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A cosy rural retreat in a picturesque village

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Outdoor dining
Outdoor dining
Binks Cottage
Binks Cottage
Seating

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedroomsSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Barbecue
  • Fenced yard
  • Free Wi-Fi

Explore the area

View map
Tow Law
  • Place, Crook Leisure Centre
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Place, Hall Hill Farm
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Place, Diggerland
    ‪19 min drive‬
  • Airport, Newcastle (NCL-Newcastle Intl.)
    ‪58 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Shower room 1

Shower only

Spaces

Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

A cosy rural retreat in a picturesque village

A charming and traditional rural retreat, offering peace and quiet; convenience and comfort; rest and relaxation, if this is what you want, then Binks Cottage is for you. Set on a picturesque village green in a "no through road" village in the heart of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The cottage is over 100 years old but has been modernised to a high standard, it is tastefully decorated, offering a cosy yet traditional feel, while retaining charm and character.

Binks Cottage is a 4 star gold accommodation. The front door opens into a private walled garden with lawn and comfortable garden furniture and a bbq. There is private parking for two cars at the back of the cottage.

Children are very welcome and we can offer a cot, high-chair and toys; we are happy to show guests around the farm.

Perfect for visiting Beamish Museum, Durham City., Raby Castle, Barnard Castle and various coastal towns - Whitley Bay, Saltburn, Bamburgh. The village is situated on the edge of the North Pennines, in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, we are ideally located for sightseeing, walking, pony trekking, fishing and golf.

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
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
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

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
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

About the area

Bishop Auckland

Located in Bishop Auckland, this cottage is in a rural area. Newgate Shopping Centre and Durham Indoor Market are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and North Pennines. Travelling with kids? Consider Crook Leisure Centre, or check out an event or a game at Heritage Park Stadium. Practise your golf swing on a nearby course, or enjoy other activities in the great outdoors, such as hiking/biking trails, mountain biking and cycling in the area.
View more Cottages in Bishop AucklandOpens in a new window
Map
Tow Law

What's nearby

  • Crook Leisure Centre - 13 min drive - 7.5 km
  • Hall Hill Farm - 13 min drive - 10.8 km
  • Diggerland - 19 min drive - 17.4 km
  • North Pennines - 19 min drive - 16.2 km
  • Whitworth Hall Country Park - 19 min drive - 19.3 km

Getting around

  • Bishop Auckland Station - 17 min drive
  • Durham (MME-Teesside Intl.) - 54 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Horse Shoe Inn (Wetherspoon) - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Ye Olde Horseshoe - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Number 10 - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪The Crown - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪The Crook Hotel - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is A cosy rural retreat in a picturesque village pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at A cosy rural retreat in a picturesque village?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at A cosy rural retreat in a picturesque village?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at A cosy rural retreat in a picturesque village?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is A cosy rural retreat in a picturesque village located?

Located in a rural location, this family-friendly cottage is within 9 mi (15 km) of Crook Leisure Centre, Hall Hill Farm and Spectrum Leisure Centre. Weardale Railway and Witton Castle are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 44 out of 45 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 45 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 45 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 45 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 45 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Derek S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cottage was very warm,clean and well equipped Lovely rural locationNice welcome pack and helpful owner
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 14 October 2025
Thank you for your review, I am so pleased you enjoyed your stay with us and found everything you needed. It would be lovely to see you again in the future.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paul A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Superb accommodation

Loved staying in Binks cottage. Hope to stay there again and would highly recommend it to others.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrew L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Countryside getaway

Good value for money, spacious property and friendly hosts. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 14 July 2023
Thank you for your review, we are pleased you enjoyed your stay at Binks Cottage. We would be delighted to see you again in the future.
Verified

8/10 Good

Derek C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderfull Cottage

The Cottage is in a beautiful setting on a Family run Farm. The host was very helpful and always on hand if needed. There was everything you would need for your stay,including freshly made Bread and Cake so thoughtful. A great place to stay and for us so close for visiting family.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 31 August 2024
Thank you for your kind review, l am so pleased you enjoyed the cottage and visiting your family. It would be nice to see you again in the future.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Linda H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful

Very welcoming (including an amazing welcome pack. They were so friendly and we won't hesitate to return.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 2 August 2022
Thank you for such a lovely review, we are so pleased you enjoyed the cottage and would welcome you again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rick W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Explorations

A wonderful stepping stone into the wilderness. A fantastic host with a very warm welcome.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

lynn s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful property and location

The covid safety measures were fantastic. The cottage beautiful, set in amazing countryside and not far from Durham and other attractions. Amanda was incredibly helpful. I would highly recommend staying here.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 5 August 2021
Thank you so much for the lovely review Lynn, l am pleased you enjoyed the cottage and our lovely countryside. We look forward to welcoming you again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Margaret D.

The cottage is brilliantly appointed and very comfortable, set in a lovely quiet village.

