The Old Dairy in Darlington

"We just love this rural cottage for two it's a perfect romantic getaway. We've booked it for three years and just rebooked again for next year. Lovely peaceful surroundings,plenty of relaxing walks and lots of historic sights to see around the area. In the cottage there is plenty of leaflets to browse for tourists information.Then you've got the relaxing hot tub in the evening after your days out which is lovely and romantic under the stars.We had a surprise this year as the owner had put in a gorgeous Victorian bath and had put wooden paneling in the bedroom / living room which made it feel warmer and very cosy.The cottage is always very clean and warm when we arrive after the long drive there.The owners always ask if everything is fine when you see them couldn't ask for better hosts definitely recommend their cottages to friends,family or anyone else."

Reviewed by Sue N on 14/04/2018

"We have just returned from a week in this cottage and found it to be everything we expected. It was well appointed, warm and cosy and with all the touches that made it a home from home. Would most certainly recommend it as the perfect retreat for two! The welcome pack was very thoughtful - homemade cake and bread and a bottle of wine. We loved it."

Reviewed by Lizzy L on 12/11/2016

"The whole holiday experience from arriving at the property to departing was fantastic. The four poster bed was large and comfy and the living area was cosy, all in all it could not have been better. The dogs were well catered for as well, with pleasant walks close by and even a bit of swimming. We would all go back again, thank you."

Reviewed by Mr Robinson on 24/04/2016

"The Old Dairy is a small cottage that suits 2 people down to the ground. The cottage had everything we needed to use in the kitchen to cook an evening meal. Location is perfect for Durham and the Yorkshire Dales which we enjoyed visiting. The local people were friendly."

Reviewed by Ms Copson on 13/03/2016

"The cottage was very cosy and tastefully restored with a wonderful, cosy lounge and well kitted out kitchen. The bedroom was a very good size and the bed was very comfy. I especially loved the enclosed patio area ideal to let the dogs out first thing in the morning. I would imagine in the Summer months it is lovely to sit out with a glass of vino. The Old Dairy is situated next door to a very nice local pub and a great butcher. The village itself is beautiful with a massive village green and minutes walk to the riverside walks. I will be recommending to everyone and hope to come back soon."

Reviewed by Mrs Dean on 14/01/2016

"The Old Dairy was a lovely property, decor was lovely and I would recommend it to my friends "

Reviewed by Mrs Hanslip on 15/11/2015

"The Old Dairy was just what we needed after a stressful week. It had everything and more, the owner had thought of just everything! The cottage was lovely, warm and comfortable and we just loved the roll top bath and candles. The king size bed was so comfortable. The locals were friendly, kind and helpful, and we will be coming back soon. The best holiday cottage we have had so far, we cannot wait to return! Thank You."

Reviewed by Mrs Mccabe on 04/10/2015

"Gorgeous cottage, the web page does not do it enough justice. Having read the other reviews we can now fully understand why people have come to the cottage for their honeymoon and thoroughly enjoyed it. Perfect stay in a lovely village with lots to do just a short drive away. "

Reviewed by Miss Johnson on 06/09/2015

"A fabulous location in a beautiful village. The cottage was very luxurious, everything that you could possibly need had been thought of. The villagers were all very welcoming, and there were lots of things to do in the surrounding area, a great base to explore a picturesque part of the country."

Reviewed by Mr Parker on 23/08/2015

"The Old Dairy was cozy. The owner had considered every possibility to make you feel welcome and to enjoy your holiday. "

Reviewed by Mrs Kennedy on 31/05/2015

"The area is beautiful and the cottage had been a converted dairy and had lots of character. Also the weather was great!"

Reviewed by Mrs Horsburgh on 26/04/2015

"A very cosy cottage in a peaceful location with great walks from the doorstep. Had a comfortable bed. Our dog loved the cottage and it was a bonus having the enclosed outside area. The butcher next door sold excellent produce and pizzas from the Stable Hearth across the road were fab! Lots of local information was provided by the owners. We took trips out to the coast which was just over an hour away, with glorious sandy beaches for the dog to run on."

Reviewed by Miss Molloy on 12/04/2015

"A lovely cosy cottage which was comfortable and clean, had a great holiday."

Reviewed by Miss Ormston on 09/03/2015

"The cottage was fabulous, and the welcome pack to was so thoughtful. Our dog was so relaxed and loved the river walks. Had a lovely atmosphere in the cottage, the locals were lovely too."

