Glamping in Durham

There has been such a surge in popularity of glamping in recent years. It can be overwhelming when trying to choose the best place for your trips. I’m an experienced camper and I’m from County Durham so today I wanted to share my recommendations for glamping in Durham. Based on places that I have visited or my friends have recommended to me, here are the top 5 places I think you should add to your hit list when looking for your next glamping spot in County Durham, North East England.

I’ve broken them down by affordable versus luxury and have stated if they are dog friendly and if they have a hot tub.

Booking.com

Glamping in Durham dog friendly options

West Hall Glamping, Witton Gilbert

West Hall Glamping is family run and has 6 glamping pods (that sleep 4 each) with hot tubs North East just 10 minutes drive from Durham City.

Each glamping pod is equipped with it’s own ensuite shower room, luxury towels and toiletries.

You will have a fully equipped kitchen area stocked with crockery, cutlery, microwave, fridge, hob and toaster.

Sleeping arrangements include double bed and large sofa bed (sofa bed sleeps 2) with all luxury bedding included.

There is a private outdoor area with firepit / BBQ.

West Hall glamping is also dog friendly.

The Weardale Retreat, Newlands Hall, Bishop Auckland

The Weardale Retreat is a luxury shepherd’s hut with wifi located on a working hill farm with picturesque views across Weardale in the Durham dales. This is best suited to couples as only sleeps 2.

Inside, the hut has a double bed, seating area, wood-burning stove, plus a kitchenette with microwave, fridge, coffee machine, kettle and toaster.

A modern shower room completes the interior. The decor is quirky in styling with touches of purple that match the stunning view of the local countryside with its picturesque heather.

Outside the hut you can relax in the warmth of the bubbling wood burning hot tub whilst taking in the beautiful views around you, with no light pollution.

A BBQ is provided, along with marshmallows for toasting and continental breakfast, flowers and prosecco can be ordered as additional options.

They have a free to use EV charger!

The Weardale Retreat welcomes well-behaved dogs and horses with no pet-fee and there is a fenced garden for their safety.

Afforadable glamping pods Durham

Hill Top Huts, Teesdale

Hill Top Huts have a range of 12 insulated pods that accommodate 2-5 people in the heart of Teesdale.

There is an on site bar and restaurant – the Moorcock Inn, serving traditional home cooked food with meat reared from their own farm 3 miles down the road.

Hilltop Farm shop sells meats, pies, fruit and veg etc for all your foodie needs.

There is a dog friendly pod with a small surcharge per night and a max of 2 dogs.

Currently there are no hot tubs. The site seems more of an affordable and value for money site than a high luxury glamping site.

Luxury glamping with hot tub Durham

Hidden Retreat Glamping, Shotley Bridge

Hidden Retreat Glamping is a family run business by a mother and daughter and has 2 glamping pods.

Each pod sleeps 4 and has a double bed, bathroom with shower, toilet and wash basin, a kitchen comprising a sink, microwave and cooker etc, a spacious living area with tv and corner sofa bed to comfortably accommodate the other two guests.

The outdoor patio area is equipped with outdoor furniture for dining alfresco, including its own BBQ, firepit and hot tub.

The pods are beautifully decorated to modern standards. This is more of a luxury end glamping experience akin to a holiday cottage and even has robes and complimentary toiletries.

Hidden Retreat is not dog friendly unfortunately, I checked with the owners.

Beamish Glamping, Beamish

Beamish Glamping is a family run luxury Glamping in restored vintage Railway Carriages with private decking and hot tubs. There are 2-6 berth options.

Situated in the picturesque village of Beamish in County Durham, the site is secluded in large private grounds overlooking woodland.

Within 200 metres in the village you will find an Italian and an Indian restaurant.

Close by lies the C2C (Sea to Sea) Cycle track, the UK’s most popular challenge cycle route.

At the opposite end of the village is Beamish Museum – Multi-award winning “the living museum of the North”. Guests of Beamish Glamping will receive 15% off entrance fees.

Beamish Glamping is launching a pet friendly lodge in June 2024.

If you liked this post about glamping near Durham you might also like: