Eppleby Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Eppleby Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Eppleby sits in a fantastic spot for exploring both the Yorkshire Dales and County Durham. The village itself is small but pretty, with stone cottages and a traditional village green. It's the surrounding area that really shines though.

Richmond (DL10 4QW) is just 6 miles away and worth a full day of exploration. The impressive Norman castle dominates the town and scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. Open daily 10am-5pm, it offers spectacular views across the Dales from its keep.

Barnard Castle (DL12 8PR) is another must-visit, about 10 miles from Eppleby. The market town has independent shops, antique stores and the castle itself (4/5 on TripAdvisor). Don't miss The Bowes Museum (DL12 8NP, open daily 10am-5pm), a French-style château housing an impressive art collection that scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor.

For nature lovers, High Force Waterfall (DL12 0XH) is about 25 miles away but absolutely worth the drive. This 70-foot waterfall is one of England's most impressive natural sights, scoring 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. The car park costs £3.50 and it's open daily from 10am until dusk.

Pet Friendly

Many cottages in Eppleby welcome dogs, making it ideal for a break with your four-legged friend. The surrounding countryside offers endless walking opportunities without needing to jump in the car.

The Teesdale Way passes near the village and provides miles of scenic walking along the River Tees. I particularly recommend the section between Barnard Castle and Eggleston - it's fairly flat and has stunning river views.

The Foxhall Inn in Eppleby welcomes dogs in the bar area and serves good pub grub. In nearby Richmond, The Station (DL10 4LD) is a converted Victorian railway building that houses a café, cinema and shops - dogs are welcome throughout most areas.

If you're visiting in summer, check out Raby Castle's walled gardens (DL2 3AH). Dogs on leads are permitted in the gardens and deer park, though not inside the castle itself. The extensive grounds provide plenty of space for dogs to enjoy a good walk.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Eppleby

The Foxhall Inn stands at the heart of Eppleby village. This traditional country pub dates back to the 18th century and serves excellent food using local ingredients. The Sunday roasts are particularly good. They have a beer garden for sunny days and a roaring fire in winter. We've heard many visitors say they ended up eating here multiple times during their stay because the food was so good.

Raby Castle (DL2 3AH) is about 8 miles from Eppleby and makes for an outstanding day out. This medieval castle has been home to the Vane family since 1626 and is surrounded by a 200-acre deer park. Inside, you'll find impressive interiors spanning several centuries. The walled gardens are beautiful year-round. One visitor recently commented, "The castle is magnificent and the grounds are perfect for a picnic. We spotted several deer which was magical." Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am-4pm.

The Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle (DL12 8NP) houses an extraordinary collection of European fine and decorative arts. The building itself is impressive - a purpose-built French château in the North Yorkshire countryside. The museum's most famous exhibit is the Silver Swan, an 18th-century automaton that still works today. They demonstrate it daily at 2pm. A recent visitor wrote, "The swan demonstration alone is worth the entry fee - absolutely fascinating engineering from the 1700s." Open daily 10am-5pm.

Is Eppleby good for walking holidays?

Yes! The village sits in beautiful countryside with numerous footpaths. The Teesdale Way passes nearby, offering riverside walks and you're close to both the Yorkshire Dales and North Pennines AONB. After a day's hiking, your cottage hot tub will be particularly welcome.

Where's the nearest place to buy groceries?

The nearest supermarket is in Richmond (6 miles) where you'll find a Co-op and a large Tesco. For basics, there's a small village shop in Gainford (4 miles) that stocks essentials. Many visitors do a big shop on arrival day.

Can I get around without a car?

It's challenging. There's a limited bus service connecting Eppleby to Richmond (service 79), but it doesn't run evenings or Sundays. I strongly recommend bringing a car to make the most of your stay and reach the best attractions.

What's the best time of year to visit?

Spring and summer offer the best weather for exploring, with May and June particularly lovely when the countryside is in bloom. Autumn brings beautiful colours to the woodlands. Winter can be magical if you're lucky with the weather and there's nothing better than watching the snow fall from your hot tub.

Are there any good restaurants nearby?

Besides The Foxhall Inn in the village, Richmond and Barnard Castle offer several good options. The Bay Horse in Heighington (10 miles) is worth the drive for excellent food. Book ahead for weekend evenings as good places fill up quickly.

Is Eppleby suitable for children?

Yes, though it's quite rural. Older children will enjoy castle visits and countryside walks. For younger kids, The Forbidden Corner near Middleham (20 miles) is a quirky attraction with mazes and surprises. Richmond has a swimming pool for rainy days.

1. The Station, Richmond
2. The Bowes Museum
3. Raby Castle
4. Richmond Castle