County Durham
County Durham - 260 places to stay
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Principal Towns: Durham, Darlington, Hartlepool, Chester-le-Street, Barnard Castle, Bishops Auckland
Situated in the north-east of England, County Durham is an eclectic mix of the remote and sparsely populated dales and moors of the North Pennines in the west, the Great North Forest in the north, reclaimed Durham Heritage Coast in the east as well as highly urbanised areas. It’s one of the most attractive places to visit ‘up North’ for whatever reason and for however long as it manages to cater for most tastes whether modern or heritage based, as well as offer some great general tourist facilities and attractions, from museums and castles to great nature reserves, coastal spots and parks for outdoor activities.
The compact city of Durham itself is shaped by the River Wear which flows right through it, enclosing the centre on three sides to create Durham's "peninsula". It’s a hilly city claiming to be built upon the symbolic seven hills and, high above the Wear, in the most prominent position in the whole city, you won’t be able to miss Durham Cathedral which dominates the skyline. Durham Cathedral is one of the finest Norman buildings in Europe and contains the historic remains of St Cuthbert as well as The Venerable Bede. Together with Castle which stands opposite it, originally built by the Normans in 1071, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site and both are essential stops for any visitor to the city, even if not visiting as a tourist. There’s also a wide range of modern shops and restaurants in Durham which merrily co-exist with the Victorian Market area. As most of the shopping area is closed to traffic, there’s a nice relaxed feel to the centre and it is particularly enjoyable in the summer when there is some terrific street entertainment.
North Durham is a heady mix of wooded river ravines and valleys, dramatic moorland and rocky crags. Nature lovers will be particularly interested in its standing as one of the few remaining homes of the endangered red squirrel. The River Derwent is the focal point in the area and it feeds into the popular Derwent Reservoir, which is a magnet for sailing boats of all types and sizes so nautical enthusiasts should head here. Other points of interest include Causey Arch, the world’s oldest surviving railway bridge which is near the former mining town of Stanley. Whilst you are there you will also spot the world’s oldest existing railway upon which you can enjoy a three-mile steam journey on the Tanfield Railway and take in the impressive collection of vintage trains carriages housed in Britain’s oldest engine shed. North Durham happens to also be home to the Beamish Open Air Museum , one of the largest and finest museums of its type anywhere in the world and a brilliant day out for all the family.
You’ll find more reminders of the county’s railway heritage if you head to the South of the county. The town of Shildon was where George Stephenson ’s ‘Locomotion’ was first placed on the rails for the inaugural run of the Stockton and Darlington Railway. The town also boasts the National Railway Museum 's first ever 'outstation'. Thanks to National Lottery award, this branch of the Museum comprises a 6,000 square metre collections centre which is home to up to 60 vehicles from the national collection.
Moving eastwards you’ll come across the Durham coast with its sandy beaches and 11 mile Coastal Footpath. The success of area is testament to the incredible hard work and funding by various councils, government agencies, community groups and local individuals, which have brought about the dramatic transformation of beaches blackened with coal waste, the restoration and protection of grassland meadows, wooded valleys, streams and wildlife habitats along the coast. Since then there has been a whole raft of wildlife protection plans designed to safeguard important habitats along the coastline. Castle Eden Dene, Durham’s largest wooded coastal ravine, is already a National Nature Reserve, home to the rare Durham Argus butterfly and marine life such as dolphins, harbour porpoises, minke whales and basking sharks which pass regularly along the coast also figure highly in protection plans.
In the west of the County you will find some of the highest and wildest scenery in England. Part of the North Pennines, it is one of the country’s largest Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and meshes together rugged upland, majestic waterfalls, river valleys and green meadows with amazing panache making it an essential place for lovers of the great outdoors. It’s in the Durham Dales that you will find High Force, England’s largest waterfall, where the River Tees crashes 70 feet to rocks below. The Dales, particularly Teesdale, are recognized as one of the most precious wildlife areas in Britain and are especially recognized for the importance of their bird-life. They are home to one of Europe’s most important colonies of wading birds such as lapwings, golden plover and curlews.
