre, Meadowfield, Hole in the Wall Riding Stables, Crook Meadowfield Sports Centre, Karting North East (near Dalton Park retail outlet village) Local walk/cycle path - Deerness Valley old railway line or along the riverside by Finchale Priory Further afield - Derwent reservoir/Blanchland village, Kielder reservoir for canoeing & sailing Shopping: Locally - Arniston Centre/Durham City Centre & Market Hall Further afield - Metro Centre/Newcastle City Centre Cinema/Theatre - Durham (Gala Theatre), Consett (usually a great Festive Season pantomime in a smaller Theatre setting) & further afield Newcastle or Sunderland Beaches - Seaham or explore the Northumberland Coast Swimming - Durham, Spennymoor or further afield - Wet n Wild, North Shields Museums - Beamish (outdoor), Discovery Museum & Hancock museum, Newcastle Other misc - Raby Castle, Wharton Park (Durham), Weardale villages, High Force (waterfall), Killhope Wheel, The Roman Wall, Hexham, Bike Hire at the village shop in Nenthead, Cumbria & The Lake District (Penrith & Ullswater being the closest lake) is possible to do as a day trip. |
Lumiere will once again transform the lovely city of Durham with a variety of creative and sometimes off the wall light art - its stunning and not to be missed
Lumiere, the UK's largest light festival from 14th November until 17th November .
The perfect time to visit we have loved this every time it has come to Durham, just another reason to stay with us, we have created Lumiere packages and have a little availability left.
Check out availability on line by clicking on the Lumiere picture or call us on 0191 3701868
We really enjoyed this excellent cottage
We really enjoyed this excellent cottage, it is very comfortable and clean. A good location, set in attractive countryside, a short drive to the lovely city of Durham.
Always lovely to hear that guests have enjoyed there stay with us, the guests that left this review have just booked again to stay in Sheep Pen Cottage for 2020
Sheep Pen Cottage is a 5 Star single story cottage which sleeps upto 4 people, located just 4 miles from Durham City surrounded by peaceful countryside with views of Brancepeth Castle on our working family farm Little White Farm. The cottage has a relaxed spacious country style, with 2 bedrooms, both ensuite, combined with modern luxuries. Fully equipped with high quality furnishings, fully fitted kitchen and free Wi-Fi
Why don't you come and enjoy a short break in Sheep Pen Cottage with us or even longer
Please click on the sheep for secure baaaar king !!
or call us on 0191 370 1868