Where You'll Find Us
Shepherds Lodge sits on the edge of Cockfield village in County Durham, overlooking the Gaunless Valley. It's the kind of location that feels properly rural, but you're not stuck in the middle of nowhere. The village is a two-minute walk, Durham and Barnard Castle are nearby, and you've got walking routes starting right from the door.
Cockfield Village and the Surrounding Area
Cockfield isn't one of those picture-postcard tourist villages that gets overrun at weekends. It's a proper working village where people actually live. There's a pub, a shop, a garage, a doctor's surgery, and a chemist. Everything you might need is within easy walking distance, but it's still quiet enough that you'll notice the peace.
The shepherd's hut sits right on the edge of the village, which means you get the best of both. Step outside and you're looking across open countryside towards the valley. Walk five minutes and you're at the village pub. It's that balance that makes the location work so well.
We're in the Durham Dales, which means rolling countryside, stone walls, and views that change with the light. Ramshaw and Tofte are visible on the hilltops. The Gaunless Valley stretches out in front of you. On clear days, you can see for miles.
Historic Sites and Attractions
Durham is only about 30 minutes away. The cathedral alone is worth the trip - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Europe. The city itself is compact and beautiful, with cobbled streets, the riverside, and enough history to keep you occupied for a full day.
Barnard Castle is closer, around 15 minutes by car. The town takes its name from the medieval castle ruins that overlook the River Tees. It's worth wandering round, and while you're there, the Bowes Museum is worth a visit. It's an extraordinary building that looks like it belongs in France, filled with fine art and decorative objects.
Raby Castle, which you can walk to from the hut, opens to visitors at certain times of year. It's a medieval fortress that's been continuously occupied for over 600 years. The deer park surrounding it is stunning, and you don't need to go inside to appreciate the setting.
Beamish Museum is about 40 minutes away. It's a living museum that recreates life in the North East during the 1820s, 1900s, and 1940s. Trams, pit villages, period shops - it's engrossing even if you're not normally a museum person.
Food, Drink, and Essentials
The village pub is an easy walk from the hut. It's a traditional local, the kind of place where you can get a decent pint without any fuss. There's also a pub in nearby Evenwood if you fancy a change.
The village shop covers the basics if you need milk, bread, or anything you've forgotten. For bigger shopping, Bishop Auckland is about 15 minutes away and has all the supermarkets and high street shops you'd expect.
If you're planning to eat in at the hut, you're well placed. The microwave, fridge, and gas hob give you options for simple meals. Many guests bring food with them and enjoy cooking while looking out over the valley.
Walking from the Door
Straight onto the Fell
The Raby Castle Footpath
Hamsterley Forest
Teesdale and the Pennine Way
Getting Here
Transport links are straightforward. The A68 is just a few minutes away, connecting you north to Tyneside and south towards Yorkshire. The A688 runs nearby as well, so getting to Durham, Darlington, or Teesdale is simple.
If you're coming from further afield, we're about an hour from Newcastle, an hour from Middlesbrough, and easily accessible from the M1 or A1(M) via the A66 or A67.
There is a bus service through the village, though it's limited. Realistically, you'll want a car to make the most of the area and the attractions nearby.
What guests say