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Destinations
Recommended Hotels See Map
- Rose & Crown Hotel (The) Barnard Castle *featured*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Parking, Restaurant, Satellite TV - The Morritt Barnard Castle *featured*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Parking, Restaurant, Conference Facilities - Helme Park Hall County House Hotel Bishop Auckland *featured*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Parking, Restaurant, Satellite TV - Whitworth Hall Hotel Brancepeth *featured*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Parking, Restaurant, Conference Facilities - Farnley Tower Durham *featured*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Parking, Restaurant - Grafton House Durham *featured*
Licensed, Restaurant - Swallow Three Tuns Hotel Durham *featured*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Pool, Parking, Restaurant, Satellite TV, Conference Facilities - The Windmill Hartlepool *featured*
Licensed, Restaurant - Teesdale Hotel Middleton-in-Teesdale *featured*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Parking, Restaurant - Chimneys Hotel Peterlee *featured*
Licensed, Restaurant - Hardwicke Hall Manor Hotel Peterlee *featured*
Licensed, Restaurant - Parkmore Hotel Stockton-On-Tees *featured*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Pool, Gym, Parking, Restaurant, Conference Facilities - Crossways Hotel & Restaurant Thornley *featured*
Licensed, Restaurant
Hotels bookable online See Map
- Jersey Farm Hotel Barnard Castle *book online*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Pool, Gym, Restaurant - Bowes Moor Hotel Bowes *book online*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Restaurant - The Croft Croft on Tees *book online*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Gym, Restaurant - The Crook Hotel Crook *book online*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Restaurant, Satellite TV - Hall Garth Golf & Country Club Darlington *book online*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Restaurant - Headlam Hall Hotel Darlington *book online*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Restaurant, Conference Facilities - Hotel Bannatyne Darlington Darlington *book online*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Restaurant, Conference Facilities - Rockliffe Hall Darlington *book online*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Restaurant, Satellite TV, Conference Facilities - The Croft Darlington *book online*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Gym, Restaurant, Satellite TV - Bowburn Hall Hotel Durham *book online*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Restaurant, Satellite TV - Durham Marriott Hotel Royal County Durham *book online*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Restaurant - Fallen Angel Restaurant with Rooms Durham *book online*
Licensed, Historic, Restaurant, Satellite TV - Honest Lawyer Hotel Durham *book online*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Restaurant, Conference Facilities - Hotel Bannatyne Durham Durham *book online*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Pool, Gym, TennisCourt, Restaurant - Kings Lodge Hotel Durham *book online*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Restaurant - Lumley Castle Hotel Durham *book online*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Restaurant, Satellite TV, Conference Facilities - Redworth Hall Hotel Durham *book online*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Pool, Gym, TennisCourt, Restaurant, Satellite TV, Conference Facilities - The Bay Horse Inn Durham *book online*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Restaurant - Guisborough Hall Guisborough *book online*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Restaurant - Grand Hotel Hartlepool *book online*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Restaurant - Swallow Eden Arms Hotel Rushyford *book online*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Pool, Gym, Restaurant, Conference Facilities - Seaham Hall & Serenity Spa Seaham *book online*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Pool, Gym, Restaurant, Satellite TV, Conference Facilities - Hardwick Hall Classic Hotel Sedgefield *book online*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Restaurant, Conference Facilities - Whitworth Hall Country Park Spennymoor *book online*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Restaurant, Conference Facilities - Manor House Hotel & Country Club West Auckland *book online*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Pool, Gym, Restaurant, Conference Facilities
More County Durham Hotels
Recommended Bed and Breakfast See Map
- Crich House Bed & Breakfast Barnard Castle *featured*
TV in rooms - Homelands Guest House Barnard Castle *featured*
TV in rooms - Kirkstone Bed & Breakfast Barnard Castle *featured*
TV in rooms - Lily Hill Farm Barnard Castle *featured*
TV in rooms - Marwood House Barnard Castle *featured*
TV in rooms - Spring Lodge Bed & Breakfast Barnard Castle *featured*
TV in rooms - Strathmore Lawn East Barnard Castle *featured*
TV in rooms - The Coach House Beamish *featured*
TV in rooms - Dale End Bishop Auckland *featured*
