Shepherd's Cottage, Barnard Castle

Beautiful setting in middle of open countryside. Although compact, the cottage has every facility needed and was spotlessly clean. Warm welcome from owner on arrival. The wild rabbits, the many different birds were a joy to watch

Had a four night stay at shepherds cottage end of Nov.weather was terrible but this cottage is so warm and inviting the weather doesn't matter.the Scott family who own the cottage make every body feel welcome.lots of walks so take good boots,the local pub is a must visit.everybody so friendly.allready booked for seven nights in March 2016.

We really do run out of superlatives to describe how amazing the location of this property is. If you love the outdoors, if you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, if you love being surrounded by unspoilt countryside, away from the well-trodden tourist trails, then this really is THE PERFECT place to come. That is no over-statement. We stayed in Shepherd's Cottage for two weeks and we loved every minute of our time there - we will most certainly be coming back. Having stayed in many beautiful locations the length and breadth of the British Isles over the years, this definitely ranks very near top of the list in our estimation.

The cottage is a lovely place full of character, tastefully decorated and well equipped. No fixed line internet access, but we could get a good level of 4G mobile internet access (Vodafone), which was quite adequate; anyhow we were pleased to be able to escape the constant hassle of emails, etc, and just enjoy the peace and complete absence of 'noise' in all senses of the word.

Just a few minutes walk through a field, over a stile and you're on the Pennine Way, with the delights of Low Force (1 mile) and High Force (3 1/2 miles) within easy reach. Many other excellent walks possible right from the doorstep, offering access to breathtaking scenery and complete solitude. If you enjoy getting the map and compass out, as opposed to following the masses along well worn paths (eg well known region to the west!), then this area is the place for you; a short drive to most parts of the North Pennines offers a similar experience.

The owners, Mr & Mrs Scott, and their daughter, Karen, were very friendly and welcoming. We felt as though we were long standing friends coming to visit.

All in all, a wonderful experience we are desperate to repeat in the future. We are absolutely sure we will never tire of this place and its beautiful, idyllic setting.

We have just returned home after spending Christmas at Shepherd's cottage and it was simply stunning. The location was amazing and our 20 month old daughter was fascinated by the sheep grazing within metres of the cottage. The layout of the cottage meant that the stunning views could be taken advantage of in the living room on the first floor- so relaxing and we savoured every moment of tranquility. We were spoilt with all the beautiful walks nearby including High Force, Low Force and all the gorgeous villages within a few kilometres of Holwick. Our dog had the most exciting time chasing rabbits and exploring every inch of the route we took each day. He would then slumber in front of the lovely warm fire back at the cottage. The cottage had been festively decorated for the Christmas period and we were able to take home some fantastic memories which will stay with us for a long time. Mr and Mrs Scott ensured that our stay was as comfortable as possible and there were some really lovely chocolates waiting for us on our arrival too. They were very friendly and we had the pleasure of chatting to the local villagers who again made us feel so welcome.
If we had to mention any negative points they would be that we wish we could have stayed longer. Gives us a good excuse to book again in the summer!

We were so pleased with this property that my parents-in-law booked a holiday within 1 hour of our arrival for may bank holiday week. The owners were so friendly, it was like coming home. We spent a wonderful week relaxing, walking and watching in anticipatient for the lambs being to be born, non of which failed. Many thanks to Sykes Cottages and to the owners. We will definately be back.

A really nice cottage in a beautiful part of the world - we will go back again

Peaceful, great walks & cycling, from easy to challenging. Great pub in walking distance & a very friendly welcome from our hosts.

A relaxing but accessible property. Very comfortable and well equipped. I will return here definitely.

We loved the fields and freedom that came with the property, also the close proximity to the Penine Way. The owners were totally unobtrusive but around if we had needed them, very relaxing.

The converted barn is set in a meadow beside the Pennine Way - so views and surroundings were superb. I actually saw a deer crossing our field. It's really peacefull. It was ideal for 2 couples.

Fantastic setting, excellent walks and hospitality from owners. Food in the Farmhouse Kitchen good value and delicious

Second time we've been and it was better than before. Felt like coming home.

Property great for young and older holiday makers, the area outstanding, we have had 5 cottages with Sykes and never once been let down. Keep up the good work you do, your standard of properties are first class.

A holiday cottage suitable for any type of holiday, be it relaxing or going out and about walking.

A real getaway-from-it-all holiday. Off the beaten track, but still very accessible.

Quiet secluded spot, good views and warm comfortable cottage.

A lovely location.

The property matched the description provided and therefore met our expectations. The remoteness meant that there was an opportunity to enjoy the quietness, lovely views and surrounding nature without interruption. As the cottage is located in an open field we were not overlooked and the dog had a massive area of open land to run in.
Overall, the holiday was very relaxing and enjoyable with plenty of local walks which we thoroughly enjoyed.

An ideal location for both complete relaxation and a walking holiday.

