There’s plenty to interest travellers in County Durham, and a wide range of accommodation makes this a great choice for a touring holiday. Its situation in England’s north east, and its proximity to both the stunning countryside of the North Pennines and a spectacular coastline, make it ideal for a stay in the country, a city break or a weekend by the sea.
Book the best deals for cheap hotels or more luxurious boutique properties with spa facilities, hot tub and swimming pool. Stay at the coast or in country house hotels or romantic b&b establisments in the countryside. Many are dog-friendly as well.
NE16 5EG, Beamish, Beamish Burn Road, Marley Hill
Surrounded by countryside, The Beamish Park Hotel features an award-winning restaurant and luxury bedrooms with flat-screen TVs. Just 10 minutes from Newcastle, there is free Wi-Fi and free parking. The stylish rooms at Beamish Park... read more
DL12 9SE, Barnard Castle, Greta Bridge
Located in the picturesque hamlet of Greta Bridge, this traditional and peaceful 4-star AA hotel is in a beautiful location close to the Tees Valley and Yorkshire Dales. The Morritt Hotel is Teesdale’s hidden treasure,... read more
DL3 8QH, Darlington, Blackwell Grange
This historic 17th-century mansion is set in 15 acres of woodland, a 20-minute walk from Darlington town centre. With free Wi-Fi, it features a leisure centre with an indoor swimming pool and a gym. The... read more
DH1 2HJ, Durham, Eden Terrace
This hotel offers free Wi-Fi, and is just off the A1 motorway next door to the Bannatyne Health Club. Guests staying at Bannatyne Hotel Durham can access the Bannatyne Health Club and Spa, for a... read more
TS18 2RT, Stockton-on-Tees, North Tees Industrial Estate
Convenient located for Teesside with good rail and road links, this friendly hotel is your premier choice for value hotel accommodation, ideal for business or leisure needs. Take a break from other expensive hotels, motels... read more
TS21 2EH, Sedgefield, Sedgefield
Set in 120 acres of parkland, Hardwick Hall Hotel lies in the heart of the beautiful County Durham countryside. Stunning views may be enjoyed across the gardens and lake. Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout. The... read more
TS15 9JR, Yarm, Barwick Lane
As the name suggests, OYO The Old Mill is a converted windmill circa 1750, which today offers a warm welcome and a relaxing stay. OYO The Old Mill was originally converted to a house in... read more
DH6 5NH, Durham, Bowburn
Approximately 6.5 km from Durham, this small country house hotel has easy access to the A1(M) and features 19 individually styled en suite bedrooms. This charming hotel has a beautiful, tranquil location in 5 acres... read more
TS21 3JB, Stockton-on-Tees, Off Durham Road
Thorpe Thewles Suites is a rural family-run bed and breakfast that has been created from a restored converted barn. Wynyard Hall and Hardwick Hall can both be reached within a 10-minute drive. Set in a... read more
TS25 1BS, Hartlepool, The Front
Located on the seafront at Seaton Carew, this comfortable hotel is ideally situated within one mile of Hartlepool Town Centre and in close proximity of businesses around the Seal Sands area. In the evenings, you... read more
DH1 5TA, Durham, Frankland Lane
Just 1 mile from Durham Rail Station and city centre, the Radisson Blu Durham has fantastic views of Durham Cathedral. It offers stylish rooms, free WiFi, a restaurant, bar and modern health club. Each spacious... read more
DH1 3JN, Durham, Old Elvet
Centrally located in the historic city of DurhamDelta Hotels by Marriott Durham Royal County boasts views of Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle and is situated on the banks of the River Wear. Each room at... read more
DH1 3HN, Durham, 34 Old Elvet
OYO The Townhouse is set in a Grade II-Listed Georgian town house, offering individually themed rooms in Durham’s charming Old Elvet area. Durham Cathedral and the 11th-century castle are within 10 minutes' walk. Tastefully designed... read more
DH9 0LS, Stanley, Beamish Burn Road
South Causey Inn is a family-owned hotel with a ‘country feel’ family pub, restaurant, and cocktail bar and is recognised for genuinely kind and generous service. The hotel has 60 unique bedrooms and suites, from... read more
DL12 8PH, Barnard Castle, 15-21 The Bank
