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✅  How to book your XL Escape

1. Choose your dates - Use the calendar below to check live availability and pricing for your chosen property. 2. Submit a booking request - Fill in your details to send a request directly to both XL Escapes and the property host. 3. We’ll confirm everything within 24 hours - The host will respond to confirm availability, the deposit required to secure your stay, the full balance remaining, and when it’s due (typically 4-6 weeks before arrival). 4. Pay your deposit and secure your stay - You’ll receive a Stripe payment link by email. Once the deposit is received, your booking is confirmed and your dates are locked in. Show Less

Kim & Chris Ewen

We are SO excited to welcome you to our home! As the founders of XL Escapes, we pour our hearts into creating a space where you can relax, unwind, and make lasting memories.

With two rescue dogs—Holly from Bosnia and Buddy from All Bullie Rescue—and Nala, our beautiful ginger cat (and undisputed Queen of the house), we understand how important it is to feel not just at home, but truly content and relaxed—especially when traveling with your furry companions.

Our goal is to offer more than just a holiday; we want to provide a home away from home where you can escape daily pressures, have a laugh, and enjoy quality time with loved ones. Whether it’s a cosy night in, exploring the local area, or simply making time for yourself, we’re here to make your stay special.

If you have any requests—big or small—just let us know. We’re always happy to help (and we love an excuse to bring a smile to your face, drink in hand, of course!).

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Meet Your Hosts

Kim & Chris Ewen We are SO excited to welcome you to our home! As the founders of XL Escapes, we pour our hearts into creating a space where you can relax, unwind, and make lasting memories. With two rescue dogs—Holly from Bosnia and Buddy from All Bullie Rescue—and Nala, our beautiful ginger cat (and undisputed Queen of the house), we understand how important it is to feel not just at home, but truly content and relaxed—especially when traveling with your furry companions. ​Our goal is to offer more than just a holiday; we want to provide a home away from home where you can escape daily pressures, have a laugh, and enjoy quality time with loved ones. Whether it’s a cosy night in, exploring the local area, or simply making time for yourself, we’re here to make your stay special. If you have any requests—big or small—just let us know. We’re always happy to help (and we love an excuse to bring a smile to your face, drink in hand, of course!).
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XL Escapes Peace Of Mind Promise

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Cancellation Policy

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Your Home from Home - River Bank

⚲ River Wear, Tyne & Wear

4 guests · 2 bedrooms · 1 bathrooms · 2 beds · 3 dogs allowed · Enclosed garden · 4ft fence · All breeds welcomed

This beautiful, quaint terraced home offers modern comfort while bursting with character, making it perfect for both you and your furry friends! Situated right on the River Wear, you can enjoy the peaceful river views right from your bed.

When staying here with family and friends you’ll find a cosy retreat with comfort, tranquillity, and a connection to the stunning surrounding scenery and wildlife. With riverside walks just steps away, it’s an ideal escape for dog owners looking to unwind in nature with their four-legged companions.

Full Property Description:

Whilst visiting West Bridge, you can look forward to curling up in the spacious yet cosy living room, overlooking the garden and the beautiful scenery surrounding the river Wear. We are undergoing some small changes to our home, therefore, some of the furniture may differ slightly to the photos. Should you wish to cook up a storm in the spacious modern kitchen, you can gather around the glass dining table to enjoy the fruits of your labour with the views of the small courtyard out back. The beautiful garden is perfect to unwind in on a sunny day, or star gaze on a clear night. The paved area just outside of the front door has a comfortable rattan seating area, and a sun lounger at the bottom of the garden. We are installing a fully secure and safe 4ft fence around the garden in February, to give you confidence that your furry 4-legged companions will be completely safe. Just outside of the front garden there is a public footpath, lined with tall trees, that you can take to stroll along the river. The cosy master bedroom overlooks the river bank, opening the curtains first thing on a morning to the river was one of the owners favourite things whilst living here. Watching the tide come in and out on those lazy days when you just want to close the bedroom door and not emerge was so peaceful. The bedroom features a double bed, large wardrobe and drawers, stunning lean to mirror and a large flat screen TV with roku stick. There is a fold out chair bed that would comfortably sleep a child. For this, we would advise the property can only sleep up to 4 adults, but you could have 4 adults and 1 child stay. The second bedroom has been decorated to a modern standard, featuring a double bed, dressing table and stool, a large flat screen TV with roku stick and drawers. This bedroom looks out onto the cute little courtyard out back. You can actually see Penshaw monument in the distance from this bedroom window too. The newly refurbished bathroom comes complete with an impressive large walk in shower.

