Staindrop Cottages with Hot Tubs

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Staindrop Guide

Staindrop, a small County Durham village, offers a fantastic base for exploring the North East. With its collection of cottages with hot tubs, it's becoming increasingly popular for weekend breaks and longer holidays.

The village sits near Raby Castle (TripAdvisor's top local attraction with 4.5/5 stars) and the stunning North Pennines. Most cottages are converted farm buildings with stone walls and wooden beams, though you'll find everything from snug one-bedroom retreats to large group accommodation.

Staindrop has an interesting royal connection - King Canute once owned all the land here and gave it to the church in 1031. The village green and St Mary's Church date back to this period.

We find cottages perfect for families wanting space and privacy, couples seeking a romantic break and groups celebrating special occasions. The private hot tubs are a major draw, especially after walking in the nearby Durham Dales.

Get More From Your Staindrop Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Staindrop sits in a prime spot for exploring County Durham's best bits. Raby Castle (DL2 3AH) tops the list - it's less than a mile from the village and scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. The medieval castle opens 10am-4pm most days and has 200 acres of deer park to wander through.

Barnard Castle town is just 6 miles away. The castle itself (DL12 8PR, open 10am-5pm) scores 4/5 on TripAdvisor and gives great views over the River Tees. The Bowes Museum (DL12 8NP) is another must-see with its famous mechanical Silver Swan and art collections - it gets 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor.

High Force Waterfall is about 30 minutes by car (DL12 0XH) and scores a solid 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. It's England's biggest waterfall and well worth seeing after rainfall when the water really thunders down. The car park costs £3.50 and there's a short walk to reach the falls.

Durham Cathedral and city make a great day out too - about 25 minutes drive. The cathedral scores an impressive 5/5 on TripAdvisor and entry is free (though donations welcome).

Pet Friendly

Many Staindrop cottages welcome dogs and the area is brilliant for four-legged visitors. The village green provides a quick morning walk spot, while Raby Castle's deer park has designated dog walking areas (though they must stay on leads because of the deer).

The Fox & Hounds pub in the village (DL2 3LD) allows dogs in the bar area and even offers water bowls and treats. They serve good pub grub too, so you can enjoy dinner without leaving your pet in the cottage.

Hamsterley Forest (DL13 3NL) is about 20 minutes away and offers miles of woodland trails where dogs can run off-lead in many areas. The forest has a café that welcomes dogs in the outdoor seating area.

I recommend bringing towels specifically for your dog - especially useful after countryside walks or if they fancy a splash in the River Tees. Your hot tub will be much more enjoyable without a muddy dog trying to join you!

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Staindrop

Raby Castle (DL2 3AH) is Staindrop's crown jewel. This 14th-century fortress has been home to the Vane family for over 400 years and contains medieval kitchens, impressive artwork and grand state rooms. The walled garden is beautiful year-round and kids love spotting the herds of deer in the park. One visitor called it "the best castle in the North" on TripAdvisor. The castle often runs special events, especially during school holidays.

St Mary's Church sits right in Staindrop village and dates back to Saxon times. It houses the tombs of the Neville family (once the most powerful family in northern England) and has fascinating medieval features. It's free to enter and the stained glass windows are particularly impressive. A recent visitor described it as "a hidden gem with incredible history" in their review.

The Teesdale Way walking route passes near Staindrop and offers spectacular countryside views. The section between Barnard Castle and Cotherstone is particularly pretty, following the river through woodland and meadows. It's about 5 miles and manageable for most fitness levels. Walkers consistently rate it 5/5 for scenery. After a day's walking, that hot tub back at your cottage will feel even better!

Is Staindrop good for families with young children?

Yes! Most cottages provide high chairs and travel cots if requested. Raby Castle has a new playground called The Plotters' Forest and nearby Barnard Castle has TCR Hub with indoor climbing and activities. The Bowes Museum runs regular family workshops too.

Where's the nearest supermarket to Staindrop?

The Co-op in Barnard Castle (6 miles away) is the closest supermarket. For bigger shops, there's a Morrisons in Barnard Castle and larger supermarkets in Darlington (12 miles). Staindrop has a small village shop for essentials.

Can I get around without a car?

It's challenging. There's a limited bus service connecting Staindrop to Barnard Castle and Darlington (services 75, 76 and 95), but they're not frequent. We strongly recommend bringing a car to make the most of the area.

What's the best time of year to visit Staindrop?

Spring and summer offer the best weather for exploring, with May-September being peak times. Autumn brings beautiful colours to the surrounding countryside. Winter can be magical, especially with a hot tub to warm up in, but some attractions have reduced hours.

Are there any good restaurants nearby?

The Raby Hunt in nearby Summerhouse is the North East's only two-Michelin-starred restaurant. In Staindrop itself, the Stanwick Arms serves good pub food. Barnard Castle has more options including Valentine's, a highly-rated Italian restaurant.

Is there good mobile reception and WiFi in Staindrop cottages?

Mobile reception can be patchy depending on your network (EE tends to be best). Most cottages offer WiFi, though speeds might not match city standards. Check with your specific accommodation about connection quality.