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The Walled Garden, Darlington

Visitor Rating
Rating
★★★★★★
Exceptional
County Durham » Darlington
12
4
5
3

The Walled Garden is a spacious five-bedroom property in Staindrop, County Durham, sleeping 12 guests. Perfect for large family gatherings or group breaks, this detached house offers generous living space across two floors. Three bathrooms mean no morning queues, whilst the open-plan kitchen and dining area creates an ideal social hub for your party.

Staindrop sits in the Durham Dales, close to Raby Castle's historic grounds. The village offers traditional pubs and local shops within walking distance. Rolling countryside surrounds the property, with footpaths leading directly from the door.

Accommodation includes one king-size bedroom with en-suite shower, two further king-size rooms, one twin and one single bedroom.

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About The Walled Garden

The Walled Garden is a spacious five-bedroom property in Staindrop, County Durham, sleeping 12 guests. Perfect for large family gatherings or group breaks, this detached house offers generous living space across two floors. Three bathrooms mean no morning queues, whilst the open-plan kitchen and dining area creates an ideal social hub for your party.

Staindrop sits in the Durham Dales, close to Raby Castle's historic grounds. The village offers traditional pubs and local shops within walking distance. Rolling countryside surrounds the property, with footpaths leading directly from the door.

Accommodation includes one king-size bedroom with en-suite shower, two further king-size rooms, one twin and one single bedroom. The family bathroom features a bath and shower. Downstairs flows from the fitted kitchen through to the dining area and separate sitting room with wood-burning stove. A games room with table tennis and pool table keeps everyone entertained.

Raby Castle lies just 1 mile away (3 minutes). Barnard Castle's market town sits 5 miles distant (10 minutes). High Force Waterfall is 15 miles away (25 minutes). Bowes Museum offers art collections 5 miles away (12 minutes).

Large groups wanting countryside peace with indoor entertainment will find everything here. The Walled Garden delivers space, comfort and location.

Check Prices & Availability »
At HolidayCottages.co.uk

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Local Insights: The Walled Garden

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Darlington, County Durham

Weather & Local Conditions

18°C

Overcast

Updated: 7 Sep 2026, 3:00am

🌡️
17.60°C
Temperature
💨
12 km/h
Wind Speed
💧
88%
Humidity
🧳
Packing Tip: UK weather can turn quickly, so pack layers whatever the forecast. A waterproof and sturdy shoes mean the whole group can head out whatever September throws at you.

What to Expect Through the Year

  • ✓ May - September: Warmest, longest days - ideal for big group days out, gardens and BBQs
  • ✓ October - November: Crisp autumn colour, cosy evenings by the fire, quieter attractions
  • ✓ December - February: Perfect for a snug winter escape - great for Christmas and New Year gatherings
  • ✓ March - April: Spring blooms, longer evenings returning, wildlife becoming active
🌧️
Rainy Day Tip: A large cottage comes into its own on wet days - board games, a long lunch and a film with the whole group beat a cramped hotel any day. Check the tabs here for nearby pubs and attractions with indoor options.

Dark Skies & Stargazing

The Walled Garden sits in a location with genuinely dark skies - a real treat for a group, and something you rarely get at home in town.

Bortle Scale Rating

The Bortle scale measures night sky darkness from 1 (darkest) to 9 (brightest urban):

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
🌌
Class 4 - Rural/suburban transition
This location's dark sky rating

What You Can See From the Cottage

The Milky Way is visible overhead, though light domes may be visible on the horizon towards larger towns.

The Milky Way is visible on clear, moonless nights.

Best Stargazing Conditions

  • ✓ New Moon periods: Darkest skies, best Milky Way visibility
  • ✓ Winter months: Earlier darkness, crisper skies, Orion constellation prominent
  • ✓ After 11pm: Neighbouring lights typically switched off
  • ✓ Allow 20 minutes: Let your eyes adjust to darkness before looking up
📱
Pro Tip: Download a stargazing app like "Sky Map" or "Star Walk" before arrival. Mobile signal can be limited, and these apps work offline - a fun activity to share with the whole group.

Location & Elevation

93m

(305 feet above sea level)

The Walled Garden sits in a peaceful County Durham setting - space to spread out and the perfect base for a group getaway.

