garet - Sep 2026
Our stay at Otters Holt was everything we hoped it would be and more. Mary and Stephen were extremely friendly and informative and nothing was too much trouble. The accomodation was clean and well equipped and we immediately felt at home. The parking was spacious and close by. We would love to return at a future date.
Natale - Sep 2026
Weve just returned from the most wonderful stay at Otters Holt at Allwent Hall Farm, and we genuinely couldnt have asked for more. It was peaceful, cosy and comfortable, with beautiful views, and incredibly dogfriendly. Our two little chihuahuas loved it just as much as we did! From the moment we arrived, we felt so welcome. Mary greeted us when we got there, and Mary and Stephen had thought of so many lovely little touches. There were blankets and bowls waiting for the dogs, milk in the fridge, teas, coffees and sugar, and even a couple of bottles of prosecco for us to enjoy. Theyd also lit the logburning hot tub before our arrival, so it was already lovely and warm and ready for us to get in. Sitting in the hot tub with a glass of prosecco, surrounded by the peace and those views, was just perfect. The cottage itself was gorgeous. Warm, cosy and snuggly, with really comfortable sofas, a lovely kingsized bed and a fantastic hot, powerful shower. Theres central heating as well as a logburnerstyle fire, so we were never cold. Theres also a little veranda where you can sit outside with a morning coffee and take everything in. For anyone travelling with dogs, we honestly couldnt believe how dogfriendly both Otters Holt and the whole area were. Theres a securely fenced field next to the cottage and Mary told us we were welcome to let the dogs have a run around in there. We visited several local attractions during our stay and found everywhere incredibly welcoming to dogs. The guide provided in the cottage was one of the best weve seen. It was so thorough, with recommendations for pubs, restaurants, attractions and dogfriendly places, including telephone numbers and postcodes, as well as information about the surrounding area and the fascinating history of Allwent Hall Farm. It made exploring somewhere new so easy. The farm itself is beautiful and full of character. Its a working farm with different breeds of goats and sheep, as well as Shetland ponies and horses, but it certainly isnt the sort of farm where youre greeted by unpleasant smells! Its simply a lovely setting and adds to the whole experience. Theres also private parking with room for two cars, and everything about our stay was just easy. We even received a phone call before we arrived to let us know that the cottage was ready and we were welcome to check in earlier if we wanted to, which was another really thoughtful touch. Mary and Stephen were perfect hosts. They were welcoming and helpful without being intrusive, and it really felt as though theyd thought of everything their guests might need. We loved it so much that we were already looking at coming back for Christmas, only to discover it was fully booked, which probably says it all! We had a fabulous time and there genuinely wasnt anything more we could have wanted. A very easy 5 out of 5 from us. We will absolutely be returning to Otters Holt, and I think our little chihuahuas will be
Sharon - Jul 2026
The place was awesome, so peaceful and nice to have farm animals round about you. It has everything you need for a chilled out break, cant wait to get back again.
Ben - May 2026
Had a lovely stay. All the small touches made this place great. Thank you for the lovely stay.
Louise - May 2026
We had a lovely time. The cabin was perfect, and the log fired hot tub was lovely. The views across the field were lovely, we enjoyed watching a Kestrel out over the field. We didnt manage to see the Otters down and the river but we only wandered down there once. There is a cute little owl that sits on the cabins at times. We spotted it once, we named it Alwyn the Owl! There was everything we needed in the cabin. The information file was great. Mary and Steven were lovely, Mary came and explained some bits about the cabin and hot tub when we arrived which was helpful, we then had her number in case we needed anything else. Considering it is a working farm, it was peaceful will very little noise from the farm animals, and no offensive smells. It is a walk into Staindrop, or a 20 minute bus ride into Bernard Castle. The bus stop is right out side the farm, but be careful as it isnt sign posted we just found this by searching online. We absolutely couldnt fault our stay. 5 plus for cabin, surrounding and owners.
ellen - May 2026
What a great place! Nestled into the field, it was peaceful, secluded and just what we needed. Stephen, the owner, was extremely helpful, lighting the hot tub prior to our arrival. There was a quiet walk down by the beck, past a disused mill race, to the mill and ford. The chalet was small but perfectly formed with everything you needed, anywhere bigger would have seemed extravagant for the two of us. Would definitely recommend.
Teresa - May 2026
A lovely stay from start to end, So clean and bright, a perfect blend. With views that stretched both far and wide, A peaceful place to rest inside. The hot tub hummed, pure delight, A cosy soak each peaceful night. A little escape, a perfect day We wished we never had to go away. Thank you to our hosts who never fail to make us feel welcome.
Gillian - Mar 2026
Beyond fantastic! Thank you for a wonderful stay, it has now become our happy place! Highly recommend staying
Amanda - Dec 2025
We really enjoyed our stay at Otter's Holt, it was truly beautiful and magical, as my partner, me and our dog stayed for Christmas. Mary and Steven made everything look so lovely for us and it was a pleasure. We will definitely be staying again soon, thankyou again, Amanda, Scott and Cooper
Oliver - Dec 2025
We stayed at Otters Holt between Christmas and NY, with our dog. We had the best time. Steven had the hot tub ready for our arrival. Everything we needed for bringing our dog, and some fizz and biscuits for us! The cabins are amazing, they still look brand new. Mary and Steven are the best hosts! We can't wait to come back.
Samantha - Nov 2025
Wonderful, the accomodation was perfect, so clean, warm and inviting. We had everything we needed for a great weekend. The attention to detail was grand, the place is set out to offer so much space and comfort. The hot tub was perfect and so relaxing, it was great to relax and enjoy the utter peace and quiet. Steven was lovely, so helpful and very generous, started the hot tub off before we arrived which is always a nice gesture. Really happy with how our weekend went and would recommend this place 100
Maggie - Nov 2025
Lovely stay, very helpful friendly owners and great escape with our dog from the madness of fireworks at home. Also enjoyed exploring Teesdale. We hope to return Otters Holt is very cosy and fully equipped for a comfortable stay.
Emma - Oct 2025
Steven & Mary were very helpful host's. Steven had the hot tub ready for our arrival. Otters Holt was very comfortable, cosy and had all that we needed for our stay. It was an ideal location to allow us explore the local villages Staindrop & Winston , following local walks, and places further afield, Barnard Castle, Durham, Darlington, High Force Water fall Recommend a stay here and we hope to back sometime in the future. Emma & Douglas.
Lorna - Sep 2025
Best place ever and lovely owners
Stewart - Sep 2025
What a lovely place, peace and quiet with great hosts. Great position for visit some fantastic places nearby. Would definitely be looking to organise a trip back.
y - Sep 2025
Helpful and welcoming hosts. Thank you Steven and Mary, we had a lovely time unwinding. Very peaceful and yet plenty to do nearby.
Lynne - Aug 2025
This is by far my favourite place to stay. We booked all 3 lodges. Each one to a high standard as always. Steve and Mary are so wonderful and helpful. Its tranquil and so relaxing. A good place to be for many places to visit without all the hustle and bustle. Its not my first time here and it wont be my last. You wont be disappointed.
Danielle - Aug 2025
Lovely private little hideaway x
Dr k J.p. - Aug 2025
I visited in August for a few days of quiet so I could relax and write. This place is perfect attentive and kind hosts, quiet location and nearby by car to lots of great things to explore. I brought my dog with me and he had a fantastic time. Highly recommended and Im looking forward to returning!
Samantha - Jul 2025
Excellent holiday highly recommended, Steve , Mary made us and our dogs Molly , Nancy very welcoming. Clean comfortable hot tub amazing and very relaxing holiday thank you so much we definitely, be back .