Six of Durham's most romantic hotels

Love is in the air, no matter time of year you chose to visit Durham. However with Valentine's Day fast approaching, this yearly celebration of love provides the perfect excuse to treat that someone special to a romantic getaway and spend some quality time away from it all. 

To help inspire you, we've picked six of the county's most romantic hotels from cosy rural retreats to coastal escapes and historic city breaks. 

Headlam Hall

The 17th century country house retreat nestled in the beautiful countryside of the Durham Dales, promises a relaxing escape from the everyday Standing in beautiful walled gardens and surrounded by its own rolling farmland, this historic family-owned property is an idyllic rural retreat with a luxury spa and golf course.

Headlam Hall is well situated for a trip to the historic market town of Barnard Castle where you'll find The Bowes Museum - regarded one of the most significant museums outside of London, the impressive French-style chateau is home to important collections of European fine and decorative art. The town is a haven for discerning shoppers and treasure seekers too, with the many antique shops providing a charming shopping experience.

See all Headlam Hall special offers here >>

Hotel Indigo Durham

Modern luxury meets historic splendour at Hotel Indigo – Durham City’s newest boutique hotel.

The hotel is just stone’s throw away from the heart of historic Durham City and Durham’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, making this 83 bedroom boutique hotel, complete with Marco Pierre White Steakhouse and Tinderbox Espresso Emporium Coffee House the perfect base for exploring the city. 

Throughout its history, the Old Shire Hall has changed from council headquarters to Durham University administrative offices and now a modern city centre boutique hotel, where stylish modern décor blends with original Victorian features. 

Radisson Blu Hotel Durham

If you're looking for a city break, then why not discover the charm of historic Durham City. It's easy to get to by train, and there's plenty to see and do too.

The Radisson Blu Hotel  overlooks the River Wear and is the perfect base for exploring all the city has to offer. The hotel is only a short walk from the city’s main attractions including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Durham Cathedral and Castle. And after a busy day exploring the city, relax and unwind in the hotel’s health club and spa. 

Enjoy a romantic stroll along the city's river banks or admire the views from a river cruise. Dine in style at the hotel's Collage Restaurant, enjoy a cocktail or two in the hotel bar before catching a show at the nearby Gala Theatre or heading out to experience the city's vibrant night life.

Rockliffe Hall

Rockliffe Hall found in the historic Vale of Durham, at the southern most tip of the county is one of  Durham's finest five star hotels. If you’re looking for luxury, look no further. 

Rockliffe Hall provides the perfect setting for an idyllic escape, with world-class golf course and award-winning spa – which was warded Best Spa for Wellness at the Good Spa Guide Awards 2019. Ideal for a romantic break, this country retreat prides itself on its fantastic food and superb range of facilities.

See all Rockliffe Hall Hotel's special offers here >>

The Rose and Crown

This 18th Century coaching inn sits in the picturesque village of Romaldkirk and is ideally situated for exploring the Durham Dales and North Pennines AONB. 

Spend the day walking or cycling, taking in some of the county's top beauty spots including High Force and Low Force waterfalls, call into Bowlees Visitor Centre along the way and return to the Rose and Crown to warm up by the fire before tucking into tasty meals which use the best local produce around. 

The hotel has a number of stylish rooms to choose from, and the majority of which are dog-friendly – making the paw-fect place for a romantic countryside escape with your four-legged friend in tow. You’ll be spoilt for choice with suites, doubles and twin rooms to choose from across the main inn, courtyard and cottage.  

Seaham Hall 

"It's all in the detail" at five star Seaham Hall - a boutique hotel on the Durham Coast. It doesn’t get any more romantic than Seaham Hall. The 18th century romantic poet Lord Byron was married here more than 200 years ago, and  guests can now enjoy a luxurious night in the very room in which the ceremony took place, now named the Ada Lovelace Suite after Lord Bryon’s famous daughter. 

This white-fronted Georgian country house set in 37 acres of land, overlooks the dramatic rugged cliffs of the Durham Heritage Coast. Take your pick from 20 luxurious suites, each with their own unique characte, some have outdoor terraces and private hot tubs. The Serenity Spa provides the perfected retreat with a 20-metre pool, outdoor hot tubs, a hydrotherapy pool as well as skilled therapists trained to deliver a variety of therapies and treatments that encourage relaxation.

The hotel is also home to an Asian-inspired restaurant (Ozone) and a fine dining option (The Dining Room) which uses local produce to offer a range of delicious dishes including vegan friendly. 

View Seaham Hall's special offers here >>

And finally... for more romantic break ideas in Durham click here >>