Briar Barn in County Durham | Cottage With a Hot Tub

About Briar Barn

Escape to the enchanting Briar Barn, a 17th-century converted barn nestled in the heart of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This cedar-clad and stone beauty sleeps up to 6 guests in 3 cosy bedrooms, making it an ideal retreat for families, friends, or couples seeking a rural getaway.

The barn boasts a ground-floor bedroom for easy accessibility and includes a luxurious hot tub, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring the stunning surroundings.

You'll find comfort in the rustic charm of the sitting room, complete with a woodburning stove and floor-to-ceiling windows that allow natural light to flood in.

Enjoy the convenience of off-road parking and a plethora of modern amenities, including a well-equipped kitchen/diner, broadband/WiFi, and a washing machine. The property welcomes two well-behaved pets, so your furry friends can join in on the adventure.

With its idyllic location, Briar Barn offers the perfect balance of tranquillity and comfort for an unforgettable cottage break.

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At Sykes Cottages

Need To Know

✓Oil fired central heating and woodburning stove
✓ Electric oven and hob, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, washing machine
✓ 42 Inch Smart TV in the living room which includes free Disney and Netflix
✓ WiFi available
✓ Each bedroom also has TV with Freeview
✓ Travel cot available
✓ Fuel and power included in rent
✓ Bed linen, dressing gowns and towels included in rent
✓ Ample off-road parking
✓ Lawned garden
✓ Hot Tub
✓ Two well-behaved pets welcome
✓ Sorry, no smoking
✓ Shop and pub within 1.4 miles
✓ Please note; Hot tub will be available for use from 1st June 2020

Cottages Near Briar Barn

Bilberry Nook Cottage

2 Miles

North of England » County Durham

Sleeps 4

Pets 1

Hot Tub

Bedrooms: 2

A delightful, semi-detached, stone-built cottage, set behind the ownersÂ’ home next to the River Wear in the Weardale village of Westgate, in County Durham. This attractive Westgate cottage is the perfect setting for a family holiday, with plenty to see and do in the area.

Bilberry Nook Cottage

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Burnhill Derwent Cottage

12 Miles

North of England » County Durham

Sleeps 6

Pets 1

Hot Tub

Bedrooms: 3

Enjoying a delightful setting on the owners’ working farm this property is great for a getaway. Kick back and relax, while away the hours in this beautiful barn, taking advantage of the hot tub and taking short trips out to sample local produce from the nearby farm shops, Jersey ice cream parlours and smokeries.

Burnhill Derwent Cottage

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Auckland Cottage

14 Miles

North of England » County Durham

Sleeps 9

Pets 1

Hot Tub

Bedrooms: 4

Resting on the outskirts of the North Pennines AONB and within striking distance of the charming market town of Wolsingham is this spacious accommodation, Auckland Cottage. This wonderful abode has been designed with a family and friends gathering in mind, with facilities and features appealing to a group of all ages and tastes.

Auckland Cottage

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Brancepeth

14 Miles

North of England » County Durham

Sleeps 6

Pets 1

Hot Tub

Bedrooms: 3

Wolsingham 1.7 miles. This marvellous, semi-detached holiday cottage, Brancepeth rests on an idyllic farm on the outskirts of Wolsingham, Durham. This cottage is the perfect stay for a family of six that want to escape to the countryside, boasting pet-friendly accommodation, as well as a hot tub and access to on-site facilities, such as a games room and an indoor swimming pool.

Brancepeth

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Helpful Info To Get More From Your Stay

What do guests love about this accommodation?

Guests have been captivated by the immaculate condition of Briar Barn, its beautiful location, and the high specification of its decor and facilities. The hot tub is frequently mentioned as a highlight, providing a warm and enclosed space to relax with stunning views. Comfortable beds, essential amenities, and thoughtful touches like a bottle of Prosecco and biscuits add to the charm of this cosy retreat.

Getting there

To get to Briar Barn, if travelling by car, take the A689 through the scenic Weardale area. For rail travellers, the nearest train station is Bishop Auckland, from which you can hire a taxi for the final leg of your journey.

Nearby Essentials

During your stay, you'll have convenient access to a selection of nearby amenities, including some of the area's tastiest takeout options. Click any of the postcodes for a map along with handy driving instructions and the fastest route from your accommodation.

