Stonebank Cottage Newfield

Stonebank Cottage is in Newfield, which is a quiet village about eight miles from Durham. It's a simple terraced house. You've got your own space, and it's a decent place to come back to after being out all day.

It sleeps six. Three bedrooms, one bathroom. The rating is 4 Star, which I think means it's comfortable and well-equipped. The stairs are mentioned as being steep and narrow on the official listing, so that's something to be aware of.

There's a living room with a big TV, and a separate kitchen and dining room with a wood burner for the colder months. All the bedrooms have TVs too, which can be handy. Outside, there's an enclosed yard at the back, and then across the back lane there's a raised garden with seating. There's also a converted garage that's been made into a sort of social room. It's got a hot tub, some chairs, and a little bar area.

A kids' play park is right opposite. There's a pub you can walk to. It's fine for a meal or a pint.

For things to do, Bishop Auckland is about three and a half miles away. It has shops and places to eat, and Auckland Castle is there. They also put on the Kynren show in the summer, which is a big outdoor historical performance. Durham city is the main draw though. The castle and cathedral are World Heritage sites. You can walk around the city walls or along the river.

Within about half an hour's drive you've got some good options. Barnard Castle is a nice market town with the Bowes Museum. Raby Castle is nearby. Beamish, the living history museum, is very popular with families. If you head west, you can get to the North Pennines and places like High Force waterfall quite easily. The coast at Sunderland or Seaham is also within reach.

In terms of facilities: there's parking, WiFi, a washing machine, and bedding and towels are included. You can bring up to two dogs.

Useful links for planning visits: Visit County Durham, National Trust for the North East, and This is Durham.