Unique and Quirky Self Catering Stays

From private glamping pods overlooking the North Sea, to luxury treehouses and grand castle sleepovers, Durham is home to lots of unique self catering accommodation. 

Whether you’re searching for a romantic break for two, dog-friendly getaway, or a family adventure, you’ll find the perfect place to stay in Durham after those long lockdown days at home. 

Check out our picks below of some of the quirkiest places to stay across the county or head to our dedicated accommodation page where you can view loads more self catering accommodation, holiday homes, camping and glamping. 

Be King or Queen of the Castle

Durham is famous for its castles, and across the county you’ll find incredible castles stays where you and your loved ones can live it up like kings and queens. 

In the bustling market town of Stanhope in the Durham Dales stands Stanhope Castle. The castle has recently been refurbished to a high standard and spilt into a luxurious set of holiday apartments, some of which even boast a private sauna and hot tub! 

Enjoy a private getaway in one of Northern England's oldest castles at Brancepth Castle's Quartermaster's Flat recently modernised apartment, nestled between the castle's medieval and 19th century towers.

Not self-catering, but worth an honourable mention! Live like royalty! For a truly immersive medieval escape, check in to Lumley Castle Hotel, overlooking the River Wear near Chester-le-Street. With four-poster beds, grand dining halls, and hidden priest holes, this 14th-century fortress-turned-hotel is packed with character and charm.

Boutique Glamping Breaks

For all the luxury-loving campers out there, from cabins to yurts and pods, across the county there are plenty of places you can reconnect with nature and camp out with added style. 

Only a ten minute drive from historic Durham City you’ll find West Hall Glamping, with six luxury dog-friendly lodges to choose from, you can even take advantage of a luxury transfer pick up service from Durham train station. Sit back and relax in your very own hot tub after a day out exploring the surrounding countryside trails and amazing attractions.  

A fan of the hit Channel 4 show – Four in a Bed? Then you may recognise The Gables Pod Camping, which was crowned the winner after achieving the show’s highest ever score. This quiet glamping spot in the village of Escombe, just outside of Bishop Auckland has a number of glamours pods to choose from, all complete with private wood fired hot tub. 

Overlooking the Durham Heritage Coast is The Barn at Easington, a beautiful 30 acre farm with two camping pods and two caravans that offer stunning views across the coast. With the beach just a short 15 minute stroll away from the site, this is a great base for exploring Durham’s stunning coastline. 

Colourful Holiday Homes

Durham is home to an amazing array of cosy cottages and holiday homes that are just as unique as the guests staying in them. All of which offer a warm welcome and a chance to spend quality time with friends and family on an unforgettable escape. 

For a stay steeped in history, the Auckland Project’s holiday cottages in Bishop Auckland are a perfect choice. Set within beautifully restored historic buildings just a short stroll from Auckland Palace, these stylish self-catering cottages blend period charm with modern comfort. It’s an ideal base for exploring nearby  attractions, galleries, and scenic walks.

If you’re searching for a quirky place to stay, Harry’s House on the outskirts of Durham City is the place for you. This colourful holiday home is bursting with character from the colourful family room, to outdoor bar area, secret garden, wood fired hot tub and totally one of a kind living room featuring a beautiful mural inspired by Durham’s mining heritage. It’s also dog-friendly too!

Cosy Cabin Getaways

Sick of looking at the same four walls after the long days (and nights) of lockdown? A getaway to one of Durham’s many countryside cabins guarantee peace, quiet and beautiful views aplenty.   

Tucked away in a tranquil location on the edge of the Durham Dales and North Pennines National Landscape is Vindomora Country Lodges, where you can relax and unwind in a real wood cabins, all with their own private hot tub. The lodges also have a fully accessible lodge, designed specifically with restricted mobility visitors in mind. 

Or, if the sound of the sea is more your thing, the luxury Coastal Cabins at Seaham Hall offer a stylish seaside escape with sweeping views of Durham’s dramatic Heritage Coast. Just a stone’s throw from the beach, these elegant lodges come complete with a spacious private terrace, fire pit, and hot tub – perfect for watching the sun dip below the waves with a glass of something fizzy in hand.

Shepherd Hut Hideaways

Looking for a quirky countryside escape with a touch of luxury? Durham’s collection of stylish shepherd’s huts offers the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort.

Tucked away on a working dairy farm near Barnard Castle, Cheesedale Shepherd’s Huts offer a glamping experience with a delicious twist. Surrounded by rolling hills and resident dairy cows, these cosy huts come with comfy beds, en-suite bathrooms, wood-fired hot tubs, and even an on-site cheese café and shop – perfect for foodie fans wanting to wake up to the smell of fresh coffee and homemade cheese. Robson Green even enjoyed a stay here, as part of his Wekend Escapes series. 

For total tranquillity and forest-side views, the Sycamore Shepherd’s Hut next to Hamsterley Forest is hard to beat. Nestled near the edge of Hamsterley Forest, this beautifully crafted hut is off-grid, eco-friendly and totally peaceful – the perfect spot to unplug, unwind, and soak up the sounds of nature from the comfort of your own outdoor firepit or wood-fired hot tub.

Sleep over in a luxury treehouse

If you're looking to take your getaway to new heights (literally), Durham’s luxury treehouses offer the ultimate treetop retreat.

Set within the serene woodland of Ramside Hall Hotel, the elegant treehouses take five-star stays to a whole new level. These stunning, stilted escapes feature spacious open-plan living, three beautifully styled bedrooms, a freestanding copper bath, and a wraparound balcony with a sunken hot tub – perfect for relaxing after a round on the championship golf course or a pampering session at the award-winning spa. For an extra-special break, guests can even book private dining experiences in the trees.

Tucked away in the peaceful farmland of Red Hurworth near the Durham Heritage Coast, Rest at the Nest offers a luxurious countryside escape designed especially for couples. Inspired by the surrounding birdlife and natural beauty, guests can choose between two elevated treehouses, or unwind in waterside lodges. Each retreat is thoughtfully styled with super king beds, private hot tubs and more! Surrounded by nature and serenity, it's the perfect place to relax and reconnect.

Discover more amazing places to stay in Durham on our dedicated accommodation page >