Best Luxury Hotels in Durham, UK

South Causey Inn is a family-owned boutique hotel with a ‘country feel’ family pub, restaurant and cocktail bar, offering genuinely kind and generous service. It boasts 60 unique bedrooms and suites, from cosy en suite rooms to themed suites with private parking and luxury hot tubs, as well as plush interiors, waterfall showers, private gardens, and copper baths. Located between Durham and Newcastle Cities, the hotel offers unique cultural experiences and embraces Northern history, with the world famous Beamish Museum and Tanfield Railway just a stone’s throw away. South Causey Inn is also the perfect place for a country wedding, with four on-site wedding venues set in 100 acres of scenic countryside. Each venue has been individually designed with bespoke interiors, making them completely unique and capable of accommodating ceremonies and events of all sizes.

Rooms: 42 Stars: 4

This 17th-century mansion is nestled in 15 acres of woodland, a 20-minute walk away from Darlington town centre. It boasts free Wi-Fi, an indoor swimming pool, gym, spa pool, solarium and sauna. Guests can take advantage of the nearby Blackwell Grange and Stressholme golf courses. For dining, Havelock Restaurant serves a delicious à la carte menu and Captain Cook’s Bar has stunning views of the grounds and golf course. Continental breakfasts are available too. The hotel is conveniently located between the North Yorkshire Moors and Durham city and offers easy access to the A1 motorway.

Rooms: 108 Stars: 4

Escape to Crathorne Hall, a 4 red star hotel, and experience the ultimate luxury in Durham. Nestled in 15 acres of woodland, surrounded by views of the Leven Valley and Yorkshire Moors, this Edwardian stately home offers a unique stay. Enjoy a leisurely stroll or jog along the walking trails, or explore the well manicured lawns. Each room includes an LCD TV, free internet access and luxury toiletries, with some featuring a balcony. Situated close to Darlington, Middlesborough, Stockton on Tees and 8 miles from Teesside International Airport, come back to the hall and relax by the roaring fire in the drawing room with a hot drink, or enjoy a chilled glass of white wine under an umbrella on the terrace. Recognised as one of the top 200 hotels in the UK, Crathorne Hall is the perfect place to experience sumptuous comfort and exquisite service.

Rooms: 37 Stars: 4

Nestled in 24 acres of lush parkland, Beamish Hall Country House Hotel, BW Premier Collection is a 13th-century hall that has been lovingly restored to its former glory. Just 10 miles away from Durham, and 8 miles from Newcastle-upon-Tyne, it’s the perfect getaway. Visitors can explore attractions such as Hadrians Wall, Lindisfarne Castle, Chester Roman Fort and Hexham Abbey, or relax in the picturesque gardens. For golf enthusiasts, the Beamish Park golf club offers a tree-lined course with stunning views of the Durham countryside. A tranquil escape, Beamish Hall Country House Hotel, BW Premier Collection is a must-visit.

Rooms: 44 Stars: 4

Experience the ultimate in luxury at The Three Horseshoes Hotel, located in the picturesque market town of Barnard Castle, just a mile from the River Tees. This 17th century building offers free Wi-Fi, a bar, restaurant and elegantly designed rooms with en suite bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, DVD players, hairdryers and desks. Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast and an extensive dinner menu tailored to individual dietary needs. High Force Waterfall and Bowes Museum are also a short drive away, as is Raby Castle, a 14th century fortification with a 200 acre deer park.

Rooms: 14 Stars: 4

Just a short drive away from Newcastle, Durham and Sunderland lies the majestic Lumley Castle, a Grade I listed monument that has been standing proudly for over 630 years. It is surrounded by glorious parklands and overlooks the River Wear and Durham County Cricket Ground. It features 73 plush, individually designed bedrooms with lavish fabrics, four poster beds, feature baths and Wi-Fi access. Dining options include the newly refurbished Knights Restaurant, serving seasonal menus and a vast selection of fine wines; the Library Bar; and intimate private dining. Lumley Castle is also the only historic site in the UK with its own Escape Room – Lily of Lumley – a thrilling and immersive experience. The perfect location for exploring the North East of England, Lumley Castle is 11 miles south of Newcastle, 8.1 miles north of Durham, and 12 miles west of Sunderland.

Rooms: 73 Stars: 4

The on-site restaurant serves up a delicious range of dishes, from traditional English to international cuisine. The hotel also features a bar and lounge, as well as a spa, providing a range of treatments and therapies. For those who wish to explore the area, the hotel is conveniently located close to some of Durham’s most famous attractions. Hardwick Hall Hotel is one of the best luxury hotels in Durham, set in 120 acres of parkland. It features elegant rooms, contemporary facilities, 24-hour room service, a restaurant, a bar, a lounge and a spa. Enjoy stunning views across the gardens and lake, and explore the nearby attractions. Experience the best of luxury and comfort at Hardwick Hall Hotel.

Rooms: 54 Stars: 4

Situated just 15 minutes from Teesside Airport, Judges Hotel is a luxurious Victorian building set in 22 acres of gardens. It is recommended by the Michelin Guide and offers elegant rooms with period features, en suite bathrooms and complimentary tea/coffee facilities with homemade biscuits. Guests can enjoy a creative menu in the Conservatory Restaurant and a selection of over 500 wines. For those looking to stay active, there is a fully equipped fitness centre and plenty of outdoor space for walking and cycling. The grand guest lounge offers afternoon tea and light lunches. Judges Hotel is also conveniently located 5 minutes’ drive from Eaglescliffe Golf Club and 1 mile from Yarm Railway Station, with trains to Hartlepool. Middlesbrough is a 15-minute drive away. Free parking and WiFi are available.

Rooms: 21 Stars: 4

Just a mile away from the hustle and bustle of Darlington town centre, the Bannatyne Hotel Darlington is the perfect place to stay. Combining 19th-century character with modern comfort, the en-suite rooms feature flat-screen TVs, work desks and free internet access. Guests can also enjoy views of the town centre or the hotel’s own gardens. The Bannatyne Health Club and Spa is a 5 minute drive or twenty min walk away, and is available for guests for a small surcharge. Here you can enjoy exercise classes, a swimming pool and spa facilities. To top off your stay, Maxine’s Restaurant and Bar offers fresh, seasonal British food, great wines and single malt whiskies. Limited parking is available for free, and free wifi is accessible throughout the hotel.

Rooms: 60 Stars: 4

Ramside Hall Hotel Golf & Spa offers a luxurious escape set within a 350-acre estate. Featuring 2 Championship golf courses with 36 holes, the hotel boasts 4 restaurants, complimentary spa access with an indoor 25-metre swimming pool, bubble pool, steam room and sauna. Upgrade to a chauffeur-driven Bentley Mulsanne for a truly indulgent stay. Guests can enjoy traditional British cuisine at Pemberton’s Carvery and informal dining in the Clubhouse. Elemis treatments are also available in the Spa. Just 450 yards from Junction 62 on the A1M, the hotel is a 5-minute drive from Durham and 30 minutes from Newcastle-upon-Tyne Airport.

Rooms: 127 Stars: 4