Your Home Away From Home
Tucked away in the heart of Weardale, Curlew Cottage is a warm and welcoming stone cottage offering the perfect base to explore the unspoilt beauty of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a UNESCO Global Geopark . Surrounded by rolling moorland, winding rivers, and timeless villages, the cottage blends traditional character with modern comfort, inviting you to slow down and truly switch off. Whether you’re seeking peaceful walks from the doorstep, star-filled night skies, or a cosy haven after a day discovering the wild landscapes of the North Pennines, Curlew Cottage is your home away from home in one of England’s most breathtaking and tranquil regions.
History & Heritage
Weardale and County Durham are steeped in a rich and fascinating history shaped by landscape, industry, and faith. For centuries, the River Wear carved a natural route through the dale, supporting farming communities and later a thriving lead-mining industry that brought prosperity and left a lasting legacy in the area’s villages, chapels, and stone architecture. County Durham itself was once a powerful Prince-Bishopric, ruled by the Bishops of Durham who held both religious and political authority, a history still reflected in landmarks such as Durham Cathedral and Castle. From Roman roads and medieval market towns to industrial heritage and enduring rural traditions, Weardale and County Durham offer a story that spans thousands of years and continues to shape the character and charm of the region today.
Landscape
County Durham and the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offer a rich and varied landscape where history, nature, and adventure come together. From the dramatic waterfalls, heather-clad moorlands, and sweeping valleys of the North Pennines to the peaceful rivers, dark skies, and abundant wildlife, the area is a haven for walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers. Discover historic market towns, traditional stone villages, and centuries of heritage shaped by lead mining and rural life, alongside iconic landmarks such as castles, cathedrals, and scenic railways. Whether you’re exploring quiet country lanes, enjoying breathtaking views from high passes, or simply soaking up the tranquillity of this unspoilt corner of England, County Durham and the North Pennines promise memorable experiences in every season.
Your retreat in the heart of the Durham Dales
