Summary:
Walks from the door, some of the darkest skies in England and a warm stone cottage to come back to in Wearhead, at the top of Weardale in the North Pennines. Three bedrooms and two bathrooms sleep five, with exposed beams, a range cooker, an American fridge-freezer and a coffee machine. There's a covered patio and parking right at the door. A peaceful base for walkers, cyclists and stargazers.

The Space:
A traditional Weardale stone cottage, thoughtfully renovated to combine original character with modern comfort.

On the ground floor, the living room is a cosy place to relax after a day outdoors. The kitchen is well equipped for cooking proper meals, with a range cooker and double oven, an American-style fridge-freezer with water and ice dispenser, a microwave and a Dolce Gusto coffee machine. There's a dining table for everyone to eat together and a piano for anyone who plays.

Upstairs are three bedrooms, each with blackout blinds. The main bedroom features a king-size bed, exposed beams and a large wall-mounted TV. The second bedroom also exposed beams and a king-size bed, and the third has a single, ideal for a child or an additional guest. Two full bathrooms mean there's plenty of room for everyone.

You'll also find a washer and dryer, handy for walking gear, a laptop-friendly workspace, and a private covered patio at the front with a table and chairs.

Guest Access:
The whole cottage is yours. We'll send you a code for the smart-keypad lock before you arrive, so you can let yourselves in any time from 3pm. There's a parking space right outside the front door and free parking on the street.

The Neighborhood:
Wearhead is where the River Wear begins, high up in the North Pennines National Landscape, one of the wildest and most peaceful corners of England.

Step out of the door and you're straight into walking country. The Weardale Way follows the river down the dale, Burnhope Reservoir is just up the road for an easy loop, and the open fells above the village are yours to explore. In spring and summer, listen out for curlews and lapwings on the moors, and keep an eye out for black grouse.

Killhope, a few minutes up the valley, has woodland trails and wildlife hides where you might spot red squirrels. For a bigger day out, head over the tops to Teesdale for High Force and Cauldron Snout, two of the most impressive waterfalls in England.

When the sun goes down, the North Pennines is a Dark Sky Reserve, so on a clear night step outside and look up. The stars here are something else.

Getting Around:
Getting to our peaceful Wearhead retreat is most convenient by car, as the North Pennines are best explored with your own vehicle. We offer the convenience of free parking directly on the premises as well as ample street parking. For those traveling by air, Newcastle International Airport is the closest major hub, located approximately an hour and a half drive away. While the village is tucked away in a scenic rural setting, local bus services connect to nearby towns, though we recommend planning your journeys in advance to fully enjoy the freedom of the countryside.

Other Things to Note:
To ensure a pleasant stay for all our guests, please note that check in time is from 15:00 and check out is required by 10:00 on the day of your departure. Our cottage is a strictly non smoking property, and we kindly ask that you check with us before bringing pets during your visit. Events and parties are not permitted to maintain the tranquil atmosphere of the village. Free parking is available both on the premises and on the street for your convenience. We provide essential toiletries and linens for your comfort.

Interaction with Guests:
We want you to feel completely at home during your stay at Vacant Nests. While we offer you full privacy and independent access to the cottage, we are always available should you need any assistance. Please feel free to reach out to us through the messaging system on this platform for any questions or recommendations regarding your visit to Wearhead. We make it a priority to respond to all inquiries promptly and will be happy to help ensure your stay is as comfortable and relaxing as possible.