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Stay in one of the north’s oldest castles! Quartermaster's is a bright and sunny south-facing ground floor flat, recently modernised, that sits between the castle’s medieval Constable Tower and 19th century Russell Tower. It sleeps 3 in a double room and a single room. The flat is a perfect base for exploring this beautiful but lesser-known part of the country. There is a wealth of historic places to visit – the city of Durham, with its magnificent cathedral, is a few minutes’ drive or bus ride away, and the towns of Barnard Castle and Richmond are within easy reach. Beamish Open Air Museum, Alnwick Castle Gardens, Hadrian’s Wall and Lindisfarne are places where you can easily spend the whole day. The Durham and Northumberland coasts have long sandy beaches, and for those who want to be mo...Stay in one of the north’s oldest castles! Quartermaster's is a bright and sunny south-facing ground floor flat, recently modernised, that sits between the castle’s medieval Constable Tower and 19th century Russell Tower. It sleeps 3 in a double room and a single room. The flat is a perfect base for exploring this beautiful but lesser-known part of the country. There is a wealth of historic places to visit – the city of Durham, with its magnificent cathedral, is a few minutes’ drive or bus ride away, and the towns of Barnard Castle and Richmond are within easy reach. Beamish Open Air Museum, Alnwick Castle Gardens, Hadrian’s Wall and Lindisfarne are places where you can easily spend the whole day. The Durham and Northumberland coasts have long sandy beaches, and for those who want to be more active there are great walks in the hills and dales. The Sage in Gateshead hosts an extensive programme of concerts, and the flat is ideally placed for the spectacular Kynren show in nearby Bishop Auckland each summer – it is advisable to book in advance if you want to see this while you are here.
The castle itself is regularly open for guided tours throughout the year - please check the Brancepeth Castle entry elsewhere on TripAdvisor for more details if you want your stay to coincide with a tour.
The castle is a historic monument dating back to before the 14th century, and all income from this holiday let goes towards its upkeep.
House Rules
Pets not allowedKid friendlyNo smoking
Bedrooms
1 Double1 Single
Bathrooms
1 Attached (ensuite)1 Shower
Meet the host
James D
Hosting since February 2017
Languages spoken: English
Response Rate: 100%
Response Time: Within a few hours
Interaction with guests: A major craft fair is held at the castle at the end of July and the end of November each year. Visitors staying while the craft fair is on will have complementary access to the fair. There are a number of other events during the year, all of which contribute to the maintenance and restoration of the castle.
Brancepeth Castle Golf Club is laid out in the former deer park of the castle and is a few minutes’ walk or drive from Quartermaster’s. It is rated as one of the top 100 courses in the country, and one of the finest in the north east of England. Guests staying at Quartermaster’s will be eligible for a 25% discount on visitor green fees. We can also provide codes and vouchers for discounted admission to other selected local attractions.
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A very clean and well equipped flat in a splendid historical setting. Lovely secluded location in the shadow of the splendid castle. A peaceful and relaxing place. The owner was very helpful in helping us juggle dates as part of a longer holiday itinerary, and the booking process was professional and easy. We were impressed with the whole experience.
Our stay coincided with one of the regular tours of the whole castle which was really excellent, informative and thorough - also highly recommended.
Visited September 2022
Written 26 September 2022. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
helenruss2016
Bristol, United Kingdom34 contributions
Fantastic apartment
Wonderful apartment fully equipped, just what we needed to unwind. The castle was fantastic it was a shame that we didn't have the time to take a tour. Close to everywhere we wanted to visit.
The bell ringing practice was a surprise and absolutely delightful to listen to. Being able to listen to the bird song first thing in the mornings and evenings brilliant.
Being able to walk around the castle and church was great and it was so peaceful.
Would love to revisit when next in the area.
My son a professional photographer loved the castle and the whole area so beautiful.
Visited May 2022
Written 30 May 2022. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
James D
Thank you for the kind review, Helen, and I am glad you enjoyed all the sights and sounds. We would live to welcome you again, and I hope that next time you will be able to fit in a tour of the interior.
Written 25 June 2022. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ozzie_Walker
8 contributions
Clean and warm apartment in characterful location.
Warm and sunny apartment on south side of castle. Clean and well-equipped. Good location for visiting Durham and nearby area. Castle tour recommended. Good walks available directly from castle with the Weardale Way and a railway path close by. Church next door well worth a visit as well, beautifully restored after a fire.
Visited February 2022
Written 27 February 2022. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
James D
Thank you for this review - I am glad it all worked well and the weather was kind to you. We look forward to welcoming you back next time you return to the area.
Written 10 March 2022. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David P
5 contributions
Lovely apartment.
James the owner was very helpful throughout the booking process and we found a lovely clean apartment on a secluded side of the castle on arrival.
Everything you need was provided and it is only a 15 minute drive into Durham and when we visit the area again we will definitely stay here again.
Lovely church directly opposite which provides a great view.
Visited August 2021
Written 15 August 2021. This review is the subjective opinion of an individual traveller and not of Tripadvisor LLC nor of its partners. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
James D
Thank you David - I am glad you enjoyed your stay and we look forward to welcoming you back again next time you are up this way.
Written 24 August 2021. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Beth35
Billinge, United Kingdom54 contributions
Wonderful place to stay, unbeatable location, great hosts and special stay
I stayed with my husband and son at Quartermaster's, attached to Brancepeth Castle, last weekend for 4 nights. It was a long awaited trip as it was bought pre-pandemic and has been rebooked several times. It was ABSOLUTELY worth the wait. The apartment is beautifully converted, modern where you want it to be (kitchen and 2 bathrooms) but with original stone walls showing through. Stylishly dressed, and really comfy for the 3 of us.
