County Durham Self Catering cottage, 6 Mariners Point, Hartlepool, sleeps 4

These two outstanding sea front apartments have panoramic views of the coast and harbour on the outskirts of Hartlepool. Situated on the second and third floors of a modern apartment block they are in a perfect position, offering tranquillity, while still within five minutes’ walk of the bustling award-winning marina, with trendy restaurants and bars and affluent moored sea cruisers.

There is a communal ground floor entrance, with stairs leading up to the apartments. Both of these fabulous apartments offer spacious and light open plan living areas, with comfortable furnishings in a contemporary and tasteful style. With leather sofas and 60" TVs with surround sound systems, guests can sit and relax in luxury after a busy day exploring the area.

From the living areas, French doors open onto enclosed glass balconies - a wonderful spot to sit and watch the commercial sea vessels sailing up to the Tees estuary. Both the apartments offer two bedrooms, the doubles having an en-suite shower and a modern family bathroom serving the twin rooms. Close by lies HMS Trincomalee, moored in Hartlepool's historic quay, take a tour aboard this 18th century British fighting ship - one of the last of Nelson's frigates.

Within a short stroll there is a multiplex cinema and the impressive Middleton Grange shopping centre or the more energetic may prefer a trip to the health and fitness centre, complete with swimming pool. A couple of miles away lay the sandy beaches of Seaton Carew, with an outstanding links golf course. Further north up the coast, take an afternoon to watch the grey seals at the RSPB reserve at Saltholme Park, then continue to the beautiful cathedral city of Durham, with its meandering River Wear embracing the spectacular castle and cathedral.

You could spend a wonderful day at nearby Beamish open air museum, which gives a graphic illustration of bygone North Eastern farming and industrial heritage. Two stunning apartments with a wealth of attractions, bound by the North York Moors to the south and the Northumberland coast to the north.