As part of our Green Traveller's Guide to the North Pennines, Paul Bloomfield picks out a selection of characterful places to stay, from hotels and cottages to barns and farmhouses in this glorious Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the north of England.
It doesn't matter whether you've come to the North Pennines AONB to enjoy a fun-filled activity week with the family or a romantic weekend break with a loved one, choosing the right accommodation for you is one of the most important decisions you can make.
Which is why we've put together this list of the best places to stay in the region, from lavish castle hotels to comfortable family-run barns and bunkhouses, secluded self-catering cottages to award-winning pubs with rooms - make a holiday to suit you, whether you're looking for a home cooked breakfast and a roaring log fire, a four-poster bed or a simple place to crash after a long day.
Better yet, every one of the accommodations listed is committed to conserving their natural environment - many have been accredited by the Green Tourism Business Scheme or have won a David Bellamy Conservation Award.
Google map: shows the location and details of all the places to stay, local food and drink, nearby visitor attractions and activities in our Green Travel Guide to the North Pennines:
Green = Places to stay Blue = Local food & drink Yellow = Attractions Purple = Activities
Places to stay in the North Pennines
Howlugill Barn, County Durham, England
A 17th-century farmhouse with a contemporary touch in the Durham Dales & the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Luxurious, affordable accommodation: great for walkers, travellers, bird spotters and anyone who loves the great outdoors. howlugillbarn.co.uk
Isaac's Byre, Cumbria, England
This cosy barn conversion is ideal for a tranquil getaway, situated right in the middle of the beautiful North Pennines. With walks and gorgeous scenery on the doorstep it’s perfect for nature loving families. isaacsbyre.com
Low Cornriggs Farm, County Durham, England
Set on a working farm this charming B&B and two holiday cottages are perfect for getting a taste of authentic country life. The gorgeous surrounding meadows and upper moorlands are a haven for wildlife, from birds to rare varieties of flora and fauna cornriggsfarm.co.uk
Newlands Hall, County Durham, England
This cosy and welcoming farmhouse B&B is set on a working farm in the North Pennines, surrounded by spectacular views. With several available stables, this is the perfect place for those looking to explore the area by hoof. newlandshall.co.uk
The Red Brick Barn, North Pennines, England
This gorgeous self-catered barn is set within the beautiful North Pennines and is perfect for families and those with pets. Find pigs, sheep, chickens, hens and geese, as well as fantastic walks right on the doorstep! prydale.com
Slack House Farm, North Pennines, England
Simple, clean and comfortable accommodation on this organic working farm in the North Pennines. Situated within the ‘Heart of Hadrian’s Wall’, this is an ideal location for lovers of walking, cycling, horse riding and pony trekking. slackhousefarm.co.uk
Cobblestone Barn, Cumbria, England
Set in the bucolic Cumbrian village of Melmerby, this lovely converted barn is ideal for a family getaway. And with its fantastic location between the North Pennines and the Lake District, there’s plenty of stunning scenery to soak up. sykescottages.co.uk
Carrs Farm Bunkhouse, County Durham, England
Surrounded by gorgeous scenery, this fun-filled organic working farm is ideal for families, providing a range of educational and leisure activities, from zorbing, paintballing and white water rafting to rambling and birdwatching. carrsfarm.co.uk
Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland, England
This stunning 14th century castle is the perfect choice for those looking for a bit of luxury, some history, and a lot of character. Not only is it set right on the border of the North Pennines AONB, it also boasts its own 10 acre woodland estate. langleycastle.co.uk
Lowbyer Manor Country House, North Pennines, England
Set in the middle of the stunning North Pennines, this beautiful listed Georgian house hotel is perfect for a tranquil getaway. Enjoy the abundant surrounding wildlife, including deer and red squirrels, as well as delicious award-winning breakfasts. lowbyer.com
Blackton Grange, North Pennines, England
Surrounded by stunning scenery and complete with a roaring open log fireplace, this beautiful stone farmhouse is the perfect venue for large group holidays, parties, business training and conferences, and even wedding receptions. blacktongrangefarmhouse.com
Deneholme Country House Hotel, North Pennines, England
Set in the bucolic village of Allendale, this beautiful Edwardian manor offers a range of exciting activities and is ideal for family reunions, educational groups and conferences. It also forms a wonderful setting for wedding receptions. northumberlandadventurecentre.co.uk
Dowfold House B&B, County Durham, England
Let yourself (and your dog) be pampered at this elegent, homely Victorian B&B. Enjoy award winning breakfasts as well as fabulous walking and cycling routes. dowfoldhouse.com
Haggs Bank Bunkhouse, North Pennines, England
Get back to basics at this clean, comfortable and friendly bunkhouse and its adjoining campsite. Not only is it surrounded by the glorious scenery of the North Pennines, it also boasts its own beautiful patch of woodland and wildflower meadow. haggsbank.com
Ninebanks Hostel, North Pennines, England
Set in a beautiful 17th century lead mining house, this comfortable and welcoming hostel is located right in the middle of the gorgeous North Pennines. With the C2C cycle route close by it’s an ideal base for cyclists. ninebanks.org.uk
YHA Dufton Hostel, North Pennines, England
This cosy hostel is ideally situated for nature lovers, with the Pennine Way, Cross Fell and High Cup Nick all close by. Spend your days exploring and have a delicious three-course dinner waiting to welcome you back! yha.org.uk
High Broadwood Hall Cottages, Northumberland, England
Surrounded by utter peace and tranquility, these two beautifully-restored, eco-friendly cottages are set in the gorgeous Northumberland countryside with magnificent views of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. highbroadwoodhallcottages.co.uk
Southlands Farm Cottages, Northumberland, England
Three award winning luxury self catering cottages surrounded by farmland in Northumberland, an area famed for its outstanding natural beauty. Great for visiting its breathtaking beaches and stunning nature reserves or unwinding in the great outdoors. southlandsfarmcottages.co.uk
East Briscoe Farm Cottages, County Durham, England
Experience the beautiful, unspoilt landscape of Teesdale from these award-winning, farm cottages. The surrounding countryside with its woodlands, meadows, market towns and pretty villages is great for walking and cycling. eastbriscoe.co.uk
Boot and Shoe Cottage, North Pennies, England
Expect the warmest of welcomes, a roaring log fire, home made food and a real home-away-from-home from this riverside cottage in Teesdale. bootandshoecottage.co.uk
Beckleshele Cottage, North Pennies, England
Lying high in the wild moorlands of upper Weardale, this wonderfully restored lead miners cottage offer 4-star accommodation, perfect for walkers, cyclists and anyone wishing to explore the surrounding North Pennies AONB. beckleshele.co.uk
Milburn Grange Cottages, North Pennies, England
This collection of delightful holiday cottages lies directly below the Pennines, with some fantastic views of the Lake District fells. Sleeping between 2 and 6 people, each cottage is well-equipped and comfortable. milburngrange.co.uk
Tottergill Farm Cottages, North Pennies, England
In the heart of Cumbria, these award-winning cottages sleep between two and eight people and enjoy breathtaking views of both the Lake District and the Scottish hills. tottergill.co.uk
Allendale Caravan Park, North Pennies, England
A family-owned caravan park, Allendale is a haven for wildlife, having won the David Bellamy Conservation Award for six consecutive years. As well as the caravan site, there is also a 4* self-catering two bedroom flat. allendale-holidays.co.uk
For information on local food and drink, nearby visitor attractions and activities, see our
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