🏔️
93m
Elevation
📍
Darlington
Nearest Village
🌲
Rural
Setting

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

  • ✓ Fresher air: Expect it a touch cooler than coastal areas - bracing walks and restful sleep
  • ✓ Clearer air: Less pollution and haze, better views and stargazing
  • ✓ Morning mists: Valley fog sometimes forms below, creating magical sunrise views
  • ✓ Walking access: Higher starting point means shorter climbs to hilltops and summits
🚗
Driving Note: The roads to Darlington are typical County Durham lanes - narrow in places with passing spots. If the group is arriving in several cars, share the postcode and a meeting point in advance.

Coordinates

Latitude: 54.5650000° N | Longitude: 1.6409° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Darlington (Monday, 7 September 2026):

5:23am

Sunrise

5:45pm

Golden Hour

6:45pm

Sunset

🌅
5:23am
Sunrise
🌇
6:45pm
Sunset
📸
5:45pm
Golden Hour

Planning Your Days by Season

  • ✓ Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunset around 9:30-10pm - long days for group walks, days out and late alfresco dinners
  • ✓ Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunset 5-7pm - perfect timing for an after-dinner drink as the stars come out
  • ✓ Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunset around 4pm - cosy early evenings by the fire, ideal for stargazing
  • ✓ Spring (Mar-May): Sunset 6-9pm - watch the evenings grow longer each day
🌙
Golden Hour: For the best light, plan your group photo or evening walk around golden hour (5:45pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

September Daylight

This month in Darlington, you have approximately 13.38 hours of daylight. The shortening days create the perfect excuse for earlier, cosier evenings in.

Practical Essentials

Everything the group needs to know before you arrive at The Walled Garden.

Mobile Phone Signal

📱

Signal Strength

Good

Mobile signal is generally good in this area across most networks.

💡
Signal Tip: All major networks should work well here.

Nearest Essentials

🚗
Arrival Tip: Fill up with fuel before you arrive - petrol stations can be sparse in rural County Durham. With a larger group it's worth doing one big supermarket shop on the way, especially if arriving late.

Family & Fun

Data updated: 7 Sep 2026 | Location: 54.5650000, -1.6409000

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at The Walled Garden

Games Room Entertainment

Pool table and table tennis provide hours of group fun without leaving the property, perfect for competitive family tournaments.

Spacious Group Layout

Five bedrooms and three bathrooms across two floors give everyone personal space whilst keeping the group together downstairs.

Raby Castle Proximity

Just one mile from historic Raby Castle with its deer park and gardens, ideal for morning walks before breakfast.

Wood-Burning Stove

Cosy sitting room with real fire creates the perfect gathering spot for evening relaxation after countryside adventures.

Pet-Friendly Policy

Bring your dogs along to explore the Durham Dales footpaths that start right from the doorstep.

Village Location

Staindrop village pubs and shops within walking distance mean you can leave cars behind for local amenities.

Getting To The Walled Garden

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach The Walled Garden by car, take the A688 towards Staindrop village. The property is located in the heart of this Durham Dales village with off-road parking available for your group's vehicles.

By Train

For those travelling by rail, the nearest station is Darlington, approximately 10 miles away. From there, a taxi journey takes around 20 minutes through the County Durham countryside to Staindrop.

Off-road parking available
Darlington station (10 miles)
Accessible via A688 to Staindrop

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Raby Castle
Distance: 1 mile
DL2 3AH
Bowes Museum
Distance: 5 miles
DL12 8NP
High Force Waterfall
Distance: 15 miles
DL12 0XH
Raby Castle Deer Park
Distance: 1 mile
DL2 3AH
Teesdale Way
Distance: 5 miles
DL12 9UH
Hamsterley Forest
Distance: 8 miles
DL13 3NL
Barnard Castle Town Centre
Distance: 5 miles
DL12 8JN
Tesco Superstore Barnard Castle
Distance: 5 miles
DL12 8UT
Staindrop Village Shops
Distance: 0.2 miles
DL2 3NP
Darlington Town Centre
Distance: 10 miles
DL1 1ND
Durham City
Distance: 18 miles
DH1 3RW
Richmond Market Town
Distance: 12 miles
DL10 4JX
Raby Castle
Distance: 1 mile
DL2 3AH
Bowes Museum
Distance: 5 miles
DL12 8NP
High Force Waterfall
Distance: 15 miles
DL12 0XH
Raby Castle Deer Park
Distance: 1 mile
DL2 3AH
Teesdale Way
Distance: 5 miles
DL12 9UH
Hamsterley Forest
Distance: 8 miles
DL13 3NL
Barnard Castle Town Centre
Distance: 5 miles
DL12 8JN
Tesco Superstore Barnard Castle
Distance: 5 miles
DL12 8UT
Staindrop Village Shops
Distance: 0.2 miles
DL2 3NP
Darlington Town Centre
Distance: 10 miles
DL1 1ND
Durham City
Distance: 18 miles
DH1 3RW
Richmond Market Town
Distance: 12 miles
DL10 4JX