Service	Distance (miles)	Postcode
Pharmacy (Stanhope Pharmacy)	9.9 miles	DL13 2UL
Train station (Bishop Auckland)	19.4 miles	DL14 7TL
Pub (The Blue Bell Inn)	1.4 miles	DL13 1QW
Dog walk	Weardale Way	within walking distance
Supermarket (Co-op Food)	1.4 miles	DL13 1QF
Indian takeaway (Spice Island)	9.9 miles	DL13 2UL
Chinese takeaway (Golden House)	9.9 miles	DL13 2UL
Italian takeaway (Buon Appetito)	7.4 miles	DL13 1QF

For families with Kids

This destination is a haven for families with children, offering ample space for outdoor play and exploration. The nearby Weardale Way provides a scenic backdrop for family walks, and the local village, with its friendly atmosphere, is perfect for leisurely outings. The spacious garden and the presence of farm animals in the surrounding fields add an element of rural charm that children are sure to love.

Is Briar Barn A good location for couples?

For couples seeking a romantic retreat, this destination offers a serene setting with breathtaking views and luxurious amenities, including a hot tub. Nearby, you can enjoy intimate walks along the Weardale Way or visit the charming village of St John's Chapel. For a special day out, explore the historic market towns or dine at one of the local inns, providing the perfect backdrop for creating cherished memories together.

Dining and Cafes

For a delightful dining experience, visit The Blue Bell Inn (DL13 1QW) or enjoy Italian cuisine at Buon Appetito (DL13 1QF). For a cosy café atmosphere, the Chatterbox Café is a short drive away.

Within walking distance of your cottage

A short walk away you'll find charming local shops, inns, and pubs, including the welcoming Blue Bell Inn, as well as picturesque walks along the Weardale Way.

Quickfire FAQs

Does the accommodation include a hot tub?

Yes, the accommodation features a luxurious hot tub, providing a private and serene space to relax and enjoy the picturesque views of the surrounding countryside.

Is the property pet-friendly?

Indeed, the property welcomes two well-behaved pets, allowing your beloved animals to accompany you on your peaceful retreat in the beautiful North Pennines.

What type of heating is available at the property?

The property is equipped with oil-fired central heating and a woodburning stove, ensuring a warm and cosy atmosphere throughout your stay, regardless of the weather.

Are there any parking facilities?

Ample off-road parking is available at the property, providing convenient and secure space for your vehicles during your countryside escape.

Does the property have internet access?

Yes, broadband/WiFi is available throughout the property, allowing you to stay connected and share your memorable experiences with friends and family.

Are there any walking or cycling opportunities nearby?

The property is situated within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering a plethora of walking and cycling routes right on your doorstep, perfect for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.

Briar Barn Reviews

Just got back from a week here celebrating my 60th birthday. We also had some our children and grandchildren staying along with 2 dogs. The barn is beautifully decorated and had been decorated for Easter too. We were left crme eggs for the adults and small Easter eggs for the kids. There was also a bottle of bubbly waiting for us in the fridge. The property is actually over 3 floors with the kitchen dining room in the basement level. Has a huge fridge freezer which is really essential. Lots of cutlery and crockery. We had every intention of using the log burner but the house was really warm with the central heating so we didnt bother. The views were amazing from the living room and also while sitting in the hot tub with the shutters open. Sheep and lambs in the surrounding fields.There are fabulous walks from the door or a short drive away. As others have said you do have to be careful exiting the property in the car due to the limited visibility from the current position of the entrance but I understand this is expected to be changed in the near future. The owners didnt bother us at all but did drop us a couple of messages by text. All in all one of the nicest properties we have rented and would very happily come here again. Thank you for a very memorable Easter and birthday xx

The property is absolutely beautiful with plenty of room for families and pets and the bedrooms have loads of room and the kitchen is massive and the bathroom downstairs has plenty of space. The view's from the property are stunning and the outside area is beautiful to sit outside. If I had to be niggly only two minor things We're the downstairs bedroom is very cold during early months but should be lovely in the summer and also needs blind's on the roof windows in there. And just be careful pulling out of the property need someone to watch you really or a mirror on the wall so you can see what traffic is coming from the right of the property. But really would highly recommend it to anyone with families and pets it's beautiful and hopefully will be going back there next year.

Thank you so much, we had a lovely holiday

Just spent a lovely relaxing 4 days at Briar Barn, the property is outstanding! Immaculately clean, everything you could wish for is provided though it did take us 10 minutes to find where the cutlery was lol. The view is to die for and the hot tub was the cherry on top, perfect. Can't recommend it highly enough and we shall definately be making return visits!

