North East hidden gem cottage with 'stunning sunsets' for a peaceful summer holiday

Anyone looking to book a last-minute summer staycation cannot go wrong with a peaceful retreat in the picturesque North East countryside. While Northumberland is popular, the neighbouring rural landscapes of County Durham offer plenty of hidden gem holiday spots often with greater availability.

A charming cottage set on a working farm offers countryside walks from the doorstep and close proximity to the North East's top days out. With two bedrooms and one bathroom, this cottage has space for up to four people and has earned glowing reviews from guests who described it as perfect in every way.

This hidden gem with availability throughout the school holidays is priced at £912 for seven nights in August. The cottage lies in the countryside just outside Bishop Auckland, surrounded by an abundance of days out from forests and nature reserves to historical sites and world-famous museums.

Guests will have no shortage of things to fill their days. A spectacular historical re-enactment in the grounds of Auckland Castle, 15 minutes away in Bishop Auckland, travels through two thousand years of history in a single evening from the Vikings to the Romans and beyond, with performances throughout July, August and September.

Those exploring the North Pennines National Landscape can reach Hamsterley Forest and High Force Waterfall within 40 minutes by car. Durham is a 40-minute drive away, Beamish open-air museum less than an hour away, and Barnard Castle with its Norman fortress and Bowes Museum 45 minutes away.

One guest who stayed here said in their review: "A lovely property in a quiet and beautiful setting with..."