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The Old School House, Barnard Castle

Yorkshire Dales » Barnard Castle
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The Old School House is a converted Victorian school building in Bowes, County Durham. This spacious property sleeps up to 12 guests across multiple accommodation units. Groups benefit from private off-road parking for two cars and excellent access to the North Pennines.

Bowes sits in the Durham Dales, right on the edge of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The village offers a peaceful rural setting with open countryside views. The A66 runs nearby, making travel straightforward.

The accommodation comprises separate units within the converted school. Each unit features its own bedrooms, bathrooms and living spaces. The layout works well for extended families or groups wanting some independence whilst staying together.

About The Old School House

The Old School House is a converted Victorian school building in Bowes, County Durham. This spacious property sleeps up to 12 guests across multiple accommodation units. Groups benefit from private off-road parking for two cars and excellent access to the North Pennines.

Bowes sits in the Durham Dales, right on the edge of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The village offers a peaceful rural setting with open countryside views. The A66 runs nearby, making travel straightforward.

The accommodation comprises separate units within the converted school. Each unit features its own bedrooms, bathrooms and living spaces. The layout works well for extended families or groups wanting some independence whilst staying together. Multiple bathrooms and kitchens mean no queuing in the morning.

Barnard Castle sits 4 miles away (8 minutes) with its medieval fortress and independent shops. High Force Waterfall is 12 miles west (20 minutes). Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle houses fine art collections. The Pennine Way passes through Bowes village itself.

The Old School House suits multi-generational families or friend groups wanting countryside walks and historic sites. The converted building offers character with practical modern facilities.

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Need To Know

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What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at The Old School House

Multiple Accommodation Units

Separate living spaces within one property give groups privacy whilst staying together under one roof.

North Pennines Location

Direct access to outstanding walking routes and dramatic moorland scenery right from the doorstep.

Barnard Castle Proximity

Just four miles from this historic market town with castle ruins, shops and excellent restaurants.

Victorian Character Building

Original school features create interesting spaces with high ceilings and large windows throughout the property.

Pennine Way Access

The famous long-distance footpath runs through Bowes village, perfect for serious walkers in your group.

Parking for Multiple Cars

Private off-road parking for two vehicles makes arrival and daily excursions straightforward for larger groups.

Getting To The Old School House

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach The Old School House by car, take the A66 and exit at Bowes. The property sits in the village centre with straightforward access. Off-road parking for two cars is available on arrival.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Darlington, approximately 18 miles east. From there, taxi services or car hire will get you to Bowes in around 30 minutes through the Durham countryside.

Off-road parking for two cars
Darlington station (18 miles)
Direct access from the A66

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Barnard Castle
Distance: 4 miles
DL12 8PR
High Force Waterfall
Distance: 12 miles
DL12 0XH
Bowes Museum
Distance: 4 miles
DL12 8NP
Pennine Way Trail
Distance: 0 miles
DL12 0AJ
Deepdale Beck Walk
Distance: 1 mile
DL12 0AJ
Bowes Moor Circular
Distance: 2 miles
DL12 0AJ
Barnard Castle Town Centre
Distance: 4 miles
DL12 8PH
Tesco Superstore Barnard Castle
Distance: 4 miles
DL12 8JF
Co-op Food Store
Distance: 4 miles
DL12 8NQ
Darlington Town Centre
Distance: 18 miles
DL1 1ND
Richmond Market Town
Distance: 14 miles
DL10 4QN
Middleton-in-Teesdale
Distance: 10 miles
DL12 0QG
Barnard Castle
Distance: 4 miles
DL12 8PR
High Force Waterfall
Distance: 12 miles
DL12 0XH
Bowes Museum
Distance: 4 miles
DL12 8NP
Pennine Way Trail
Distance: 0 miles
DL12 0AJ
Deepdale Beck Walk
Distance: 1 mile
DL12 0AJ
Bowes Moor Circular
Distance: 2 miles
DL12 0AJ
Barnard Castle Town Centre
Distance: 4 miles
DL12 8PH
Tesco Superstore Barnard Castle
Distance: 4 miles
DL12 8JF
Co-op Food Store
Distance: 4 miles
DL12 8NQ
Darlington Town Centre
Distance: 18 miles
DL1 1ND
Richmond Market Town
Distance: 14 miles
DL10 4QN
Middleton-in-Teesdale
Distance: 10 miles
DL12 0QG

Is The Old School House Right For Your Group

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

For Families
The North Pennines offers outdoor adventures for active children. High Force Waterfall provides an exciting day out with dramatic scenery. Barnard Castle has the medieval fortress to explore with ramparts and towers. The Bowes Museum features interactive exhibits alongside fine art. Open moorland around Bowes is perfect for running about and wildlife spotting. Younger children enjoy paddling in local becks during summer months.
Groups Will Love...
The converted school layout creates distinct accommodation units within one building. This setup works brilliantly for groups wanting both togetherness and personal space. Multiple kitchens mean different families can prepare meals independently or come together for group dining. Separate living areas let early risers enjoy breakfast without disturbing late sleepers. The arrangement suits multi-generational holidays where grandparents appreciate quieter spaces whilst younger families gather elsewhere.
Pet Friendly
The Old School House welcomes dogs, making it suitable for groups who consider their pets family members. The surrounding countryside provides endless walking opportunities straight from the door. The Pennine Way and numerous footpaths let dogs explore moorland terrain safely. Bowes village has open spaces for exercise. Local pubs in the area often welcome well-behaved dogs. Check specific pet policies regarding numbers and any additional charges when booking.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at The Old School House

The Ancient Unicorn Bowes

Located 0.2 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: DL12 9HJ

The Morritt Country House Hotel

Located 0.5 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: DL12 9SE

Blagraves House Barnard Castle

Located 4 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: DL12 8PD

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about The Old School House

Is The Old School House pet friendly?
The property welcomes dogs, making it suitable for groups travelling with pets. Check specific pet policies and any additional charges when booking.
How many people does it sleep?
The Old School House accommodates up to 12 guests across multiple units. Each unit has separate bedrooms and bathrooms for group comfort.
What facilities are available for groups?
Multiple kitchens and living areas allow groups to cook and relax together or separately. Off-road parking for two cars is provided.
What walking routes are nearby?
The Pennine Way passes through Bowes village, offering long-distance hiking opportunities. Numerous circular walks explore the North Pennines from the doorstep.
How far is Barnard Castle?
Barnard Castle is 4 miles away, approximately 8 minutes by car. The town offers shops, restaurants and the famous Bowes Museum.
Are there pubs within walking distance?
Bowes village has local facilities within walking distance. Barnard Castle offers more dining options just a short drive away.
What attractions suit all ages?
High Force Waterfall, Barnard Castle ruins and the Bowes Museum provide varied activities. The surrounding countryside offers gentle walks for less mobile guests.
Is there mobile phone signal?
Rural Durham can have variable mobile coverage depending on your network provider. The property may have WiFi but confirm connectivity requirements when booking.

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