Reviewed by Mrs Torrance on 30/12/2014

"Loved it. The welcome package was very much appreciated. The cottage was excellent. Thank you, we had a really nice time."

Reviewed by Mr Ramsay on 17/12/2014

"The property has been beautifully done and lacks nothing, all the small touches are great. The layout is perfect for two people and the property is in a great location to strike out into the locality."

Reviewed by Mr Benson on 25/11/2014

"The Old Dairy is in a good location for exploring the area and has good local facilities."

Reviewed by Mr Robson on 23/11/2014

"Wonderful quiet location,very friendly locals."

Reviewed by Mrs Bartlett on 12/10/2014

"A lovely area to stay in, with a friendly pub opposite serving nice pizzas and walks around by the river. The cottage was cosy and every need was catered for."

Reviewed by Miss Wood on 14/09/2014

"The day after our wedding, my husband and I travelled over to stay at The Old Dairy. We wanted a quiet break with our two dogs in a quaint cottage near to decent attractions - this was just perfect. Others have said it, but the photos just cannot do this cottage justice. The restoration job the owners have done is remarkable throughout: there are wonderful original features whilst everything is cosy and comfortable. On going upstairs I think we both uttered an involuntary 'wow'! The welcome gifts of homemade produce, wine and dog biscuits along with flowers and fruit was a lovely touch and immediately made us feel at home. We really appreciated the owners' information file, which told us everything we needed to know about the cottage and local area. I can't imagine a single need which wasn't catered for from the pint of milk in the fridge to the DVD selection. Gainford itself is lovely, with incredibly friendly locals and all the things you need on your doorstep. The butcher shop next door also sells fantastic fruit and veg and bread so that couldn't be more convenient. We enjoyed a different country walk each day with our two Greyhounds and found the pub opposite to be fantastically welcoming. There's a wealth of places to visit just a short drive away so we were never at risk of being bored. The owners have provided plenty of leaflets and information so even if, like us, you didn't have time to research the area beforehand you won't be stuck for ideas. We hadn't been at The Old Dairy a night before we were vowing to come again when we can. After a week there is still plenty more to do."

Reviewed by Mitch-holloway on 23/08/2014

"Warm welcome, great welcome treats including for the dog, very nicely decorated and in a great location - we thoroughly enjoyed our stay - thank you"

Reviewed by MissVal2014 on 13/08/2014

"The location was great to use as a base with lots of great places to visit all within a 30min drive. The village is idyllic and the river walks were great for an after tea walk followed by a visit to the very friendly local pub, just opposite the cottage. We look forward to re-visiting this cottage in the very near future."

Reviewed by Mrs Beaumont on 17/07/2014

"This was such a fantastic break from when we were met by the owners and given a tour of the cottage to that moment when we reluctantly posted the keys back through the letterbox and began the journey home. It's a wonderful cottage; you know the type...where you feel comfortable, at ease and well looked after. A home-made loaf, bottle of wine, sweet chilli jam and fruitcake were all waiting on the kitchen table and as extra welcoming touches, they got full marks. From the four-poster bed to the small, enclosed garden off the kitchen, there were delights to mark this out as a great place to come to unwind. Everything worked how it should - even to the point where we inadvertently tested the smoke alarm when grilling the sausages from the butcher next door. The cottage is centrally located in the village across from the Cross Keys pub - a friendly local with Cornish Doom bar ale on tap and the outstanding pizza from Stable Hearth at the back of the property. Local walks along the river Tees or to neighbouring villages like Ingleton, Piercebridge or Winston make this an idyllic spot with plenty on the doorstep and you can hop in the car to the likes of Raby Castle or Barnard Castle. There is no phone signal in the village - which may or may not disconcert you - but for us, it wasn't a problem and seemed to sum up how we could disconnect from the stresses of work and the normal things that tug at our attention. Overall, wholeheartedly recommend both the cottage itself and the friendly village to anyone looking to relax and explore this corner of County Durham."

Reviewed by John F on 15/07/2014

"The bedroom was lovely, the welcome hamper was superb and it was in a good location to do lots of sightseeing. The locals in the village were very helpful, friendly and in a great location. Perfect for taking a dog as it was very close to a lovely riverside walk. The butchers next door was well stocked and there was a good pub opposite with free WiFi. Highly recommend."

