Right Where You Need to Be

Forget those remote cottages where you have to drive 20 minutes just to buy milk. Sherburn Village is a thriving community with a Co-op open 7am-10pm daily, plus a bakery, post office, newsagent, and chemist. There's a Chinese takeaway for lazy nights, and several pubs within walking distance for a proper meal and a pint.

The cottage sits on the main street but set back from the road, so you get all the convenience without the noise. It's the kind of village where you can nip out for bits and pieces without it turning into a major expedition.

Durham is one of those cities that punches well above its weight - UNESCO World Heritage Site, stunning Norman cathedral, 900-year-old castle, and a riverside setting that'll have you reaching for your camera every five minutes.

At just three miles from the cottage, it's close enough to visit whenever you fancy, with a regular bus service from the village or a quick drive. You'll pass a massive retail park with every supermarket before you even reach the city centre. Once you're in Durham itself, you'll find historic streets, gorgeous riverside walks, brilliant restaurants and cafes, and enough independent shops to keep you browsing for hours.

If you're visiting a son or daughter at Durham University, you already know how tricky accommodation can be - hotels fill up fast, city centre rates are eye-watering, and you need space for the whole family. At three miles from the university, we're close enough for easy visits but far enough that you're not paying premium prices.

We've hosted countless Durham families over the years - parents bringing students for the start of term, families gathering for graduations, relatives visiting for the weekend. They love having proper space to spread out, a full kitchen for family meals, and enough bedrooms for everyone. Many return year after year because they know they'll get great value and a reliable base that makes university visits so much easier.

Fancy a day at the seaside? The stunning Durham Heritage Coast is only a 10-minute drive from the cottage.

This isn't your typical British seaside with candy floss and amusement arcades. The Heritage Coast is all about dramatic cliffs, beautiful beaches, and coastal walks that'll blow the cobwebs away. It's perfect for dog walks, family days out, or just sitting on a beach watching the waves.

The whole stretch of coastline is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and once you see it, you'll understand why. Whether you want bracing clifftop walks or sheltered beaches for paddling, it's all there waiting for you.

Durham and the coast are brilliant, but there's so much more to discover in the North East, and you're perfectly placed to explore it all. Beamish Museum is just up the road - a living museum where you can experience life in the North East across different time periods. Durham's cricket ground at Chester-le-Street hosts international matches, Newcastle is easily accessible for shopping and nightlife, and Hadrian's Wall, the North Pennines, and Northumberland's castles are all within reach for day trips.

Our guests often tell us they use the cottage as their base for exploring, then come back each evening to somewhere comfortable and familiar. You're not stuck in one place, but you're not constantly packing and unpacking either.

If you're bringing a dog or just fancy stretching your legs, you're spoiled for choice around here.

There are lovely walks right around Sherburn Village - proper countryside rambles without having to drive anywhere first. Durham itself has gorgeous riverside paths that are perfect for longer walks, with plenty of spots to stop for a coffee along the way.

The Durham Heritage Coast offers clifftop walks with spectacular views, and there are countless footpaths criss-crossing the countryside in every direction. Whether you want a gentle stroll or a proper hike, you'll find something that fits the bill.