Full Property Description:

When holidaying at The Chase, you can look forward to curling up in the large, yet cosy living room and dining area. The huge corner sofa makes it a perfect area to relax and unwind with family and friends, playing board games or catching up with a Netflix binge—while your furry best friend snoozes happily alongside you. The large modern kitchen allows you to cook up a storm, with a glass dining table for meals enjoyed with garden views through the patio doors. A stunning solid wood breakfast bar, seating four, also opens onto the garden through double patio doors. The beautiful, tiered garden is perfect for unwinding on a sunny day or stargazing on a clear night. Fully enclosed, it provides a secure and private space for dogs of all temperaments, including reactive or exempt dogs. Just outside the patio doors, you’ll find an outdoor kitchen area with a BBQ, dining table, benches, a beautifully lit arbour, and two modern rattan rocking chairs—ideal for outdoor dining or relaxing with family and friends. The grassy tiers are perfect for zoomies or lounging in the sun, and the top tier boasts a lounge and bar area adorned with solar lights and an outdoor plug for added convenience. On the middle floor, there are three bedrooms and a master bathroom. The teal bedroom features a king-size bed, a single bed with an optional pull-out, and a large flat-screen TV. The white bedroom includes a double bed, dressing table/office space, and a Firestick-enabled TV. The navy bedroom offers an ornate double bed and flat-screen TV. All bedrooms have blackout blinds for a great night’s sleep. The master bathroom includes a large bath and a walk-in waterfall shower.  The top floor boasts the master bedroom with a king-size bed, LED-lit headboard, smart TV, and windows showcasing views of the Derwentside Valley and the garden. The ensuite features a bath, walk-in waterfall shower, and illuminated mirror. Whether you're holidaying with a playful puppy or a reactive dog that thrives in calm, private spaces, The Chase is thoughtfully designed to ensure every guest—human and canine—feels relaxed, safe, and at home.

Paw of Approval

Photos from real stays, with dogs who gave it their paw of approval.

Got a question about this holiday home? 

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Amenities:

Dog-Friendly Details That Matter 

- Dogs of all breeds are welcomed, there is not a limit of how many dogs can stay as such, however due to the size of the home its recommended to have no more than two large dogs. - The garden is a medium, fully enclosed and secure with a 4ft fence. - The environment is extremely peaceful and tranquil, however, there are two connecting gardens, and people tend to walk their dogs a long the river foot path. - On nights such as Bonfire Night and New Years Eve, you are likely to hear fireworks. - There are a selection of food and water bowls available, however, you're welcome to bring your own instead. - River Bank does not have dog crates available and ask that you bring your own, if required. - River Bank does not have dog beds and ask that you bring your own. - River Bank does not have spare throws available for your pooches and ask that you bring your own to put on furniture if they like to sit with you. - There will always be poop bags and cleaning essentials available for you to clean up after your dogs too

Neighbourhood Overview:

Tucked away in a peaceful riverside setting, this location offers the charm of a small countryside village—without being miles from civilisation. Overlooking the River Wear, it’s the perfect mix of scenic walks, cosy pubs, and local convenience, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing getaway with your dog. Scenic Walks & Riverside Strolls Step outside and take in the picturesque surroundings. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or an evening wander, the area is full of beautiful walking routes. Just a short distance away, you'll find a tranquil lake, often home to ducks, geese, and swans—a lovely spot to pause, breathe, and enjoy the scenery. Your four-legged friend will love the fresh air and open spaces! Dog-Friendly Pubs & Bars After a walk, why not stop by one of the dog-welcoming pubs and bars just across the bridge—only a 5-minute walk away: 🐾 The Biddick Inn – A local favourite with a dog-friendly bar area and a stunning beer garden—perfect for relaxing with a drink while your pup lounges beside you. Their highly rated restaurant is also worth a visit (though pups will need to sit that one out!). 🐾 The Havelock – A stylish, fully dog-friendly bar, offering a great atmosphere for drinks and socialising. 🐾 River Bar – A buzzing riverside spot with a warm welcome and delicious cocktails. Dogs are welcome in the bar area! 🐾 Fiume – A fantastic Italian restaurant with stunning riverside views. While not dog-friendly inside, it’s a great place for a special meal after a long walk. More to Explore Looking for something different? Beamish Open-Air Museum is a dog-friendly day out full of history and charm, while the Angel of the North and Metrocentre are just a short drive away for sightseeing and shopping. Whether you're after peaceful riverside walks, great food, or a warm and welcoming local feel, this is the perfect place to unwind without feeling isolated—a hidden gem where your dog is just as welcome as you are. 🐾✨
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