Reviewed by Mrs Williams on 29/06/2014

"The property was a real home from home, everything we needed and more. The location was perfect for relaxing and also lots of walks straight from the door along the river. The locals were lovely and friendly, a nice welcome at the pub in the evening made us feel very welcome."

Reviewed by Mrs O'shea on 15/06/2014

"The cottage was cosy and very comfortable. The village is lovely with great riverside walks."

Reviewed by Mr Donnelly on 13/06/2014

"A very nice cottage in a good location and the first impression and hospitality by our host's set the holiday off to a good start."

Reviewed by Mr Wilks on 01/06/2014

"I loved the cottage we stayed in, every little thing was thought of. I would highly recommend staying in this cottage. Added bonus - within walking distance of a local pub where everyone was very welcoming. Great walks, great area, just 20 minutes away and you are in the thick of the Yorkshire Dales. Cannot rate this holiday and cottage enough. "

Reviewed by Miss Farrall on 05/02/2014

"We wanted to stay in a authentic cottage and that is what The Old Dairy was. The owners were very welcoming, the home made bread, jam, butter and wine were a lovely touch. "

Reviewed by Mrs Crafts on 29/01/2014

"One of the best cottages we have ever stayed in and there have been quite a few! Just loved everything about it - warm and cosy, very well-equipped with lots of little special touches eg the candle by the bath, the home-made goodies, fresh flowers etc. Just loved the interior design which was in keeping with the history of the building but with all modern conveniences. The locals made us very welcome - we never felt like strangers in the village - would love to come back in the summer and sit on the green!"

Reviewed by Mrs Roach on 25/01/2014

"We would definitely go back and stay again The owners were very friendly and the welcome package was absolutely delicious."

Reviewed by Mr Potter on 30/10/2013

"Very good welcome from the owners. Everyone in the village was very friendly to us. Enjoyed the holiday very much. The Butcher and the Fish & Chip shop, both highly recommended!"

Reviewed by Mr Wadsworth on 16/09/2013

"The cottage was lovely, the village beautiful, and the local people were very friendly."

Reviewed by Mr Lee on 09/09/2013

"It was a well-earned break needed by both of us and the cottage was ideal."

Reviewed by Mrs Self on 20/05/2013

"Great location, standard of property and attention to detail. The welcome produce - homemade bread, sweet chilli and the wine were excellent along with the doggie treats. All aspects were catered for, will go back and can fully recommend The Old Dairy."

Reviewed by Miss Flint on 02/01/2013

"We stayed here for a week in October - it was just beautiful! So cosy with a real cottage feel to it. Would definitely come back and stay again Owners were very friendly and the welcome package was delightful - a really nice touch"

Reviewed by A FlipKey verified reviewer on 05/12/2012

"The cottage was beautiful and the owners very friendly and accommodating."

Reviewed by Miss Kimberley Weil on 09/10/2012

"The owners made us extremely welcome, with some very nice personal touches such as home-made bread and cake. Cottage cosy and romantic as described, would highly recommend."

Reviewed by Mr Roberts on 17/09/2012

"Very warm welcome in the house with home-made specialities and flowers."

Reviewed by Mr Wilhelmer on 30/08/2012

"The location of this property was ideal for our needs. The quality of the accommodation and the extras, including linen, were second to none. A welcome hamper was provided and that too was exceptional."

Reviewed by Mrs Massie on 11/08/2012

"The house was really great! We could find no faults. It has obviously been recently renovated to a very high degree. Its very comfortable and we would definitely stay there again."

Reviewed by Mrs Riley on 19/02/2012

"The Old Dairy is very homely and a lovely place to come back to. A lovely touch of a hamper, perfect for arriving late and not knowing the area. Great having the butcher next door. Perfect location for what we needed. Thank you!"

Reviewed by Mrs Smith on 27/01/2012

"The cottage was cosy and warm, spotless and the welcome hamper was a real delight. The village location was a bonus and good accessibility to other areas."

Reviewed by Mrs Macdonald on 22/01/2012

"We had a lovely week at The Old Dairy. The cottage was beautifully presented, no detail missed even had a lovely welcome hamper with wine and home made goodies! The owners family have done a wonderful job, it was a really comfortable home. We would love to go back, they even made our dogs welcome with bed and treats! Thank you all. "

Reviewed by Mrs Bacon on 06/10/2011