Gardenside Lodge self - catering dog friendly holiday home in County Durham
Our beautiful garden lodge is located in Low Etherley which allows for easy access to local attractions such as Beamish Open Air Museum, Barnard Castle, High Force and Auckland Castle as well the fantastic Kynren show as well as many others. Situated on the B6282, you have easy access to the main A1 should you wish to visit Newcastle or Durham City Centre.
Sitting in our lovely garden lodge you will be surrounded by stunning garden views which can cheer up the most miserable of weather. If the sun is shining you have the unique opportunity to enjoy a relaxing glass of wine in the folly, or by the garden pond (we advise caution with children, however this is also surrounded by wrought iron fencing for improved safety). Who knows you may even spot an owl or woodpecker, the garden is a paradise for birds.
Should you wish to explore the local area we can advise on walks such as Low Barns Nature Reserve or a visit to Escomb to see the oldest Saxon church.
Furthermore, the proximity to notable dark sky sites such as Bollihope, Bowlees Visitor Centre, Hamsterley Forest and High Force adds to the allure of the location.
Bollihope, with its remote location and minimal artificial lighting, offers an exceptional vantage point for witnessing the brilliance of the night sky.
With the holiday home located in close proximity to these dark sky friendly sites, guests have the opportunity to enjoy unparalleled stargazing experiences during their stay.
Whether it's setting up telescopes or binoculars in the garden or taking a short trip to Bowlees or Hamsterley Forest for a night of celestial observation, the holiday home offers a perfect base for astronomy enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
High Force, famed for its spectacular waterfall and rugged landscape, provides an equally captivating setting for stargazing adventures.
The lodge has a full spec kitchen with fridge, microwave, kettle, oven and hob. Shower room, Bunk room and Double Bedroom. The living room, looks out on to the garden.
The lodge has Wifi internet connection and a t.v. An iron, ironing board and a hairdryer is provided, along with bedding and towels.
Please inform us if you wish to bring pets, (up to 2 medium sized dogs allowed). A fee of £20 per visit is payable upon booking.
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Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
Fee to be paid when booking
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Please place wet towels in the shower tray
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Pet Fees must be paid when booking or pets will not be allowed in lodge.
Do not leave dogs unattended in lodge or garden.
Please keep dogs off beds and furniture
Clean up dog poo and place in dog poo bin near fence
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit
About the area
Bishop Auckland
Located in Bishop Auckland, this lodge is in a rural area and near theme parks. Deer Park and Auckland Castle are local landmarks, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Newgate Shopping Centre and Durham Indoor Market. Sweet Greetings and Shildon Sunnydale Leisure Centre are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Woodhouse Close Leisure Complex - 6 min drive - 5.0 km
Low Barns Visitor Centre - 6 min drive - 5.5 km
Auckland Castle - 7 min drive - 6.2 km
Witton Castle - 8 min drive - 3.0 km
Getting around
Bishop Auckland Station - 5 min drive
Durham (MME-Teesside Intl.) - 41 min drive
Restaurants
The Pollards Inn - 4 min drive
Tindale Crossing Brewers Fayre - 6 min drive
Starbucks - 5 min drive
McDonald's - 6 min drive
The March Hare - 5 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Gardenside Lodge self - catering dog friendly holiday home in County Durham pet-friendly?
Yes, Gardenside Lodge self - catering dog friendly holiday home in County Durham allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.
How much does it cost to stay at Gardenside Lodge self - catering dog friendly holiday home in County Durham?
As of 8 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Gardenside Lodge self - catering dog friendly holiday home in County Durham on 13 April 2026 start from NZ$246, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Gardenside Lodge self - catering dog friendly holiday home in County Durham?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Gardenside Lodge self - catering dog friendly holiday home in County Durham?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Gardenside Lodge self - catering dog friendly holiday home in County Durham?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Gardenside Lodge self - catering dog friendly holiday home in County Durham located?
Situated in a rural location, this lodge is within 3 miles (5 km) of Escomb Saxon Church, Witton Castle and Woodhouse Close Leisure Complex. Deer Park and Low Barns Visitor Centre are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Glad and Kenny gave us a really nice welcome when we arrived even though it was late. They showed us round the property which was absolutely spotless. When it was light the next day we could see the lovely garden over breakfast. The house is in a secluded part of the garden. Really enjoyed our stay as we went into Durham for the day. We will definitely visit again.
Situated in the centre of a beautiful garden, greenery and wildlife all around, this holiday accommodation is the most relaxing place to stay.
Julia H.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 20 July 2023
We are so pleased you had a relaxing stay and enjoyed the garden and wildlife.
We are very lucky to live in a beautiful area and to have lovely people such as yourselves share it with us.
We had the privilege of staying at Glad and Kens fantastic property last week. The property was immaculately clean, very well maintained and the garden was beautifully crafted . Glad and Ken were amazing hosts and were always available for help and support. Their property is highly recommended and we will certainly be back !