Our host was great from the start, lovely communication during our lengthy wait (including a Christmas card!) and very generous arrangements. There was a bottle of.prosecco awaiting us on ice, a handwritten card and tickets to the craft fair that took place in the castle that weekend. The craft fair was fun, but completely unobtrusive on our stay, which could not have been more peaceful. Sincerely hope we can go again one day
Visited July 2021
Written 28 July 2021. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
James D
I am glad it all went so well when you finally got here, Beth. It would be great to welcome you back again - this time without any postponements!
Written 5 August 2021. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Just returned from a week's stay in Quartermaster's. The flat itself is lovely, comfy, compact and well-equipped. The setting within the grounds of the castle is gorgeous and peaceful and Brancepeth is a great jumping-off point for exploring Durham and Northumbria, a part of the world we have long wanted to explore. We did day trips to Durham, Bamburgh Castle, Lindisfarne, Hadrian's Wall, Vindolanda, the Beamish Museum and Bede's World in Jarrow -- all within easy reach of the castle. We ate in the golf clubhouse one evening after returning from walking Hadrian's Wall -- good quality, basic fare; lovely, friendly staff; and very nice to stroll just 1-2 mins through the grounds to get there. The church, also within the grounds, is worth a look if open. There are no shops within walking distance but several within a short drive. James was incredibly helpful both before and during our stay, with lots of helpful tips, a discount code for the Beamish Museum, providing flowers, a welcome bottle of wine and milk on arrival, and even arranging for the castle fairies to deliver a couple of items we needed in the kitchen! All in all, a great stay in a great place, all managed by an attentive host who has thought of everything. Highly recommend it and we look forward to returning some time to explore the area further.
Visited May 2021
Written 7 June 2021. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
James D
I am so glad it all went well for you, Dara, and that you managed to fit so much in to your stay. Thank you for this generous review, and we would love to welcome you back again one day - there is still so much more to see up here!
Written 8 June 2021. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
flandersn
Manchester, United Kingdom3 contributions
Peaceful and comfy
Excellent location about ten minutes by car from Durham. Lovely and peaceful with lots of open space within the castle grounds for strolling. The apartment is very comfortable, well equipped and has a nice cozy atmosphere.
Plenty to see in the surrounding area and many facilities, shops, takeaways etc. close at hand.
Would love to visit again!
Visited October 2020
Written 13 October 2020. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
James D
I am glad you enjoyed your stay, Mike, and we look forward to welcoming you again. I am glad you found the flat was still well-equipped - we have had to take out some of the extras due to the current Covid restrictions.
Written 15 October 2020. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nigel L
2 contributions
Brancepeth castle stay
Great stay, very peaceful place and surrounding area. Well equipped and very clean flat. Great to stay at a castle and local church worth a visit.
Visited August 2020
Written 30 August 2020. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
James D
Thank you Nigel - I am glad you enjoyed your stay and found the flat very clean - our top priority at the moment. It is also good that you felt it was well-equipped as we have had to slim things down a bit to meet Covid requirements.
Written 9 September 2020. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
crg
2 contributions
The perfect place in Durham County
This is the perfect place for people like me, who wants a place with strong personality. This is not a hotel, or a clasic appartment, it's a flat with two nice rooms and a big dining room-kitchen. And if it's rainning -something no strange in UK-, you have wifi and Netflix. I spent there 10 days working without interruptions and I'll back after the summer. Durham is very close, and a farm to go with the kids too. By the way, the cafe is very cosy, with a very friendly woman.
Visited March 2020
Written 14 March 2020. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
James D
I am glad it worked well for you Cristobal despite the rain...... we look forward to welcoming you in the autumn.
Written 21 March 2020. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Linda A
United Kingdom9 contributions
Cosy Castle Stay
Lovely apartment in Brancepeth Castle a few miles outside Durham. Very comfortable with all amenities you need. Easy drive into Durham & surrounding area. Good communication and information in apartment. Netflix & Now TV very welcome as weather was not great due to Storm Ciara. Definitely recommend
Visited February 2020
Written 14 March 2020. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
James D
Thank you Linda - it was a shame about Ciara - I hope we may be able to welcome you back in better weather!
Written 21 March 2020. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Durham, North Yorkshire and Northumberland are rich in history, with many castles and stately homes in the care of the National Trust, English Heritage and private owners. There are many historic market towns within easy reach as well as modern shopping and cultural centres such as the Metro Centre and the Sage. The property has a championship golf course right on the doorstep, and there are any number of good walking areas near and a bit further afield, such as Weardale, Kielder Forest and the Northumberland National Park. The beaches of Durham and Northumberland are one of the little known glories of the area, with long stretches of sand, often overlooked by spectacular castles such as Bamburgh, Lindisfarne and Dunstanburgh.
Getting around
The property is served by a frequent bus route (every 20 minutes for most of the week, hourly on Sundays) that links into an extensive network of routes. Durham rail station has frequent services on the line from London Kings Cross to Newcastle and Edinburgh, and is 15 minutes away. More detailed information is provided as part of the joining instructions.
Access
Car advised
How to get there
Brancepeth Castle is 5 miles outside Durham and is easily accessible from the A1(M). If travelling by public transport, Durham is well served by trains from around the country, and there are either taxis or a frequent bus service to get you out to the castle. More detailed information is provided as part of the joining instructions.
Activities nearby
Golf course (within 15 min walk)
Things to know
Check in / out timings
Check in after 3 pm • Check out by 10 am
Cancellation policy
100% refund within 24 hours after booking (provided the stay is at least 60 days away).
100% refund* if you cancel at least 2 weeks before check-in
No refund available once booking is confirmed
About this property
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