It was secluded as described and the scenery was great. A great place to go for peace and quiet. Plenty of walks to choose from with some very dramatic scenery. The people who own the farm are very friendly

We enjoyed the warmth and cosyness of the cottage. We were made to feel very much at home and waking up to such beautiful surroundings everyday was an absolute pleasure!

The owners family were very welcoming and we loved being there during their lambing season. The cottage was remote and very peaceful with fantastic walks from the doorstep. We loved every minute of it!

Peace and quiet, plenty of time to relax and enjoy nature with plenty of walks right from the doorstep.
Didn't need the car apart from the odd bit of food shopping

The perfect place to escape from city life!

Lovely cottage.

We were made to feel very welcome throughout our stay. The location of the cottage, lovely views and solitude coupled with the fact that all amenities were nearby made this the ideal location for the peace and quiet we were hoping for.

A lovely, cosy barn which was well appointed and set in a beautiful, peaceful location. There were lots of walks on the doorstep but it was also an ideal touring base.

We have been to this property several times. It was the usual excellent holiday.

Nice and quiet.

The quietness and the lovely scenery, complete tranquility. Also the fabulous walks close by, hope to visit again soon.

Everything! We had a wonderful time, the owners made us feel very welcome.

Extremely quiet location. Very good for a walking holiday.

Everything - the cottage was isolated with sheep for neighbours! We enjoyed the tranquility and the wonderful scenery, walks from the door if you didn't want to drive anywhere - an excellent base if you did. This was our first visit to Teesdale and we would definitely stay there again. Sykes as ever were very helpful, polite and friendly - an excellent service.

The brochure does not do the property justice. It was great to be in the middle of a field with only sheep as neighbours!

Middle of nowhere, fabulous walking, was so much nicer than how it was advertised, not enough was made of it!

Wonderful walks along the River Tees straight from the door. The owners were very helpful

This cottage is a real gem - perfect for getting away from it all in a beautiful location. The pictures don't do it justice. Great for active walkers and people like us who just wanted to chill out for a week in lovely peaceful surroundings.

The owners left us alone giving us the ability to totally relax for the period of our stay. Total isolation and not over looked. Perfect for wild life and looking at the stars. A perfect escape away from it all place!

Relaxing time in very pleasant surroundings - the property and area. This is about the 9th or 10th time I've been to the owners' properties which include not only Shepherds Cottage but also Meadows Edge. The properties are always comfortable, well equipped and spotlessly clean. The owners are lovely people, always very helpful and cannot do enough for you.

We had a delightful holiday, we last came in 2004 and now with teenage boys 6 years later, we made the most of the wonderful walks. The scenery was spectacular and the weather was kind to us. We would highly recommend this holiday for anyone who likes the great out doors. This was a great half term away from the rat race!

A very relaxing holiday. It was our third visit to Shepherds cottage and we hope to return for our fourth at the end of the year. The owners leave you in peace but you know they are always there if you need them. The perfect kind of hosts, the perfect holiday.

Extremely clean, nice surroundings very pleasant indeed.

The property was so well looked after and clean and cosy. The location was fantastic - great for walks!

It was so peaceful and the surroundings were fantastic. If you like being in the middle of nowhere (which we do) it was ideal.

A perfect setting for a completely peaceful and restful holiday. The owners were lovely people. There was nothing we did not like.

A lovely cottage, very clean, comfortable and we received a warm welcome from the owners.

Quaint, cosy and fantastic location.

Cosy and clean. Liked the fact we were away from everyone.

We enjoyed the peace and quiet and the wonderful scenery.

The proximity of the cottage to the Pennine Way was an unexpected bonus. The location of Shepherd's Cottage made it an ideal getaway. The friendliness of our hosts and everyone we met made the entire experience a relaxing and positive experience.

I booked Shepherd's Cottage as I needed solitude to write, and what I found was magnificent isolation! The cottage lived up to all of my hopes and then some. The owner and her daughter were lovely - not minding that I didn't arrive until the evening and lending me a hairdryer. The food at the local pub was brilliant. Well done to the Scott family for providing such a wonderful holiday cottage, I can't wait to get back there. I've been telling everyone I know about Shepherd's Cottage and how wonderful it is.

The cottage more than lives up to the description and the owners are, quite simply, lovely people. I went there to find peace and solitude to write and found inspiration, I can't wait to return!

Nice clean secluded cottage set in beautiful countryside. It was a very relaxing week.

Beautiful outlook, friendly and helpful owners, great walks and a lovely stay.

Perfect place to escape, great for walking and relaxing.

Our third visit to this cottage, and we just love it, especially the location and privacy. Low Force is only 20 minutes walk, and the perfect place to watch the brave salmon leaping up the falls in October. Great place to chill out.

Gorgeous and unique cottage in a beautiful area, fantastic pub on the doorstep. This was our 5th visit and we look forward to the 6th!

Great location for walks along the river and to High Force right on the doorstep. Peaceful setting to chill and unwind in.