The 17th-century Old Well Inn is in the town of Barnard Castle, with a traditional cosy bar and spacious en suite rooms that each have a TV and tea/coffee making facilities. The Castle Wall forms... read more
TS16 0DH, Stockton-on-Tees, 636 Yarm Rd, Eaglescliffe
Situated in Stockton-on-Tees, B/W Parkmore Hotel offers stylish accommodation with free WiFi access throughout and on-site public parking free of charge. It features a restaurant and bar with a terrace, as well as a fitness... read more
DH1 2SR, Durham, Running Waters/Sherburn House
The Three Horseshoes is situated within 10 minutes’ drive of the beautiful city of Durham. With parts of the building over 300 years old, it still retains some quirky, original features. A charming country inn,... read more
DH6 1AB, Durham, Pittington
Set in spectacular grounds and gardens, this traditional English country house is ideally situated just 3 miles away from the historic city centre of Durham. A former 16th century residential estate, Hallgarth Manor House, BW... read more
DH1 4DX, Durham, The Avenue
Farnley Tower is situated in an elevated position, providing views over Durham Castle, Cathedral and surrounding countryside. The guest house is a prominent Victorian mansion, renowned for its architecture and gardens, with an on-site restaurant... read more
DH1 1TD, Durham, Carrville
Ramside Hall Hotel Golf & Spa is set within a 350-acre estate, featuring 2 Championship golf courses, with a combined 36 holes amidst mature woodlands and lakes. The spacious bedrooms, many with scenic views, feature... read more
DL3 7HZ, Darlington, Southend Avenue
This historical town house is less than a mile from Darlington town centre. It has free limited parking and free internet. The Bannatyne Hotel Darlington mixes original 19th-century character with modern comfort. The en-suite rooms... read more
DL1 1NW, Darlington, 9-12 Priestgate
Situated in the historic market town of Darlington, the newly refurbished Mercure Darlington King's Hotel boasts 83 bedrooms, free Wi-Fi, and limited, secure, parking with additional charge. Each room at The Mercure Darlington has a... read more
DL2 3HA, Headlam, Headlam
A secluded rural retreat, this Jacobean country house hotel with luxury spa and golf course is situated 10 minutes' drive from the A1. The AA 4-star Headlam Hall Hotel is located 8.3 miles from Darlington... read more
DH8 9BB, Consett, Allensford, Nr Consett
Built in the style of a Manor House making it one of the most distinctive hotels in Northumberland. Overlooking the Derwent Valley, this beautiful hotel is located within easy reach of Newcastle and Durham. Derwent... read more
DL5 6NL, Newton Aycliffe, Redworth
This 4-star retreat is set just a 5-minute drive from the A1. It has a gym, swimming pool, spa treatments and original 17th-century features. Redworth Hall Hotel is a Jacobean manor house 8 miles from... read more
DH6 5NP, Durham, Durham Motorway Service Area, Tursdale Road
With modern rooms, free Wi-Fi access and free parking Days Inn Durham is just off junction 61 of the A1 (M), about 4 miles from Durham city centre. Days Inn Durham is set within the... read more
DL2 2DU, Darlington, Hurworth-On-Tees
Immerse yourself in our world. Live the Rockliffe life... Experience the north of England's most iconic resort destination. Set within a beautiful 365 acre estate on the County Durham and North Yorkshire border, Rockliffe Hall... read more
DH1 4BG, Durham, Flass Vale, Waddington Street
The Kingslodge Inn - The Inn Collection Group offers a cosy bar, a restaurant and easy access to Durham city centre. There is free parking on-site. The comfortable bedrooms all free WiFi and tea/coffee making... read more
DL1 3AD, Darlington, Harrowgate Hill
This good-value lodge has easy access by bus to Darlington town centre, 3.2 km away. Junction 59 of the A1(M) is also 3 km away. The 4-star lodge also has free parking and en suite... read more
DL1 3NL, Darlington, Newton Park, Coatham Mundeville
Holiday Inn Darlington North has free Wi-Fi, free parking, quiet bedrooms with king-size beds and power showers in each room as well as a mini gym for exclusive guest use. It is just off the... read more
The county town of Durham, famous for its Romanesque cathedral, is a World Heritage Site. The Norman castle has been a university campus since 1840, but guided tours are available, and it also houses one of the many hotels in the city.