Briar Barn was lovely. Location is great to access many places of interest in the North East. The views from the property are stunning with the hot tub being a perfect addition. Would definitely recommend and stay again. Thank you

Michelle

We booked this property two years ago and couldnt wait to get here. The location was definitely worth the 7 hours to get there. Definitely had the wow factor when we entered the property. On going to the hot tub on the first night unfortunately due to lack of lighting I fell down the high step by the gate to get to the hot tub, then getting into the hot tub enclosure we couldnt find the light switch. Considering a day before we got there there was a text message with 11 do,s and dont,s I thought this would have been mentioned. The hot tub was excellent and we did make use of it. I do have back issues and as always staying in a rental, accommodation was abit wary but the bedmatress was so comfortable. The lack of kitchen trays etc made it difficult to make a meal, even if it was only two of us. The mats in the front room were dangerous as they kept rising and easy to trip over. We brought our own towels etc inc shower mat as I can only assume the shower would become extremely slippery. We do like, as Im sure a lot of your holiday makers do , want to clean up after ourselves and would probably appreciate a rechargeable hoover so it could be taken upstairs and downstairs as the one provided was very heavy considering the steepness of the stairs. Also coming out of the drive was abit dangerous could probably do with a mirror. We only hope this is constructive criticism rather than being negative.

Andrew

Great accommodation,high end finish. Any concerns in relation to repairs and hot tub hygiene need raising immediately with Sykes

Great set up. Extremely comfy beds. Very enjoyable stay log burn very nice and warm. Would recommend to others. Village pub only one open now only does food on Fridays so be aware and this, pies one week pizza the next. Hot tub chemicals were strong too strong really. Two keys would have been nice eg. if someone is inside sleeping you cannot lock key in lock box and secure the property.

Kirsty

Good location. Nice house. The Christmas tree was a nice touch

Superb cottage with everything you could need The view from the bedrooms on a winters morning are stunning

Had a fantastic time at briar Barn stayed in a couple of days to take time to relax, Hot tub is fantastic best one I've been in it's in a cabin all lit up it's amazing, The Barn is excellent was lovely and clean.

This is a beautiful property well maintained and in a wonderful location. We had a relaxing time using the hot tub and enjoying the view. Owners on hand via text if needed . Would reccomend a visit and we will be definitely be returning.

Richard

Nice barn in a rural setting clean well maintained had a wonderful time with family would definitely recommend. Enjoyed some good days out enjoyed the alpaca trekking just down the road

Charlotte

This was the best place we have ever stayed, this place just everything about it ... This was the best place we have ever stayed, this place just everything about it has the WOW factor, the barn is so spacious and really well presented, the decor the grounds are kept beautiful

Stephen

Just back from our week at Briar Barn and overall we had a terrific week . First time we've been down Weardale way and it's just the kind of place we like. As for the property it was ideal for our needs barn was clean enough and pictures did it justice . Hot tub was used daily and was a lovely to use at the end of the day. Only downside is the stairs to upper bedrooms is steep and stairs down to kitchen which is really a cellar are extremely steep . Wouldn't be ideal for older people or people with mobility problems . Apart from that it's a lovely place .

Andrew

Absolutely ideal for a relaxing break couldnt of picked a better place.

Sandra

This was our 1st time at Briar Barn and we enjoyed our stay. Well appointed and spacious accommodation for 6 adults and we were given permission to take 3 dogs, for a small extra fee, all nonshedding, housetrained and well behaved. One 1st floor bedroom is ensuite, the other 1st floor bedroom shares the ground floor main bathroom with the ground floor bedroom, nicely fitted out except that there is nowhere to put toiletries, which means if you're upstairs in the bedroom without the ensuite, you have to remember to take all your things with you every time you want to batheshowerclean teeth, or put them on the floor in the corner of the bathroom, which isn't really ideal. We would also strongly advise taking an eye mask if visiting during the summer months, as the rooms are very bright.

Beautifully appointed and extremely well equipped. Garden was better than picture suggested as rather than a fence it was a wall which meant secure for my dog. Very relaxing and peaceful holiday with the bonus of a hot tub.

We had a lovely peaceful stay at briar barn the views and scenery were amazing . I was however a little disappointed with the cleanliness there was quite a lot of dust on banisters and the glass on both sets of stairs had finger prints on , also the patio doors were dirty inside and out , although this didnt effect our stay I do think this is something that should be done during the change over especially with such a stunning view out . The local pub in St Johns Chapel was also never open so if youre looking for somewhere for drinks and food dont rely on this being open . Ruth

Property was beautiful, clean and in a lovely location. The only thing I would say is that it lacked toilet roll and hand wash. It also could do with blackout blinds in the bedrooms. We were all awake very early as it's so light. I think one room didn't have any blinds at all. Apart from that it was idyllic and we had a lovely time.