Is The Walled Garden Right For Your Group

Discover why this cottage is the one for your party or family reunion...

For Families
The games room with pool table and table tennis provides hours of indoor entertainment for children of all ages. Raby Castle's deer park sits just one mile away, offering space for kids to run and explore. The surrounding Durham Dales countryside features safe walking paths perfect for family adventures. Barnard Castle town includes parks and the Bowes Museum with child-friendly exhibits.
Groups Will Love...
The dedicated games room transforms group evenings into competitive fun with its full-size pool table and table tennis setup. This separate entertainment space means younger members can play whilst others relax in the sitting room around the wood-burning stove. Large groups particularly appreciate having this additional social area beyond the main living spaces, keeping everyone entertained regardless of weather conditions outside.
Pet Friendly
Dogs are welcome at The Walled Garden, making it perfect for groups who won't leave their pets behind. The property's village location provides immediate access to countryside footpaths leading into the Durham Dales. Raby Castle's extensive grounds lie just one mile away, offering excellent walking terrain. Staindrop village itself features dog-friendly pubs where your four-legged companions can join you after countryside rambles.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at The Walled Garden

The Wheatsheaf Staindrop

Located 0.3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: DL2 3NP

The Fox Hall Inn

Located 3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: DL2 3SW

Market Place Tearooms Barnard Castle

Located 5 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: DL12 8NE

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about The Walled Garden

How many people can The Walled Garden accommodate?
The property sleeps 12 guests across five bedrooms, with three bathrooms to serve the group. This layout works well for extended families or friendship groups wanting to holiday together.
Is The Walled Garden pet-friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome at this property. The surrounding countryside and nearby footpaths make it an excellent base for guests travelling with pets.
What sleeping arrangements are available?
There's one king-size bedroom with en-suite shower, two additional king-size bedrooms, one twin room and one single bedroom. The family bathroom includes both bath and shower facilities.
What entertainment facilities are provided for groups?
A dedicated games room features both a pool table and table tennis table. The sitting room includes a wood-burning stove for relaxed evening gatherings.
Where is the nearest major attraction?
Raby Castle sits just 1 mile away, approximately 3 minutes by car. The medieval castle includes extensive grounds, deer park and formal gardens to explore.
What facilities does the kitchen offer?
The open-plan kitchen comes fully fitted with modern appliances for preparing group meals. It flows into the dining area, creating a social space for 12 people to eat together.
How far is Barnard Castle from the property?
Barnard Castle market town is 5 miles away, roughly 10 minutes by car. The town offers shops, cafes, restaurants and the famous Bowes Museum.
Are there good walks nearby for active groups?
Footpaths lead directly from the property into the Durham Dales countryside. High Force Waterfall, one of England's most impressive falls, is 15 miles away taking about 25 minutes to reach.

