Best Durham Castle Hotels

Rockliffe Hall Hotel Golf & Spa

Nestled within a sprawling 365-acre estate on the border of County Durham and North Yorkshire, Rockliffe Hall Hotel Golf & Spa is a luxurious castle hotel that offers an unforgettable experience. Boasting one of the largest spas in the country, an 18-hole championship golf course, and award-winning cuisine at the flagship Orangery restaurant, this iconic resort destination has something for everyone. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway, planning a special occasion, or looking for an impressive venue for business events, Rockliffe Hall's world-class facilities and tranquil setting in the quiet village of Hurworth provide the perfect escape. With easy access to Durham's cultural treasures, the dramatic North East coastline, and the rugged beauty of the North Yorkshire moors, guests can explore vibrant towns, picturesque villages, breathtaking countryside, and stunning coastline.

Pros:
– Extensive spa facilities
– Championship golf course
– Award-winning dining at the Orangery restaurant
– Ideal location for weddings and special occasions
– Proximity to cultural sites and natural landscapes

OYO The Townhouse

Located in Durham's Old Elvet area, OYO The Townhouse offers guests a unique experience in a Grade II-Listed Georgian town house. With individually themed rooms, this hotel provides tastefully designed interiors and is conveniently located within walking distance of Durham Cathedral and the 11th-century castle. Guests can also enjoy easy access to Newcastle city centre via a short train journey from Durham Rail Station, which is less than 1-mile away. Additionally, the hotel is situated just 150 metres from the banks of the River Wear and Durham University Cricket Club.

Pros:
– Beautifully decorated rooms with individual themes
– Convenient location near popular attractions such as Durham Cathedral and the castle
– Easy access to Newcastle city centre via nearby train station
– Close proximity to picturesque riverbanks and university cricket club

South Causey Inn

The South Causey Inn is a charming boutique hotel that exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere. As a family-owned establishment, it offers a delightful country feel with its family pub, restaurant, and cocktail bar. The hotel boasts 60 unique bedrooms and suites, ranging from cozy en-suite rooms to themed suites that are beautifully adorned with luxurious amenities such as private parking, hot tubs, plush interiors, waterfall showers, private gardens, copper baths, and more. Located conveniently between Durham and Newcastle Cities in an unmatched setting, the hotel provides easy access to various cultural attractions like the renowned Beamish Museum and Tanfield Railway. Each venue within the hotel has been individually designed with bespoke interiors to create distinct and standalone spaces for ceremonies and events of all sizes. With four on-site wedding venues nestled within 100 acres of picturesque countryside, the South Causey Inn is also an idyllic destination for couples dreaming of a stunning country wedding.
– Family-owned with genuine kind service
– Unique themed suites available
– Convenient location between Durham and Newcastle cities
– Proximity to cultural attractions like Beamish Museum and Tanfield Railway
– Perfect venue for weddings in scenic countryside surroundings

The Three Horseshoes Hotel

Located in the heart of the charming market town of Barnard Castle, The Three Horseshoes Hotel is a 17th-century building that offers a delightful stay to its guests. This historic hotel is situated less than a mile away from the beautiful River Tees. Inside, guests can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the property, as well as unwind at the hotel's bar and restaurant. The elegantly designed rooms at The Three Horseshoes feature en suite bathrooms with complimentary toiletries, flat-screen TVs with DVD players, hairdryers, desks, and scenic views. Additionally, the restaurant offers an extensive dinner menu that caters to specific dietary requirements. For those looking for outdoor adventures, High Force Waterfall – one of Britain's largest waterfalls – is just a short 26-minute drive away. Guests can also indulge in a buffet breakfast each morning before exploring nearby attractions such as Bowes Museum (a quick 3-minute drive) or Raby Castle (a 13-minute car journey), which boasts a captivating 14th-century fortification surrounded by a vast 200-acre deer park.