Cheap Accommodation in County Durham
Alternatively, why not go for chic boutique style, or book a spa break, a popular trend right now? If you prefer something cheaper, look for a less-central b&b. In and around the area, you’ll find plenty of outdoor activities or cultural attractions such as the Mining Museum, the Palace Green Library housing the University’s special collections (open to the public), Durham Heritage Centre, and just nine miles away, the Beamish Open Air Museum.
As well as Durham, the region is home to several other historic cities with a romantic feel. Darlington, a substantial market town with a compact pedestrianised centre, and plenty of opportunities for a spot of retail therapy, was originally developed with finance from local Quakers.
Their support led to the birth of the Stockton and Darlington Railway and the first steam locomotive, and it subsequently became a significant manufacturing centre for the rail industry. The Head of Steam museum explains the history and displays old engines, while other attractions include iron age fortifications and several nature reserves. Choose from a variety of accommodation options, from luxury hotels with spas, to cheaper bed and breakfast.
Hartlepool, on the coast of the North Sea, was founded in the seventh century around a monastery, and in the Middle Ages was County Durham’s official port. The town prospered again with the facility to transport coal by rail, and through its thriving ship yards. Subsequent decline was followed by redevelopment of the docks, with the new interest from tourism leading to a demand for accommodation, whether upmarket, boutique or budget hotels, or b&bs.
Twelve miles away, the town of Easington Colliery has a proud history of coal mining, and lists the names of those involved in pit accidents. Take a circular walk from the car park over the railway and along the coastal path for breath-taking views.
Standing above the River Wear with fantastic views of the countryside around it, the busy market town of Bishop Auckland has also suffered from the loss of coal mines, and from rail cutbacks. It still offers visitors plenty to do, such as the new Mining Art Gallery, and places to stay, with a choice of self-catering apartments and houses, cheap bed and breakfast, and hotels.
The Pennine Hills run from the north of England southwards through impressive and romantic country, and the 772 square miles of the North Pennines have been recognised as both an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and a UNESCO European and Global Geopark, the UK’s first. A Stargazing Festival takes place every autumn under night skies free of city lights, with everything from b&bs to spa hotels ready to welcome enthusiasts.
Discover the traditional stone-built houses of Allendale, twice winner of Village of the Year for England. Find a cheap self-catering property or bed and breakfast in the Allen Valley, and see in the New Year in the village – witness barrels of blazing tar being carried on the heads of villagers, to rid the coming year of evil spirits!
Explore the Killhope lead mining museum close to Cumbria’s border, or picnic over the thousand acres of the Derwent Reservoir on the boundary with Northumberland, where walking for all includes wheelchair-accessible trails. Hotels in the wider area include budget chains and privately-owned b&bs for a cheap option.
Pretty Blanchland, also on the Northumbrian border, consists of stones from the twelfth-century abbey worked by French canons in white habits – hence the village’s name. The Abbot’s house, now the Lord Crewe Arms, once concealed a Jacobite rebel behind a fireplace – just one of the many facts to discover in County Durham. All you need to do now is to find your accommodation!