Memorable Stays

After an action-packed day of creating memories in Durham’s stunning great outdoors and award-winning attractions, you’re certain to need a good night’s rest. There’s no shortage of places to stay in Durham, from five-star luxury hotels to glamping under the stars, and splendid country homes. You’re guaranteed to find an unforgettable stay in Durham.  

Check out our guide to 2023’s top #memorablestays in Durham below.  

Grand Country House Escape

Headlam Hall Hotel and Spa

Looking for the quintessential British country escape? Than look no further than Headlam Hall! This stunning country house hotel offers everything for an unforgettable rural retreat.

Enjoy fine dining in the hotel’s stunning Orangery restaurant, treat yourself to a well-deserved pampering session in the spa, put your putting skills to the test on the 9-hole golf course, or simply relax and recharge in uniquely designed bedrooms. You can even hire a classic car during your stay, such as an Aston Martin or 1964 Mini Cooper S to explore the surrounding Durham Dales countryside. 

Heritage City Hideaway

Radisson Blu Hotel Durham

Overlooking the River Wear right in the heart of Durham City Centre, the Radisson Blu Hotel is the perfect base for exploring the historic city throughout the day and into the evening, with world-famous attractions only a short walk away. 

Wake up to beautiful riverside views across Durham City's spectacular peninsula, tuck into delicious British dishes with a unique twist in the Collage Restaurant, and unwind after a busy day of exploring Durham City with a visit to the hotel's indoor pool and spa. 

Luxurious Holiday Homes

Host and Stay 

From luxury town houses in historic Durham City, to modern seaside apartments overlooking the Durham Heritage Coast and cosy dog-friendly cottages in the Durham Dales, Host & Stay have a wide variety of luxury holiday homes to choose from. 

All Host & Stay holiday homes are expertly hand-picked to ensure every property meets their high standards, ensuring your stay is as perfect as possible. 

Countryside Retreats 

Need some respite from the hustle and bustle? Surrounded by rolling hills, dramatic valleys and incredible countryside vistas, you’ll find plenty of peaceful rural retreats in Durham. 

High Force Hotel

Surrounded by miles of stunning walking trails and just a stone's throw from the magnificent High Force Waterfall, High Force Hotel is perfectly placed for exploring the Durham Dales.

The traditional country inn offers 20 individually designed en-suite rooms, alongside delicious home-cooked food served all day. Plus its dog-friendly too! 

Number Nine

Sleeping up to four guests and surrounded by tranquil countryside views, Number Nine is a cosy cottage found on the outskirts of Lanchester village. From its south facing garden you can enjoy uninterrupted views across the countryside, warm up by the cosy fire and relax amongst the indulgent interior. 

Number Nine is only a 15 minute drive from Durham City, making it the perfect base for a relaxing city and countryside getaway.    

The Morritt Hotel and Garage Spa

This grade II listed country house hotel has welcomed many travellers throughout the years, including a young Charles Dickens in 1838, when he was visiting the Durham Dales to research his third novel, Nicholas Nickelby.

Take your pick from quirky bedrooms, relax in the award-winning Garage Spa, sample the seasonal menu in Gilroy’s Restaurant, and in the Dickens Bar and Bistro you can soak up the atmosphere whilst admiring the beautiful murals inspired by the famous author.

Gorgeous Glamping

Looking for a different type of break? Experience some glamour in the great outdoors with a glamping getaway. Across the county you’ll find a unique collection of glamping locations, complete with roaring fire pits, BBQs and hot tubs surrounded by the beauty of nature.  

Derecroft Glamping

Nestled on the hillside on a family farm, at Derecroft Glamping you can escape from it all with friends and family in luxury lodge pods. Relax and unwind in the fully equipped private outdoor area complete with pizza oven, pergola covered jacuzzi hot tub, wood fired stove, BBQ and stunning views across the open countryside.

Inside each hand crafted pod you’ll find spacious living quarters featuring a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, living room with smart TV and luxurious double bed, and an extra fold out double sofa bed. 

West Hall Glamping 

Surrounded by scenic walks and only a short drive away from historic Durham City and popular attractions, West Hall Glamping is a great place for a dog-friendly family getaway. Home to six luxury glamping pods all complete with their own private hot tub, you can getaway from it all in the outdoors whilst enjoying life’s little luxuries. 

Each pod is named after local wildlife you can spot from the site, and comes complete with mains electricity and water, TV, Wi-Fi and en-suite toilet and shower. Unwind in the private hot tub, roast marshmallows over the firepit, or cook up a storm on the BBQ. As night falls warm up around the fire under Durham’s dazzling dark skies before sinking into the comfy double bed or sofa bed for a good night’s sleep.  

Luxurious Escapes

Whether you’re searching for a romantic getaway for two or an indulgent getaway with friends, you’re certain to find a chic escape in Durham, from coastal hideaways to soul soothing spa retreats. 

Hall Garth Hotel

A stunning period property set within beautifully landscaped grounds, at Hall Garth Hotel you can enjoy a round of 9 or 12 hole golf, treat yourself to a pampering session in the hotel’s leisure club, and enjoy a candle-lit dinner in Oswald’s Restaurant. 

Hall Garth Hotel stands in 70 acres of grounds, with the original house dating back to the 15th century. Across the hotel you’ll find many luxurious bedrooms and suites which are full of character which still retain many original features. 

Seaham Hall Hotel and Serenity Spa

Named by The Times and Sunday Times as the North England hotel of the year, in their definitive guide to the best places to stay in 2023, it doesn’t get more luxurious than Seaham Hall. The iconic 5-star hotel overlooking the Durham Heritage Coast is the prefect place to get away from it all. 

Set in a striking clifftop location, this stunning Georgian country house hotel pairs its rich heritage with contemporary style. Home to a collection of beautiful boutique bedrooms and suites, award-winning spa wellness retreat that draws influence from the Far East, and two fabulous restaurants – The Dining Room and Pan-Asian Ozone restaurant. 

Somewhere New? 

Park Head Hotel

Following an extensive refurbishment Park Head Hotel will be inviting guests to stay and dine from 1 February 2023. 

The hotel will offer 38 modern en-suite hotel rooms, including single rooms and two bedroom suites alongside the Oak Room Restaurant, where you can tuck into delicious local produce, including fruit and vegetables grown in nearby Auckland Castle’s Walled Garden. Park Head Hotel is also ideally located just minutes away from the centre of Bishop Auckland, home to The Auckland Project and Kynren, An Epic Tale of England - returning summer 2023.  

These are just some of the incredible places you can enjoy a memorable stay at this year. Check out our dedicated accommodation page to view more amazing accommodation, including VisitEngland's Silver Large Hotel of the 2022 Hotel Indigo Durham, historic Lumley Castle, and The Rose & Crown at Romaldkirk, recently included in The Telegraph's 50 best pubs with rooms in England.