Our host Amanda couldn't have been more welcoming and we enjoyed delicious cakes, home baked bread and fresh eggs on our arrival. There are some stunning walks in the surrounding country and we thoroughly enjoyed our days out in Durham and visiting Hadrian's Wall, Corbridge and Hexham. We couldn't recommend Bink's Cottage more.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 4 April 2020
Thank you Margaret for such a lovely review. I am so pleased you enjoyed your stay with us, we look forward to welcoming you back in the future.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

JANET H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely cottage with everything you need plus more

A lovely cottage in a quiet surrounding. The kitchen was extremely well stocked and we had a lovely homemade cake and fresh bread waiting for us. The chickens were very friendly but the cats just ignored us. A great place to explore the area and return to a peaceful cottage
Stayed 9 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 16 September 2024
Thank you for your lovely review Janet, I am so pleased you enjoyed the cottage and the area. Sorry about Binks and Bella (the cats) they are not very sociable until there is food on the go then they are your best friend! It would be a pleasure to have you back to the cottage in the future.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lesley R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

THE MOST WONDERFUL COTTAGE AND PLACE

Amanda couldn't have been more welcoming and friendly. The cottage is perfect - it had been furnished to the highest standard with flair and imagination. Spotlessly clean and comfortable. The village was beautiful and felt like a real community all well looked after. The church was beautiful.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 16 July 2024
Thank you for the lovely review Lesley, l am so pleased you enjoyed the cottage, Church and village. I hope you enjoyed yourselves in Northumberland too. It would be nice to see you again in the future.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gemma M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Outstanding!

Beautiful farm cottage, spotless throughout. Nice touches such as milk, eggs and home baking on arrival. Amanda and her family gave us a tour of the farm too, this was very enjoyable, loved seeing the lambs and calves. Comfortable beds, lots of family games, an open fire, garden seating. We would highly recommend and would certainly stay again. We very much enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Idyllic stay

Thank you to Amanda and Tom for welcoming us so well. The cottage is near a beautiful farm and on a village green with a picturesque church. We stayed during lambing season and it was lovely to see all the lambs being born. The beautiful North Pennines are awaiting on your door step with so many walks and areas of beauty to explore.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 12 April 2023
Thank you for your lovely review. I am so pleased you enjoyed your stay with us at Binks Cottage and found so many walks to explore. It is always rather hectic during lambing but we enjoyed showing you what goes on. If you ever want to visit again we would be very pleased to welcome you.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paul F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cottage stay

A lovely little modernised cottage, that retains its charm situated on a farm, although you wouldn't know it as there was no noise to disturb us. Amanda our host met us and made us very welcome along with providing freshly baked bread, butter, eggs and flapjack! The cottage appears small but is big enough to accommodate four and boasts an excellent shower. The cottage is located in a small quiet village amongst hills and rolling fields, so you will need access to a car.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 13 June 2025
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review Paul, it is very much appreciated. I am so pleased you enjoyed your stay in Binks Cottage, I hope to see you again in the future.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rick S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Binks Cottage June 22

The property is in the centre of a small quiet village next to the Church and is part of the buildings of a working farm . The facilities are very good and a minor problem with the boiler was rapidly resolved. Good contact with the obliging managers. An excellent holiday venue in open countryside.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 27 June 2022
Thank you so much for your lovely review, I am so pleased you enjoyed the cottage the countryside. We look forward to welcoming you again in the future.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

CHRISTINE L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

positive

Amanda and her family are very hospitable, delightful hosts.The cottage is very pleasant and the location is quiet, peaceful and the small village very attractive and quaint.We loved being on the farm with the animals close by and the farm dogs are adorable. Home made bread, milk in the fridge etc. Amanda's attention to detail is excellent.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 20 May 2025
Thank you Christine for your lovely review, it was a pleasure to host you and your sister and l am so pleased you enjoyed your time with us. We would welcome you again in the future.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Debbie H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

beautiful location; wonderful host

The property was spotlessly clean and had everything you could want. Amanda and family were very friendly and welcoming and there were lovely extra touches like freshly made scones and bread awaiting us on our arrival. The location is stunning with numerous walks straight from your door and plenty to explore nearby too. It exceeded our expectations and we would heartily recommend it. Thankyou Amanda. We may well be back! Debbie and family
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 15 May 2022
Thank you Debbie for your lovely review. I am so pleased you enjoyed your stay with us and found plenty to do. We would welcome you again in the future.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Pat M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Home from home

Bink's Cottage had everything we needed for our stay. Amanda was a superb, friendly host and we were delighted to be welcomed by the smell of baking bread and all the food basics she provided. Our grandson loved the chocolate buns! We visited Locomotion, Beamish and Seaham beach during our stay, finding the cottage was an excellent base for our trips out. Isaac was thrilled to see all the sheep being run through the farmyard one morning. We have no hesitation in recommending Bink's Cottage!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 13 August 2023
Thank you for your lovely review, l am so pleased you enjoyed your stay with us and found the cottage a good base for your travels. Isaac was a pleasure, he seemed to enjoy his trips out especially collecting the glass from Seaham beach and your visits to Beamish. It would be lovely to see you again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Maggi M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Get Away From It All

