Major supermarkets, banks, libraries and general shops are available at Bishop Auckland or Spennymoor (both 3 miles). There is a Service Station, with shop selling a range of goods from milk to toothpaste, 300yds from the cottage; and, a number of small supermarkets & corner shops towards Spennymoor (under 2 miles). Cash Machines are available at the Asda & Morrison's Supermarkets and in the main shopping street in Bishop Auckland, and at the Asda Supermarket in Spennymoor. There is a public telephone (& post box) 90m from the cottage.

Arrangements have been made to enable guests to use the bar in the Village Community Centre (100m), or the nearest pub - with food - is just over a mile. For those who do not wish to totally 'self-cater', there are a number of other inns in the area and reasonably priced food can be obtained. There are also a variety of 'take-away' & ethnic restaurants in Bishop Auckland or Spennymoor. The owners would be pleased to offer advice on places to visit and eat.