Our Pick of the Best Places to Stay in Durham and Teesside
You don't have to go too far from home to find the perfect escape
Rockliffe Hall
In brief: A five-star hotel set in 375 acres, with a stunning spa and Championship golf course.
Insider guide: This already outstanding hotel is currently undergoing a multi-million pound transformation, with newly refurbished suites in the Old Hall (from September) and a new landmark restaurant, ATLAS from James and Maria Close coming soon. With thoughtfully designed and spacious bedrooms, all-day dining at Café Terra, a luxurious spa measuring around 50,000 square feet (complete with infrared room, igloo, tropicarium and spa garden) and the challenging Hawtree-designed golf course, the new additions will ensure a surfeit of riches at this already award-winning hotel.
Hurworth on Tees, Darlington, County Durham DL2 2DU
01325 729999
rockliffehall.com
Hotel Indigo Durham
In brief: A contemporary hotel in the centre of the historic city of Durham.
Insider guide: In a former Victorian civic building, slap bang in the centre of this tiny university city, the hotel cleverly combines original features with contemporary design, for a distinctly fun and modern feel. The ensuite rooms (showers only) are spread over four floors down lengthy corridors (a relic of the Victorian building), there’s a café for light bites, a Marco Pierre White Steakhouse serving signature steaks, and the Rotunda Bar where you’ll find a great cocktail list.
Old Shire Hall, 9 Old Elvet, Durham DH1 3HP
0191 329 3535
hotelindigodurham.com
Wynyard Hall Cottages
In brief: Pretty cottages set within 150 acres of private parkland.
Insider guide: An ideal breakaway for families, couples or groups of friends, the self-catering cottages at Wynyard Hall sleep between two and 12 guests and come complete with hot tubs, spacious living areas and fully-equipped kitchens. Guests can also enjoy the wider estate whilst staying here – dining at the Glass House, browsing the Farm Shop or heading out on a woodland walk, and why not enhance your stay by booking into the lakeside spa?
Wynyard, Stockton, Billingham TS22 5NF
wynyardhall.co.uk
Headlam Hall
In brief: An authentic country house hotel with spa and golf in the Durham Dales.
Insider guide: This luxurious, family-owned rural retreat blends historic character with contemporary comfort, and with just 38 individually-designed bedrooms and suites Headlam Hall retains the intimacy and warmth of a family home, while offering the comforts expected of a luxury retreat. Dine on seasonal menus made with locally-sourced ingredients (many harvested directly from Headlam’s own gardens) in the airy Orangery or cosy, dog-friendly Library Bar. At the heart of the hotel is the boutique spa, a light-filled sanctuary with indoor and outdoor spa pools, sauna and steam rooms, a gym and exercise studio, and a spa brasserie and garden.
Headlam, near Gainford, County Durham DL2 3HA
01325 730238
headlamhall.co.uk
Park Head Hotel
In brief: A contemporary hotel where guests have discounted access to The Auckland Project’s many attractions.
Insider guide: There are 38 ensuite rooms in this former 18th century coaching lodge, including those in the main building and the dog-friendly Courtyard Rooms. Dine on traditional classics in The Oak Room, which uses produce from Auckland Palace’s Walled Garden, before enjoying an award-winning breakfast in the morning.
New Coundon, Bishop Auckland DL14 8QB
01388 661727
parkheadhotel.co.uk
Kip & Nook
In brief: An off-grid glamping experience deep in the countryside.
Insider guide: A stay at Kip & Nook always promises to be a unique experience. The Loft offers a relaxing retreat for a trip with friends, The Barn is great for a group gathering and The Bon Bon is ideal for couples celebrating a special occasion. Kip & Nook also welcome campers to their pitches with wood-fired hot tubs, and guests are welcome to get involved in yoga sessions, a rejuvenating sauna and ice bath and padel.
Pinkney Carr Farm, Darlington DL2 2RD
01325 344584
kipandnook.com
High Force Hotel
In brief: A characterful rural retreat in Upper Teesdale.
Insider guide: This white-washed, 18th century hotel oozes character and charm. Its 10 individually-designed ensuite rooms combine traditional country inn comfort with contemporary touches, and it’s the perfect base for exploring Teesdale, including the famous waterfall on its doorstep. Laidback and welcoming, it’s a dog-friendly retreat where you can refuel on the ever-changing menu of seasonal flavours and local drinks in the bar and cosy, wood-panelled dining room, and wake up to a hearty breakfast the next day.
Forest-in-Teesdale DL12 0XH
01833 622336
raby.co.uk
The Rose & Crown
In brief: A dog-friendly, 18th century inn on the cusp of County Durham and the Yorkshire Dales.
Insider guide: A characterful country inn, The Rose & Crown is a handsome retreat in the heart of the pretty village of Romaldkirk. Quaint and cosy bedrooms are spread across the main building, the courtyard, and the Monk’s Cottage. From the kitchen, expect elevated, fuss-free classics using the very best local produce from head chef Dave Hunter.
Romaldkirk, Barnard Castle, County Durham DL12 9EB
01833 650213
rose-and-crown.co.uk
Bishop Lightfoot Cottage
In brief: A charming cottage right beside the gates of Auckland Palace.
Insider guide: You can quickly make yourself at home within this three-bedroomed, dog-friendly cottage. Extending either side of the original Palace walls, the dining room of Bishop Lightfoot Cottage looks over the ancient cobbles of Market Place, while your view from the sitting room takes in the beauty of the Palace grounds and Faith Museum. All guests receive an Unlimited Pass for The Auckland Project’s surrounding attractions, and after-hours access to the Walled Garden.
Market Place, Bishop Auckland DL14 7NP
01388 600601
aucklandproject.org
