‘Idyllic retreat in outstanding location. The perfect cottage getaway’ one guest at this County Durham countryside retreat saidThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
The barn is described by guests as a ‘fantastic property in a wonderful location'(Image: holidaycottages.co.uk)
When it comes to getting away from it all this summer, those in the North East don’t have to travel far to find some peace and quiet, with the region’s idyllic countryside providing the perfect place to unwind. And one rural County Durham escape has been described as “thoroughly relaxing” by guests.
Woodland Escape is a renovated stone barn boasting panoramic views over the Derwent Valley countryside. Its farm setting between the villages of Lintzford and Burnopfield is full of character, from the 14th century chapel “filled with myths and legends” in its grounds to the 100 acres of fields and woodland that surround it, attracting an abundance of wildlife.
Priced from £456 for seven nights with a couple of spots left for this summer at the time of writing, Woodland Escape can accommodate up to five guests, although with two bedrooms and one bathroom it may be on the snug side for families of this size. For larger groups, the barn can be booked alongside the other holiday cottage at the same site, Friar’s Hide, which sleeps up to an additional six people.
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As for what to do during a stay at Woodland Escape or Friar’s Hide, these stays are perfectly situated for exploring all parts of the North East, from the cities of Newcastle and Durham – each just a half-hour drive away – to the surrounding County Durham and Northumberland countryside. And some of the region’s top attractions are just a stone’s throw away too.
The iconic Beamish, a ‘living’ open-air museum home to full reconstructions of 19th and 20th century farms, villages and towns, is a 15-minute drive away from these holiday cottages. And Gibside is another top day out just a 15-minute walk away, a National Trust park and garden offering miles of walking trails through secluded woodland and views across the Derwent Valley.
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From £65 per night
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Surrounded by woodland and countryside, this holiday cottage has space for up to five guests.
For more unique places to stay in this part of the North East, history lovers can even kick it up a notch by resting their heads at Beamish Museum itself. There are two self-catering cottages, Potter’s Cottage and Drover’s Rest, located in the museum’s 1820s landscape in renovated original buildings.
Alternatively, the National Trust also offers 17 holiday cottages across the North East. While there are no stays available at Gibside, one of the closest options is Garden Gate Apartment, which is located above the café on the edge of Crook Hall Gardens – offering guests views across the maze and gardens that are all theirs to explore after visitors leave for the day.
The garden is surrounded by woodland and attracts plenty of wildlife(Image: holidaycottages.co.uk)
Back at Woodland Escape, this countryside retreat has earned stellar reviews from its guests, with one person who stayed in May writing: “Very clean and comfortable. Beautiful setting. Loved seeing the birds, squirrels and rabbits. Even saw a deer on the last morning.”
Another visitor said: “Fantastic property in a wonderful location. Deer and rabbits visited the garden. Owners were really helpful, giving advice on how to access local towns. We had a lovely holiday, thank you.”
A third guest praised: “Truly is a home from home, I wish we had booked two weeks. Thoroughly relaxing and peaceful. The owners are so lovely and happy to help, it’s the best holiday home we’ve stayed in and the bed was so comfy!”
And someone else wrote: “Idyllic retreat in outstanding location. The perfect cottage getaway. Highly recommended.”
So far, no-one has had anything negative to say about this property. However, it’s worth noting that there are no dogs allowed at either Woodland Escape or Friar’s Hide, so those hoping to bring their four-legged friends along for walks in the countryside will have to look elsewhere.
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