The cottage was warm and clean and the upside down system works perfectly. It is also in a fantastic position in a beautiful area and the walking from the cottage is excellent.

Very comfortable accommodation in a wonderful area.

It was a fantastic cottage in the middle of a field, full of sheep lambing, and 50 metres from the river Tees. Middleton-in-Teesdale was only 3 miles away. There were fantastic facilities in the cottage, it was very warm with brilliant owners. Can't recommend highly enough.

Superb cottage and area, definitely a good cottage for some solitude! The owner is very approachable and helpful, many thanks. Will stay here again and can recommend to all.

A beautiful secluded location with great access to walks and cycling from the front door. The cottage was cosy and comfortable.

The cottage was really lovely. It was set in a beautiful valley with the river Tees at the bottom and the Pennine Way running by it. I loved the fact that it felt like I was away from it all but that there was actually a village and a pub only a few minutes walk away. All that was visible from the cottage was the stunning scenery of the Tees Valley clothed in beautiful autumn colours. All in all it was exactly what I was after; a really lovely break in beautiful English countryside.

What a fantastic place to stay, the owner and family made us really welcome. The cottage was lovely, warm and relaxing, and the scenery of the area was stunning. Hope to go again in March for a week.

We had an amazing time at the cottage. The owners were great, very friendly and welcoming. The cottage had everything we could need for our stay, can't wait to go again.

The converted barn in set in a large field, with the Pennine Way only three hundred yards away. This is our second visit in three years, with three teenage kids. Great for a chill out, or excellent for walking.

609 IS SHEPHERDS COTTAGE, HOLWICK
Warm welcome by family. Cottage clean, hot water for 5 baths would have been difficult, double bedroom smelt damp but bedding aired, fridge needed several hours of defrosting before it worked properly, grass in small garden waist high growing up through the table. Access in wet weather would be difficult for non 4x4. Adequate shopping in Middleton, good in Barnard Castle. However the weather for us was excellent, walks from the door superb (walking boots advisable), bird watching interesting, hay meadows glorious. Suggest you book for sunday lunch at farm cafe weeks before arrival. Peaceful despite well used neighbouring campsite, lovely views across valley. Would consider returning.

is a magical little cottage where you can get away from it all. Everything you need for a simple holiday with big skies, walks in every direction in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

I have been to Holwick and stayed at 3 of the properties and quite a number of a occasions. Once at Greenacres which I believe Mr & Mrs Scott are now living in and several times at both Shepherds Cottage and Meadows Edge. In fact I think we were the second people to use Meadows Edge when it was first put up for rentalmay years ago. All of the properties are superb and well maintained and Mr & Mrs Scott are really lovely, friendly and helpful people. I find Holwick with it's walks on the doorstep and the little pub, The Strathmore Arms, a charming little Hamlet to completely unwind.

I have been to Shepherds Cottage on several occasions and apart from the peace and quiet, the cottage is very cosy, clean and warm. Also the Scott family are really lovely people who cannot do enough for you.

Met on arrival by friendly and helpful owners. The cottage is in a beautiful location ideal for walking unwinding. The cottage is well equiped with all the facilities one needs for an enjoyable break. The hamlet of Holwick is a woderfully peaceful backwater but is within a very pleasant 3 mile riverside walk of amenities in Middleton in Teesdale, which has a wonderful butchers shop and Fish and Chip shop amongst other stores. The only slight disappointment was the rather erratic opening hours of the pub in Holwick.

Shepherd's Cottage at Holwick is one of the best kept secrets and I hope that by writing this review that I don't scupper our chances of booking a holiday there in the future. Your hosts are discrete, but available if needed and the location is wonderful with the Pennine Way conveniently running along the bottom of the field. The cottage itself is homely and it takes seconds to feel at home in. Also, a special mention goes to the people of Holwick and Middleton on Tees - without exception we met friendly faces, excellent food and value for money. All in all, it is ideal for anyone wanting peace,privacy and a choice of great walks, bird-watching in all directions.

Where do I start? This was my second visit in six months and it felt like "coming home". Mrs. Scott (the owner) and her daughter keep their well-appointed cottage in excellent condition there's even a small collection of dvd's and board games should the weather turn nasty; I was there when the a1 was flooded for three days. Their welcome was as warm and friendly as before (the first time I was there I was even able to borrow a hairdryer as I'd forgotten mine!).
The cottage is exactly as it's described, secluded. I went there to write in peace and found precisely that.
The landlord and landlady at the local pub are great and the food is excellent - try the cheese platter - although it's a tad more than a five minute walk from Shepherd's Cottage.
If you're into walking then this is the place to be; the sorrounding countryside is magnificent.
What didn't I like? Having to leave.

Our 3rd visit and it won't be the last. Love this secluded cottage and the views. A two minute walk down the field and you are on the Pennine Way along the river Tees with all it's splendour of low and high force. To watch the salmon leaping up low force in October is a magnificent sight not to be missed. If you love a peaceful relaxing holiday, then this is the place.