TV in rooms - Hamsterley Cottage Bishop Auckland *featured*
TV in rooms - Low Cornriggs Farm Bishop Auckland *featured*
TV in rooms - Rose Hill Farm Bishop Auckland *featured*
TV in rooms - Prince Bishop Guest House Bowburn *featured*
TV in rooms - Low Urpeth Farm Chester-le-Street *featured*
TV in rooms, No Smoking, Historic, Inspected, Parking - Deneview Guest House Consett *featured*
TV in rooms, No Smoking, Historic, Inspected, Parking - Clow Beck House Croft on Tees *featured*
TV in rooms - Dowfold House B&B Crook *featured*
TV in rooms, Children Welcome, No Smoking, Historic, Inspected, Parking - Aberlady Guest House Darlington *featured*
TV in rooms - Grove Farm Darlington *featured*
TV in rooms - Harewood Lodge Darlington *featured*
TV in rooms - Lucy Cross Farm Darlington *featured*
TV in rooms, No Smoking, Historic, Inspected, Parking - Railway House Darlington *featured*
TV in rooms - Trudy's Guesthouse Darlington *featured*
TV in rooms - Cathedral View Town House Durham *featured*
TV in rooms, No Smoking, Historic, Inspected - Durham Castle Durham *featured*
TV in rooms, Children Welcome, No Smoking, Historic, Inspected, Parking - Explore Britain Durham *featured*
TV in rooms - Hamsteels Hall Durham *featured*
TV in rooms - Hillrise Guest House Durham *featured*
TV in rooms - Ivesley Equestrian Centre Durham *featured*
TV in rooms - Moor End Bed & Breakfast Durham *featured*
TV in rooms - My Way Guesthouse Durham *featured*
TV in rooms, Children Welcome, No Smoking, Historic, Parking - Nafferton Farm Durham *featured*
TV in rooms, Children Welcome, No Smoking, Historic, Inspected, Parking - The Avenue Inn Durham *featured*
TV in rooms - The Victorian Town House Durham *featured*
TV in rooms, Children Welcome, No Smoking, Historic, Inspected, Parking - Newlands Hall Frosterley *featured*
TV in rooms - Catlow Hall Hartlepool *featured*
TV in rooms - Staincliffe Hotel Hartlepool *featured*
TV in rooms - The Marine Hotel Hartlepool *featured*
TV in rooms - Brunswick House Middleton-in-Teesdale *featured*
TV in rooms - Cafe 1618 Middleton-in-Teesdale *featured*
TV in rooms - Manor House B&B Peterlee *featured*
TV in rooms - The Bridge House Piercebridge *featured*
TV in rooms - Hamsteels Hall Quebec *featured*
TV in rooms - Highview Country House Spennymoor *featured*
TV in rooms, Children Welcome, No Smoking, Historic, Inspected, Parking, Disabled - Parkhead Station House Stanhope *featured*
TV in rooms - The Fossil Tree Stanhope *featured*
TV in rooms, No Smoking, Historic - Riding Cottage Stanley *featured*
TV in rooms - Kingswood Hotel Stockton-On-Tees *featured*
TV in rooms, No Smoking, Historic, Parking - Mount Pleasant Country House Stockton-On-Tees *featured*
TV in rooms - Low Cornriggs Farmhouse Wearhead *featured*
TV in rooms, Children Welcome, Historic, Parking - The Otter Hotel West Auckland *featured*
TV in rooms
Bed and Breakfast bookable online See Map
- The Otter Bishop Auckland *book online*
TV in rooms, No Smoking, Historic, Parking - The Otter Hotel Bishop Auckland *book online*
TV in rooms, Historic - Old Manse Guest House Chester le Street *book online*
TV in rooms, No Smoking, Historic, Parking, Disabled Facilities - Greenhead Country House Hotel Crook *book online*
TV in rooms, Children Welcome, No Smoking, Historic, Parking - Business Class @ Greenhills Darlington *book online*
TV in rooms - The Harrowgate Hill Lodge Darlington *book online*
TV in rooms, No Smoking, Historic, Parking, Disabled Facilities - St Aidans College Durham *book online*
TV in rooms, No Smoking, Historic, Parking, Disabled Facilities - York Hotel Hartlepool *book online*
TV in rooms, Historic, Parking
More County Durham B&Bs
Pubs & Inns
- Ancient Unicorn Barnard Castle *book online*
Food, Historic, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Old Well Inn Barnard Castle *featured*
Food, Children Welcome, Historic, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Red Well Inn Barnard Castle *book online*
Food, Historic, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - The George & Dragon Barnard Castle *featured*
Food, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - The Bridge Inn Bishop Auckland *featured*
Food, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - The Castle Hotel Bishop Auckland *featured*
Food, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - The Bay Horse Inn Brandon *featured*
Food, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - The Anchor Inn Consett *book online*
Food, Children Welcome, Historic, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - The Old Mill Coxhoe *featured*
Food, Historic, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Devonport Hotel Darlington *featured*
Food, Historic, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Kings Head Darlington *book online*
Food, Historic, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - White Horse Hotel Darlington *book online*
Food, Historic, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Seven Stars Inn Durham *book online*
Food, Children Welcome, Historic, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - The Lambton Hounds Inn Durham *book online*
Food, Historic, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - The Lodge Durham *book online*