Pros:
– Convenient location in Barnard Castle
– Free Wi-Fi access throughout the property
– Elegantly designed rooms with modern amenities
– Extensive dinner menu catering to specific dietary needs
– Close proximity to popular attractions like High Force Waterfall and Raby Castle

Ramside Hall Hotel

Ramside Hall Hotel Golf & Spa is a luxurious castle hotel located on a sprawling 350-acre estate. The hotel offers guests a choice of spacious bedrooms, many with scenic views, featuring elegant décor and modern bathrooms. Each room is equipped with work desks, satellite TVs with Sky and BT Sports, and luxurious Elemis toiletries. With four restaurants on-site, including the award-winning Rib Room Steakhouse & Grill and Fusion with its pan-Asian menu, guests have plenty of dining options to choose from. The hotel's location is also ideal for exploring the nearby historic city of Durham, just a 5-minute drive away, as well as Newcastle-upon-Tyne which is only 25 minutes away. In addition to its excellent amenities and convenient location, Ramside Hall Hotel offers upgrades such as the use of chauffeur-driven Bentley Mulsanne cars. Guests can also enjoy complimentary access to the spa facilities which include an indoor swimming pool, bubble pool, steam room, and sauna. Although access to the hydro-pool and outdoor pool is reserved for spa package guests and members during busy times when there may be limited availability due to high demand (guests are allocated access upon check-in). For those looking for relaxation and pampering treatments at the spa or hoping to explore nearby attractions like Newcastle Airport (only a 30-minute drive away), booking in advance is highly recommended.

Blackwell Grange Hotel

The Blackwell Grange Hotel is a historic 17th-century mansion situated in 15 acres of beautiful woodland, just a short 20-minute walk from Darlington town centre. This luxurious hotel offers guests an array of amenities, including free Wi-Fi, a leisure centre with an indoor swimming pool and gym, and the Havelock Restaurant which serves a delicious à la carte menu. Guests can also enjoy breathtaking views over the grounds and golf course from Captain Cook's Bar. The modern leisure club features additional facilities such as a spa pool, solarium, and sauna for ultimate relaxation. For outdoor enthusiasts, both Blackwell Grange and Stressholme golf courses are nearby. With its convenient location between the North Yorkshire Moors and Durham city, guests have easy access to explore these charming destinations. Additional perks include continental breakfasts and easy accessibility to the A1 motorway.

Pros:
– Historic mansion set in picturesque woodland
– Free Wi-Fi throughout the property
– Leisure centre with indoor swimming pool and gym
– Havelock Restaurant offering varied à la carte menu
– Breathtaking views from Captain Cook's Bar

Beamish Hall Country House Hotel

Nestled in 24 acres of parkland, just a short distance from Durham city, the Beamish Hall Country House Hotel, BW Premier Collection is a beautifully restored 13th-century hall that offers an exclusive country house hotel experience. Perfectly situated next to the famous Beamish Open-Air Museum and within close proximity to historic landmarks such as Hadrian's Wall, Lindisfarne Castle, Chester Roman Fort, and Hexham Abbey, this hotel is an ideal base for exploring the region. Guests can also enjoy leisurely walks through the extensive gardens or tee off at the stunning tree-lined parkland course of Beamish Park golf club – known for its picturesque setting and breathtaking views across Durham's splendid countryside.

– Restored 13th-century hall with original splendor
– Convenient location near Beamish Open-Air Museum
– Proximity to historic sites such as Hadrian's Wall and Lindisfarne Castle
– Extensive gardens for leisurely strolls
– Picturesque golf course with stunning vistas

Lumley Castle Hotel

Located within easy driving distance of Newcastle, Durham, and Sunderland, Lumley Castle Hotel is a magnificent spectacle that has dominated the County Durham landscape for over 630 years. This Grade I listed monument to chivalry and honor is surrounded by beautiful parklands overlooking the River Wear and Durham County Cricket Ground. The hotel's unique feature is its own Escape Room – Lily of Lumley – providing guests with an immersive and thrilling experience. With its ideal location, just a short distance from major cities in the North East of England, the hotel offers 73 luxurious and uniquely designed bedrooms with elegant drapes, four-poster beds, feature baths, stunning views, and complimentary Wi-Fi internet. Guests can savor fine dining experiences at the newly refurbished Knights Restaurant through seasonal à la carte menus paired with an extensive selection of wines. The hotel also offers indulgent afternoon tea options as well as relaxation opportunities at the newly refurbished Library Bar or intimate private dining experiences.

– Magnificent castle setting steeped in history
– Unique escape room experience on-site
– Luxurious and elegantly designed bedrooms
– Fine dining options with exquisite food and wine pairings
– Newly refurbished bar for relaxation and intimate gatherings