Rent a cottage in Shiney Row, near Houghton-le-Spring - sleeps 4

The Briar Rose Cottage 2 bedrooms, sleeps 4

Ideal for a couple or a small family wishing to spend time in the city of Durham and explore the whole of County Durham, with easy access to Northumberland.

All on ground floor.
Living room: With electric coal-effect fire, 32" Freeview TV and DVD player.
Kitchen/dining area: With electric cooker, microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer, 32" Smart TV and tiled floor.
Bedroom 1: With double bed.
Bedroom 2: With single bed and pull-out single bed.
Bathroom: With bath, shower cubicle, toilet and heated towel rail.

Gas central heating, electricity, bed linen, towels and Wi-Fi included. Welcome pack. Enclosed lawned garden with patio and garden furniture. Private parking for 1 car or 2 small cars; additional on road parking available.

Extra Amenities

Perfectly positioned on a quiet residential estate in the peaceful town of Houghton–le–Spring, guests will find The Briar Rose on the cusp of County Durham and Tyne and Wear. Almost equidistant between the cathedral city of Durham, 7 miles, and the city of Sunderland, 6 miles, there really is plenty of opportunity to explore and enjoy the attractions of the north east.

Perfect for small families, the popular Beamish Living Museum is only a 10-minute drive away and is open all year. Ideal for walkers and cyclists, there are many paths and walks that cross through the area. Sunderland is nearby and offers beautiful beaches, a harbour, shopping centre and the National Glass Centre, as well as a cinema complex and bowling alley.

Only a 20-minute drive away is the historic city of Durham with the magnificent cathedral and castle, definitely worth a visit, as is the Gala Theatre.

Packed with restaurants, bistros, cafés and bars, Durham is a thriving city with plenty of entertainment all year. Enjoy the bi-annual Lumiere Festival, Annual Book Week, jazz festival, arts festival, miners’ gala, as well as the weekly farmers’ market and pavement artists that line the streets and market place. For retail therapy, visitors will find some beautiful boutiques, along with many high street names and designers.

Located just over 13 miles away is the thriving city of Newcastle-upon-Tyne with its historic bridges and architecture, as well as attractions including The Sage (a venue for live music), Newcastle Metro Arena and The Centre For Life, an interactive science museum. The Metrocentre in Gateshead is only 12 miles away, and guests will find themselves spoilt for choice with designer brands, high street stores, cinema, bowling alley and restaurants.

Within a one-hour drive there is the opportunity for guests to visit the magnificent Northumbrian coastline, Northumberland National Park, Holy Island, Alnwick, Hadrian’s Wall, the Scottish Borders, Durham Dales and Cumbria.

For sporting enthusiasts, there are several golf courses nearby, horse riding and major sporting events ranging from football and cricket clubs to athletics and rugby, with dog and horse racing, and speedway venues in the area. The annual Sunderland Air Show is a big event, along with a display by the Red Arrows.

For alternative entertainment, Lumley Castle nearby hosts medieval banquets and a-la-carte dining in the vaults.

All on one level, The Briar Rose is cosy, warm and welcoming, and is the ideal destination for guests of all ages at any time of year. Shop ¼ mile, pub and restaurant 1 mil