Popular Stays Near This Cottage

The Walled Garden Reviews

A M
We have had a wonderful weekend at The Walled Garden in December. The building was warm and cosy, and welcomingly decorated for Christmas. Sensibly the entrance lobby was more than adequate to take 12+ pairs of outdoor shoes and boots. There was sufficient fridge/freezer capacity for our needs, and lots of cupboard space. The children loved their upper bedroom, especially the small screen tv!
Nikki
A lovely light airy building. The underfloor heating was lovely, although at times too hot!
Lesley
The floors need cleaned and there seemed to be an inlet for flies and ladybirds. (I spent a lot of time catching the ladybirds and putting them back outside!) The accommodation was well equipped but could have done with some spare blankets for cold nights. The children complained about the mattresses not being thick enough and only being a thin layer of foam - however, they loved the pool table!! Otherwise, we had a fantastic stay with lots of lovely walks followed by meals in local pubs!
Patricia
Lovely house in a scenic area with plenty of interesting places to visit Good house space & accessibility plus a large garden Plenty of household essentials supplied in the kitchen Only problem was there were no bathmats
Elaine
Level access was important to us. We were not disappointed. The house was accessible on the ground floor. The wet room was small but worked well for our 88 year old Dad. It's great to see proper grab rails in holiday accommodation. It was a decent location, quiet, private. Not a long drive to museums and attractions in the region. We found somewhere interesting every day to visit though it would be of benefit to have some information on local walks for those who can. Overall a good week away.
Linda
Lovely cottage, comfy and clean. Well equipped and plenty of space for a big family and 2 dogs. Garden safe and secure and huge, our dogs loved it. Beds all clean and comfortable. Would definitely stay again
Meryl
We stayed at this lovely holiday home as a family of 12, with members of all ages and it was perfect for us. The bedroom layout worked perfectly and the kitchen had everything we needed for family meals. The communal areas were really comfortable for relaxing together, and the large outdoor space was ideal for the kids and our dog to run around safely. The rural location felt peaceful and private, and being next to Walworth Castle hotel meant we could easily pop over for dinner and drinks.
Anne
Lovely cottage which accommodated our eleven people and 4 dogs easily. Huge plain garden for the children and dogs with absolutely no escape holes. We enjoyed the railway museum (free entry) in Darlington and had an excellent Sunday lunch at the hotel next door.
Margaret
Perfect location, peaceful, excellent access to the surrounding countryside, plenty of space in cottage, fab garden
Jemma
Enjoyed our stay with the family. Large secure garden for the dogs. Lovely view of castle which some extended family stayed at to visit us. Some nice walks. Ice cream farm up the road. Clean. Beds were comfy. Warm underfloor heating. Washing machine and dryer handy. Large fridge and freezer. Plenty of utensils. Shower nice and warm worked fine. 12min to Darlington. Would stay again. Thanks
Margaret
A nice cottage which was perfect for our ladies weekend get together. Facilities were perfect for the 10 of us. Most essentials were already supplied by the owners which was perfect. We would definitely stay again.
Sarah
This is a wonderful place, located in the countryside but only a few miles away from a shop. We thoroughly enjoyed it. We had a mix of people join in our party including children, a wheelchair user and older people. All of us had our own space the pool table was a hit with the children. The garden is a good size for dogs and children to run around. We will hopefully return in the future.
Jacqueline
Had a fabulous week. I had broken my ankle a week before the holiday and can vouch that I was able to get around the house and that the disabled bathroom was great. The walled garden is fantastic and the dogs had a good time too. Lots of walks nearby. I would like to visit in summer to take more advantage of the decking. Brilliant
Kevan
Great location basic but comfy fab garden for dogs lovely and warm beds upstairs a little tired but enjoyed our stay
Danielle
Lovely property and fulfilled our requirements as a group of friends with young children.
Andrew
John the owner was very helpful. Location was wonderful, House is very deceptive looks small from the outside, would definitely go there again, great value for money, cheers John
Jan
A fantastic spacious place great for families. The setting is perfect, and it was great to have so much space. The pool table was a real plus for the kids, and the garden was great for the kids to play (and the grown ups to relax). The kitchen was well equipped with everything you need.
Lisa
Loved Our stay. Love how secluded the property is. Plenty of cooking equipment which is brilliant. Maybe a few big serving plate would be good little touch. Nice touches were milk in the fridge, tea coffee and some condiments too. Beds weren't the comfiest but expected in price of stay being such good value. We stayed here and group of 12 girls but would be perfect for family stays as lots of space for children outside. Exterior could use a little TLC. Kitchen living room area is fab.
Sheldon
5 of us had 3 nights here, using it as a base for a 5 day motorcycling tour of N.Yorks & Cumbria. Superb location, highly recommend food at the nearby hotel, good layout, plenty of space and beds. You can buy supplies in Darlington & be self-sufficient with a good selection of pans, plates & cutlery plus a BBQ outside. Would definately stay again, make sure you play the balancing chairs game, you'll find it on the windowsill, kept us entertained till the early hours with a few beers ;-)
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