Edward

Thank you for letting us stay in your amazing home. It felt very luxurious over the 3 levels with all the mod cons you could need. Beautiful place and fabulous scenery would highly recommend

Katherine

Beautiful well maintained cottage in an idyllic location. Will be retuning!

Ashlee

Amazing stay ! Would love to come again

Great place, would definitely book again

Had a lovely chilled weeks stay at the barn. Just what we needed. The barn had everything we needed. My daughter loved the hot tub. The open fire and real Christmas tree made it feel Christmassy.

Immaculate property in a beautiful location, decorated and fitted out to a high specification. Would 100 recommend to both groups and families

Georgia

Just returned from Briar Barn and we absolutely loved it, so cosy with the Christmas decorations and everything you need for a weekend stay. Lovely gesture from owners too of bottle of Prosecco and biscuits which we greatly appreciated. Hot tub was lovely and warm and loved the fact it was enclosed. Beds super comfy and had majority of essentials already there that were needed, definitely recommend and we will be booking again

Beautiful property. The inside was decorated so well for Christmas. Lots of great facilities inside which made our stay enjoyable. Gorgeous area with some great walks from the door. Our only criticism was we couldn't use the hot tub due to the amount of chemicals in it. We tried it the first night but our throats were burning with the amount of chlorine. It was ashame as that was the reason we booked the property but we still had a lovely stay.

Michelle

Third time here and it was as great as ever. Highly recommended if you are staying around here. We just love it. Perfect x

Stephanie

Beautiful place to stay, perfect for weekend getaway family or friends. Everything available and facilities. Lovely bottle of prosecco and biscuits on arrival. Would definitely recommend and be back!

Elizabeth

There were 5 of us staying for a weekend and celebrating a special occasion. We absolutely loved this cottage. Its very isolated and high up! The views are beautiful. The hot tub was well needed and the view from the hot tub was gorgeous. The beds were comfy and the kitchen was so handy. Plenty of space for two cars and more. The cottage was clean and great communication with the owner. Would recommend this cottage.

Claire

Briar Barn was absolutely fantastic, beautiful place in a beautiful setting ... Briar Barn was absolutely fantastic, beautiful place in a beautiful setting everything you need was provided, wish we had booked a longer stay

Had such a wonderful stay! The property looks exactly like the photos, its stunning. Very comfortable and has everything you need. Our dog loved laying in front of the log burner, and we loved the hot tub!

Thoroughly enjoyed our stay the whole barn and hot tub area were so well maintained. Great value for money

Michelle

2nd time staying, with our third time already booked before we had even started this one. ..........the area, the property.........just amazing. Cannot fault it. The hot tub is amazing and a great end to the day after exploring. If you are looking to stay in the area, book this place, you wont be disappointed x

Hayley

Fantastic property in a beautiful place. We will hopefully return later in the year.

Nicholas

Great property! Very clean and top notch facilities. Would stay again

Briar Barn is absolutely stunning we spent Christmas here with the family and we ... Briar Barn is absolutely stunning we spent Christmas here with the family and we all enjoyed everything the barn is tastefully decorated with everything you need log burner made it cosy and the hot tub was a great hit with all the family thanks to Steven for the Prosecco and chocolates would definitely recommend a stay here

Frances

Myself and three friends visited for the weekend and had an amazing time. The house is very clean and well presented and the Hot tub is lovely. Will be looking to return.

Great place for a group of friends. Lovely walks nearby and small village of St John's Chapel approx 1 mile away if you forget any supplies it has 2 pubs and a Co Op store. Beautiful log burner to keep us warm and an added bonus of the hot tub being in its own shed with a bar and seating supplied. Great touch.

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Attractions Near Briar Barn

While there'll be plenty to keep you entertained at Briar Barn itself, if you plan to get out and about and see some of what County Durham has to offer, here are some of the nearby attractions you can enjoy during your stay. Please note that some of these activities and days out are paid and it's always a good idea to book in advance to secure your place where applicable.

Found a special day out near your cottage? Please let us know and we'll add it so that other visitors can enjoy it too!

Go Ape Northumberland - NE48 1NT

about 22 Miles

Go Ape! has really taken off and become one of the most popular attractions in the UK. The Northumberland course is set in the stunning grounds of Matfin Hall. Described as a high wire forest adventure this really is one for the more daring as the course takes place right up in the tree tops. Giant tree top obstacle courses include ladders, bridges, tunnels and some of the country's best zip lines. You will be provided with all safety equipment and training on site.