My husband, my sister and my niece spent 5 wonderful days and nights at this property. It is beautiful, well appointed, quiet and excellently situated for days out in the Penines, the Yorkshire dales and moors, County Durham and the Northumberland coast. Our host was on hand to answer any questions, or to advise us on where to visit or eat. It is off the beaten track, and that is one of it's best features. The rooms are comfortable, the kitchen completely equipped and the bathroom, modern and bright. Any of us would stay here again in a heartbeat.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 12 June 2023
Thank you Maggi and family for your review, l am so pleased you enjoyed the cottage and the area. We enjoyed showing you our daily routine and chatting to you about your lives in Canada. If you ever visit Northern England again it would be lovely to see you.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Total peace

The cottage was very clean and comfortable; the owner welcoming and helpful - we arrived to bread, scones, and eggs: butter and milk in the fridge. There is a good array of herbs & spices. It is utterly peaceful. The only sounds were the birds and the sheep. The small front garden is perfect for sitting outside to read or to eat - right next to the church in this tiny village that looks like it hasn't changed in a couple of hundred years.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 23 August 2022
Thank you for such a lovely review James. l am so pleased you enjoyed the cottage and the peace of the village, hopefully you will have chance to visit again soon.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful cottage, so clean and well equipped. Fresh bread, cake and eggs waiting for us on our arrival.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mario M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Schöner Urlaub

Es war alles wunderbar. Das Cottage war sehr schön eingerichtet. Wir wurden sehr freundlich empfangen.
Stayed 13 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 13 August 2023
Vielen Dank für Ihre schöne Bewertung. Ich freue mich, dass Sie Ihren Aufenthalt im Binks Cottage genossen haben und würden Sie in Zukunft wieder bei uns begrüßen.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anton B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gewoon goed

Heel goed ontvangen. Ze hadden een brood gebakken en cakejes alles was schoon. Alles wat je nodig had was aanwezig
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 2 September 2022
Bedankt voor de mooie recensie, we zijn zo blij dat je genoten hebt van je verblijf in het huisje en zouden je in de toekomst weer verwelkomen. Thank you for the lovely review, we are so pleased you enjoyed your stay in the cottage and would welcome you in the future.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Claire O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Divine!

Had a short break away. From arrival with fresh bread, fresh eggs and scones, to departure, everything was perfect. Couldn't fault it. We will return for definite.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 19 March 2022
Thank you for the lovely review Claire we are pleased you enjoyed your stay with us and would welcome you again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gillian W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely Cottage !

A lovely cottage in a perfect location for visiting family . Well equipped , real home from home . Amanda was very welcoming , even leaving home baked bread and scones! We will definitely be using Binks cottage again .
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 9 February 2022
Thank you Gillian for your lovely review, I am so pleased you enjoyed your stay and that you were able to catch up with your family. We welcome you again in the future.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sheena L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful stay...

A truly wondeful week spent relaxing in the beautiful Binks Cottage was just what we needed. A great base to explore the local area and a lovely place to return to after a busy day out and about. The owners have really thought about guests comfort as the cottage has everything you could possibly want plus lots of little extras such as freshly baked bread and cakes and eggs from the farm....thank you, Amanda! We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and hope to return in the future . Would definitely recommend Binks Cottage to anyone looking for a comfortable and relaxing break. Great value for money and friendly, accommodating owners.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 5 August 2021
Thank you so much for the lovely review Sheena, l am pleased you enjoyed the cottage and were able to visit the many sights available in the area.. We look forward to welcoming you again in the future.

About the host

Hosted by Amanda Simpson

Host profile image
I have enjoyed welcoming guests to the cottage for 20 years. I work on the family farm alongside my son.

Why they chose this property

Peace and Quiet; Convenience and comfort; Rest and relaxation, if this is what you want, then Binks Cottage is for you. Binks Cottage is set on a picturesque village green in a "no through road" village in the heart of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The cottage is over 100 years old but has been modernised to a high standard, it is tastefully decorated, offering a cosy yet traditional feel, while retaining charm and character.

The accommodation includes two bedrooms (1 double room, 1 twin room and 1 double sofa-bed), bathroom with large shower, bath robes and luxurious towels. The living room offers comfortable seating for 6 people with a log burning stove set in an inglenook fireplace. There is a smart TV with Netflix, an Alexa, books and games for all ages. The Kitchen is very well equipped and offers an electric cooker, dishwasher, fridge-freezer, bread maker, washer/dryer, microwave etc. There is a dining table seating 6. The lawned garden, overlooking the village green, is surrounded by a low stone wall, there is garden furniture and a barbecue. Storage for bikes and tack. Private parking for 2 cars.

What makes this property unique

Binks Cottage is situated on a working farm, Thornley Hall Farm, there is also a hill farm 17 miles away, Glenwhelt. We encourage our guests to visit the farm and walk the public footpaths in the area where you will be able to see dry stonewalling, animals in fields and wildlife.

We welcome the opportunity to show you around Thornley Hall farm and Glenwhelt, if you are interested please ask.

Languages:

English

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