We loved staying here! Glad and Kenny were so warm and friendly, and their cottage was very comfortable and cozy! The garden was beautiful and a joy to walk through as well!
Lovely place to stay for half term, gardens are lovely, so nice to spot birds and bunnies whilst eating a meal. Glad and Kenny are great hosts.
Rachel O.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 13 June 2022
Thank you for your kind review.
It was a pleasure to meet you all, we would like to thank you for choosing to stay with us and for leaving the lodge in a lovely clean condition.
We would love to have you visit us again in the future.
Best wishes
Glad & Kenny
Enjoyed our stay at the lodge in a peaceful lovely garden setting. A good base for the Auckland Project, Barnard Castle & the scenery/walking of the North Pennines.
Glad & Kenny are a lovely couple & it was a pleasure to meet them.
Diane C.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 21 June 2022
Thank you for your kind review.
We are pleased you enjoyed your stay with us and your time in our beautiful surrounding area.
We would be very happy for you to come again in the future.
Many Thanks
Glad & Kenny
We had a lovely stay. Glad and Kenny were very welcoming. The property was spotless and very comfortable with everything we needed. The garden was gorgeous and the children loved playing in it. Would recommend and would stay again if we are ever in the area.
Jane S.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 22 August 2022
A lovely family, it was a real treat for us to see and hear the children around the garden.
We would love to have you visit us again.
Had a lovely weekend here. Clean and very comfortable property. Very comfy bed, beautiful garden with many birds and wildlife. Really lovely and very talented hosts. Is definitely a place we would like to return to.
Caroline H.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 20 September 2022
Enjoyed having these lovely visitors for the weekend.it was nice to meet and chat.
They were great at communicating with us about estimated arrival time and left the lodge in a nice clean condition.
We hope to see you again in the future.
Thank you and best wishes,
Glad & Kenny
Nice friendly hosts, interesting and quirky place. Clean, with a good shower and decent pots and pans :)
rod d.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 12 August 2022
Thank you for your kind review, it was lovely to meet you both and to have a chat before you left us.
It would be a pleasure to have you visit us again.
Fantastic lodge, very clean, well equipped and the kids loved playing in the garden. We were made to feel very welcome. This is a great location for visiting the surrounding area including Durham, Barnard castle, Bishop Auckland, High Force, Kynren etc. Hope to visit again in the near future.
James R.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 3 September 2023
Thank you for your kind review.
It was great to meet you all and especially nice to see the children having fun in the garden.
We hope to see you all again in the future.
Best wishes
Glad & Kenny
An absolutely ideal place to stay. The owners were very friendly, extremely helpful and made us feel very comfortable. The lodge was immaculate, clean, whilst the gardens were adorable. The area was ideal for our stay. We will be looking to come back next year.
Norman K.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 11 July 2022
Thank you for your fantastic review.
We are so pleased you enjoyed your stay.
We loved meeting and chatting with you both and we would love to have you stay with us again.
Thank you for leaving the lodge in pristine condition.
We stayed with our 6 year old when going to Kynren and so glad we did. This is truly a hidden gem. We had such a relaxing stay and loved exploring the peaceful, beautiful garden. Our hosts, Glad and Kenny were friendly, helpful and we have reccomended to many of our friends and family to go and experience this little slice of heaven.
Rebecca H.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 20 September 2023
Thank you for taking time to leave a review, we really appreciate it.
We are so pleased you all enjoyed your stay and for sharing your experience with others.
It was our pleasure to have you stay in our garden lodge and we hope to see you all again in the future.
Best Wishes
Glad & Kenny
Amazing. So clean tidy everything you need catered for. Garden is stunning and relaxing. All decorated for Christmas. Could not ask for better place to stay. Will defo be going back.
Karen O.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 1 January 2024
Lovely family.
Good communication
Followed house rules
Left lodge in great condition
We would not hesitate to recommend this family to other hosts and would love to see them again in the future
Beautiful getaway in Glad & Kenny's huge garden.
A lovely welcome along with excellent lodgings kitted out with everything you need. A great base to explore county Durham. Thankyou for having us. Would definitely visit again, highly recommended.😁👍
Michael W.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 30 May 2023
Our first visitors since becoming pet friendly. Michael, Laura, Niamh and Sunny were a lovely friendly family, great at communicating expected arrival time. The lodge was left in immaculate condition.
We have no hesitation in recommending these visitors and would love to see them return.
Very thoughtful, generous and welcoming hosts. Property is in a lovely garden and is exceptionally clean with very comfy seats and beds - just what is needed after a tiring day. We can't fault it and would recommend wholeheartedly. Thank you, Glad and Kenny.
Geoff K.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 5 July 2023
It was a pleasure to have this lovely, friendly, couple stay with us for a few days. Communication was excellent, as was the following of the house rules.
The lodge was left in beautiful condition.
We wouldn't hesitate in recommending these visitors and hope to have them visit us again in the future.
Thank you Geoff and Virginia for being such wonderful visitors!