Food, Historic, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - The Lodge Durham *book online*
Food, Historic, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Three Horseshoes Inn Durham *book online*
Food, Historic, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - The Castle Eden Inn Hartlepool *featured*
Food, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Chilton Country Pub & Hotel Houghton Le Spring *featured*
Food, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Forresters Hotel & Restaurant Middleton-in-Teesdale *book online*
Food, Historic, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Rose & Crown Hotel (The) Romaldkirk *featured*
Food, Historic, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - The Seaton Lane Inn Seaham *featured*
Food, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - South Causey Inn Stanley *featured*
Food, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards
Self-Catering See Map
- 5A Market Place Barnard Castle *featured*
Pub Nearby, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - East Briscoe Farm Cottages Barnard Castle *featured*
Pub Nearby, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Eggleston Hall Barnard Castle *book online*
Pub Nearby, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Herdship Farm Barnard Castle *featured*
Pub Nearby, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Lodge Farm Holidays Barnard Castle *featured*
Pub Nearby, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Syke Cottage Barnard Castle *featured*
Pub Nearby, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Three Arch Cottage Beamish *book online*
Pub Nearby, Garden, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Mayland Farm Cottage Bishop Auckland *featured*
Pub Nearby, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Muskoka Bishop Auckland *featured*
Pub Nearby, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Woodland House Cottage Bishop Auckland *featured*
Pub Nearby, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Plawsworth Hall Cottages & Apartments Chester-le-Street *featured*
Pub Nearby, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - The Old Power House Chester-le-Street *featured*
Pub Nearby, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Cottages in County Durham Countywide *featured*
Pub Nearby, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Darlington Apartments Darlington *book online*
Pub Nearby, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - East Greystone Farm Cottages Darlington *featured*
Pub Nearby, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Highcliffe Waters Darlington *featured*
Pub Nearby, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Luxury Darlington Apartments Darlington *book online*
Pub Nearby, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Pegasus Cottage Darlington *featured*
Pub Nearby, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Durham City Apartment Durham *featured*
Pub Nearby, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Finney Court Serviced Apartment Durham *featured*
Pub Nearby, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Sands Cottage Durham *featured*
Pub Nearby, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Urban Base Durham *featured*
Pub Nearby, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Innkeepers Cottage Frosterley *featured*
Pub Nearby, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Lyncroft Cottage Frosterley *book online*
Pub Nearby, Garden, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Hillside Cottage Ireshopeburn *featured*
Pub Nearby, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Cornmill Cottage at Stowhouse Farm Cottages Lanchester *book online*
Pub Nearby, Garden, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Durham City Apartment Lanchester *featured*
Pub Nearby, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Brock Scar Cottage Middleton-in-Teesdale *featured*
Pub Nearby, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Whitbridge Middleton-in-Teesdale *featured*
Pub Nearby, Garden, Short Breaks, Pets Allowed, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Oak River Holiday Homes Shotley Bridge *featured*
Pub Nearby, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Eastcroft Cottage Stanhope *featured*
Pub Nearby, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - The Old Mill - Luxury Serviced Accomodation Stockton-on-Tees *book online*
Pub Nearby, Garden, Short Breaks, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Greenwell Farm Tow Law *featured*
Pub Nearby, Disabled, Inspected, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Pasture Cottage Weardale *featured*
Pub Nearby, Garden, Short Breaks, Pets Allowed, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - 28c Angate Street Wolsingham *featured*
Pub Nearby, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Bradley Burn Cottages Wolsingham *featured*
Pub Nearby, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Greenwell Farm Wolsingham *featured*
Pub Nearby, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - New Hall Farm Wolsingham *featured*
Pub Nearby, Garden, Short Breaks, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards