County Durham

Homely and cosy, Dowfold House is charming B&B in County Durham. Its three rooms are individually decorated with tasteful furnishings and pleasant artwork. A hearty breakfast will set you up well for a day of exploring the beautiful rural surroundings.

• Great walks - The surrounding countryside is full of excellent walking routes.
• Sights nearby - Four miles from Auckland Castle.

Bishop Auckland (County Durham)

Situated in Bishop Auckland, Park Head Hotel is a charming new property which offers more than just rooms and sustenance. Here it's all about the community from the locally grown produce to the cheery staff. Rooms are simple and smart and the restaurant serves good old British classics.

• Families - As well as family friendly suites, Park Head Hotel has outside space with a children's play area
• Local exploring - A good central location for exploring the best of County Durham
• Value chic - Simple but smart accommodation at a very inviting price point
• Restaurant - The Oak Room Restaurant serves a range of British classics from bangers and mash to delicious steaks

Durham

One of Durham’s newest hotels, Indigo is a contemporary makeover of possibly the city’s finest Victorian civic building, mixing original features from marble staircases to stained-glass windows with funky design elements. There’s also a Marco Pierre White Steakhouse and relaxed café.

• Great walks - Go for a lovely walk in Durham Botanical Garden or Crook Hall Gardens.
• Sights nearby - Ten minutes walk from the castle and the cathedral.
• Spa
• Restaurant

Durham

Set in a Grade II listed Georgian townhouse in the heart of Durham, this hotel has 11 individually designed, luxury bedrooms. Some rooms feature a private terrace or hot tub. The hotel has a vibrant cocktail bar and a traditional restaurant serving steaks and seafood. The perfect romantic getaway.

• Restaurant - Fine dining menu serving traditional classics with locally sourced ingredients.
• Local markets - Nearby Durham Market Hall has an impressive spread of local produce.
• Sights nearby - Durham Cathedral is just a ten minute walk from the property.
• Private Hot Tub - Book Le Jardin room your own terrace with private hot tub.

Durham

Flamboyantly and eccentrically furnished guest house - on South Street with enviable views of the city’s cathedral and castle - that’s both lavish and fun. A choice of romantic or sleek bedrooms, and excellent breakfasts, too.

• Sights nearby - Ten minutes walk from both Durham Castle and Cathedral.
• Quirky
• Romantic

County Durham (County Durham )

A handsome, creeper-covered coaching inn, set back from a main road and surrounded by fields. Some rooms are decorated in dark wood four posters and thick textiles, others are modern, light and airy. All are comfortable. Reviving weary travellers with its excellent restaurant and quirky spa.

• Sights nearby - Bowes Museum, Raby Castle and Egglestone Abbey are all within easy reach.
• Local markets - The market town of Barnard Castle is lined with antique shops.
• Great walks - The North Pennines are an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
• Spa

County Durham (Darlington)

Nestled in pretty Darlington this farmhouse is unquestionably unique. A labour of love, the rooms have been described as "theatrical" and include everything from chandeliers to larger than life Audrey Hepburn paintings. Much of the food is homemade with produce from their 100 acres of farmland.

• Back to Nature - There are some of Darlington's finest walking routes directly from your front door.
• Great walks - The Spa Walk is within easy reach from the hotel.
• Restaurant
• Fishing

County Durham (Darlington)

This relaxed country house hotel offers a spa, golf, and tennis, or you can just chill out with books and newspapers. The rooms are large and uncluttered, with a modern, country style, and there’s a choice of dining options.

• Great walks - Around the four acres of manicured grounds or the property is located between the Yorkshire Dales.
• Restaurant - Two, one in the main house and one in the spa
• Tennis - Recently re-surfaced.
• Spa

County Durham (Barnard Castle)

A Mediterranean-inspired group of farm buildings, surrounded by fields and with views to the moors of Teesdale. Bedrooms have an Ibizan vibe with added luxuries such as hot tubs in the largest rooms. Expect generous comfort food in the restaurant and good cocktails in the bar. A trendy rural stay.

• Romantic Break - Enjoy cosy evenings in the atmospheric restaurant and book one of the rooms with a private hot tub for a romantic stay
• Groups - A separate farmhouse sleeps up to 12; good for family get-togethers or bridal parties
• Weddings - The hotel has a self-contained wedding venue in an adjacent barn
• Sights nearby - Visit the 12 th -century Barnard Castle and nearby Raby Castle (still lived-in)

County Durham (County Durham)

A smart, 18th century former coaching inn that has lost none of the essentials of a good village hostelry: a warm welcome extended to dogs too, award winning good food, real ales, comfortable surrounds and quietly stylish bedrooms. All the creature comforts plus splendid walks on your doorstep.

• Foodies - The inn's 2 AA Rosette award winning restaurant will indulge foodies and fuel ramblers
• Country Escape - Pack your walking boots - there are some great rambles direct from your door
• Great walks - Surrounded by walking and bridle paths, and beautiful countryside
• Sights nearby - Right next door to Romaldkirk's impressive Saxon Church