Glad and Kenny's garden house is a wonderful place to stay. Their garden is delightfully designed and perfectly maintained. Nestled amongst the many architectured constructions is the garden lodge. The sun streams into the conservatory all day long. The rooms are comfortable and clean. We had a memorable visit.
Prof. J W H.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 18 April 2021
It was a pleasure to have you stay with us, we are so pleased you enjoyed the garden and Kennys amazing constructions.
Thank you for choosing us and for leaving the lodge in such lovely condition.
Glad and Kenny.
Lovely welcome, Glad and Kenny are so kind and helpful. Welcome pack was appreciated. Very peaceful, amazingly tended garden. Great to sit and watch the birds. Thanks to Kenny for the opportunity to toast marshmallows in the wonderful folly.
Many thanks.
Sheila W.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 30 July 2022
It was a pleasure to have you stay with us.
We are pleased you enjoyed the garden and the folly!
It would be lovely to have you visit us again if you are ever in the area.
Glad & Kenny
Glad and Kenny were wonderful hosts. They made us feel so welcome.
The Garden house accommodation is perfect. Everything you need to literally be home from home.
The garden surroundings were beautiful. Stunning flowers, greenery and pond. We loved exploring and watching the birds and wildlife.
Would highly recommend and hope to visit again soon.
Verified traveller
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 7 August 2020
Zoe, Gordon and Joseph were perfect guests. They were friendly and polite and left the lodge immaculate.I got your tongs Gordon👍 I would love to have you all come back again. Hope to see you again soon.
The lodge was perfect. Spotlessly clean and pretty and everything you could need. However what made our holiday absolutely perfect was the garden the lodge is set in. Stunningly beautiful, magical grounds that you could see from all sides of the lodge. With a folly perfect for an outdoor fire and BBQ. Central to all of the North East and Durham attractions. I have been twice now and can’t wait to go again. Magical!
Amanda T.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 27 August 2024
It was a pleasure hosting Amanda and her family at our holiday home. They were excellent guests - respectful, tidy, and easy to communicate with throughout their stay. We appreciated how well they took care of the property. We are really looking forward to welcoming them back for another visit in the future. Highly recommended guests!
Don't think about it, just book your stay here! It is worth a visit to the area just to see this delightful property. Glad and Kenny are charming and friendly that what they've done with this property is a marvel. Be sure to take time to allow Kenny to give you a tour of the grounds. Highly recommended.
Shannon G.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 26 May 2023
Wow, thank you so much for your lovely review. We are so pleased you enjoyed your stay with us. It was a pleasure to have you and we would love to see you again.
Best wishes
Glad and Kenny
Great property at beautiful location if you are looking for a peaceful holiday. The lodge is very well appointed, clean and comfortable. Glad and Kenny are amazing hosts, nothing was too much for them and went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable. They also gave us useful tips on where to go, what to see. The starter pack of coffee, tea, sugar, milk, bread, butter and eggs was very much appreciated after a long drive. The gardens are truly breathtaking. We had a fantastic break and looking forward to our next stay.
Mark B.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 28 June 2021
Thank you for staying with us. Looking forward to seeing you all again very soon.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Kathryn
22 June 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Set in the large , beautiful garden of the owners this holiday lodge is spotless and well laid out .
There is a small outdoor area for eating which is completely private being surrounded by trees.
Also are many seated areas in the garden both for shade and sunshine.
The very comfortable double bed is in a room which is surprisingly cool in very hot weather.
Hosts Glad and Kenny would certainly be hard to beat.
This is a delightful place in which to relax.
Wow - what a brilliant stay!
Not only was the property uniquely amazing, but Kenny and Glad are also the most fantastic hosts.
In fact I've never stayed in a place like it. My family (and energetic young dog) loved their garden. We even roasted marshmallows at the fireplace in the outdoor castle folly on our last night, in the moonlight! it was magical.
And the location is great too. We took the family on a beautiful countryside walk for a Sunday pub lunch before heading into Bishop Auckland (which is packed full of history and character).
So if you're heading to the North East - definitely stay here!
Matt B.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 21 August 2024
Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a fantastic review.
We absolutely loved every minute of you being here and are so pleased that you enjoyed your stay in our part of the world, We love it here !!
We really hope to see you all again.
Best wishes
Glad & Kenny.
About the host
Hosted by Glad Bowen
We have lived in this area all our lives and feel very lucky to do so.
We enjoy walking, gardening and meeting people.
Why they chose this property
There are lots of walks and cycle paths close by, the river is only a mile away, also the starting point of the historic Stockton to Darlington Railway Line is only a mile away at Witton Park.
There's lots of history including nearby castles, a roman fort, The Weardale Railway, Kynren,
The Spanish Art Gallery, Mining Art Gallery and many more attractions a little further afield.
What makes this property unique
The lodge is set in a stunning private garden which is approximately 1 acre in size.
It's an ideal place to sit and relax away from all your cares or for you to run around and have fun with the kids.
We are on hand if you need any help but otherwise we like to let you just relax and enjoy your stay.