The Bay Horse - County Durham

A unique hotel/pub ran very well by the owners and staff Special mention to Jane who made sure we had everything we needed The food is simple pub homemade and was very nice lovely old pictures hanging on most walls are very interesting It has a wonderful sitting out area with views over the dale

Situated in the village of Wolsingham, the Bay Horse Hotel is a converted 19th century farmhouse. The bar is stunning, warm, comfortable, and inviting. The restaurant is small and quaint, giving the option of an intimate diner for two, or as a party. The rooms are pleasantly decorated and en suite. However, there are a lot of stairs so would not be suitable to some. We spent four nights here, and it felt like family. Staying in room two, we had access to the front balcony. The views from this are great. Taking in a beck, bridge, stone cottages and rolling hillsides, it is an ideal place to while away a few hours with a nice glass of wine. Our hosts, Amanda and Rob, were amazing. Friendly and welcoming, they made us feel at home. As we were the only guests mid-week, they allowed us a good lie-in and made breakfast when we went down, rather than a strict timetable. They had great local knowledge on good walks, attractions and events. They could not do enough for us, even offering a fleece blanket so we could enjoy the balcony one cooler evening. Bed and Breakfast starts at around £50; meals are around £10. A well-stocked bar has a wide variety of drinks, beer and such is from Cameron’s Brewery. The Bay Horse is perfect for a drink, meal or short stay. For walkers, it’s ideally sited for access to Weardale. With only a short stroll to the high street, it’s a great place to forget it all, relax, and enjoy some fresh air.

The only pub I’ve been in where your partner is shouted at by the staff for trying to have a conversation while a band plays. Fair enough some people are there for the music but there was only 2 groups in the bar area, me, my partner and a couple of friends and a couple who looked to be with the band itself! Yet we where told to be quiet twice in a rude fashion by 2 people behind the bar. This is after we had all had a meal and a few drinks on a quiet week night!

Went today with my husband for Sunday lunch, we opted for the xmas one, absolutely delicious, best xmas dinner I have ever had, everything was so tasty and the extra touches like the home made roast potatoes, the home made pig in blanket, purple cabbage, parsnip crisps were the perfect touch. Amanda, Rob and Jayne were the perfect hosts, roll on next sunday for a 50 minute drive to do it all again, cause its certainly worth it xx

What a place, Amanda Rob are the best ever. The drink is absolutely spot on and the food is to die for