Top Picks for Winter Breaks in Durham

Looking for a relaxing break after the hustle and bustle of the festive season? Durham is the perfect place to relax and recharge this new year.

From award-winning cosy cottages and grand countryside retreats to historic castles and welcoming campsites, you'll be spoilt for choice for where to lay your head after a day of exploring Durham's great outdoors. 

Check out our top picks below of where to stay in Durham, from coast to countryside and everywhere in-between!

Bed and Breakfast

Bonners Lodge - VisitBritain 4* luxurious lodge with two en suite room found on the edge of the North Pennines AONB. 

Castleneuk Guest House - Pet friendly VisitEngland 4* guest house found in the north Durham Dales. Book a stay for two nights or more and receive a reduced rate of £5 off per room, per night. 

Low Urpeth Farm - Award-winning 4* gold farmhouse luxury bed and breakfast in the Vale of Durham. Experience the tastedurham highest quality assured and local produce champion 'cracking urpeth farmhouse breakfast'. 

Thomas Wright House - Choose from eight individually designed en suite bedrooms in the Vale of Durham and sample local produce in the in-house restaurant, open every day from 12noon. 

Caravans and Self -Catering 

Carrs Farm Bunkhouse - Eco-friendly self-catering bunkhouse found in the heart of the North Pennines AONB, on a family-ran organic farm. The perfect Durham Dales accommodation for large groups.

Finchale Abbey Touring Park - Caravan park and eco village overlooking the ruins of Finchale Priory on the banks of the River Wear. Ideal central location for exploring Durham City and the wider county. 

The Yurts at Killhope - Sleep under some of the darkest skies in England in the North Pennines AONB. Choose from three yurts all with wood burning stoves, perfect for stargazing breaks.    

Cosy Cottages

Mellwaters Barn Cottages - Choose from four welcoming cottages, awarded 4* gold by VisitEngland. A perfect base for exploring the wider Durham Dales. 

Riding Farm Cottages - Choose from seven 4* and 5* countryside self-catering cottages situated on a working family farm, located in the north of the Vale of Durham.

The Old Stables - Choose from three luxury 5* holiday cottages 5* found in the heart of the Vale of Durham. All cottage dog friendly, sleeping between two to four guests per cottage. 

Tithe Barn Cottages - Grade II listed converted farmhouse with three cottages to choose from. Found on the Durham Coast, close to Seaham making it the perfect base for exploring the Durham Heritage Coast. 

Countryside Retreats 

Beamish Hall Country House Hotel - 13th century building and grounds restored into a 21st century country house hotel with stunning period features and 24 acres of parkland to explore. 

Hall Garth Hotel and Country Club - 15th century country house set within 70 acres of parkland. Enjoy a countryside getaway with par 73 golf course and leisure club with indoor swimming pool.

Headlam Hall and Spa  - 4* idyllic 17th century country house hotel surrounded by rolling Durham Dales farmland. Choose from 38 rooms, relax in the award-winning spa with indoor pool and outdoor hydrotherapy spa or enjoy a round of golf on the 9 hole golf course. 

The Morritt Country House Hotel and Spa - Grade II listed country house hotel, with award-winning food, a luxurious modern spa, and individually designed guest rooms. 

Historic Homes

Lumley Castle Hotel - Live like a King or Queen in the 600 year old Lumley Castle, with over 70 luxurious en suite rooms to choose from overlooking the River Wear in the heart of the Vale of Durham. 

Seaham Hall and Serenity Spa - Set in 37 acres, overlooking the Durham Heritage Coast, this 5* luxury hotel, award-winning spa and in-house restaurant makes the perfect coastal getaway. 
    
Ushaw - Sitting in 500 acres of farmland on the outskirts of Durham City - Ushaw really is a hidden gem. Stay in newly refurbished rooms located in historic buildings dating back 250 years, where once Catholic priests lived and trained in the many on-site chapels.   

Hotels and Inns 

Honest Lawyer Hotel - Peaceful and relaxing hotel found on the edge of Durham City with 51 individual rooms and on site restaurant.  

The Kingslodge Inn - Just a stone's throw from the heart of historic Durham City. City centre inn, nestled in woodland with garden courtyard and dog friendly in-house restaurant.  

The Rose & Crown at Romaldkirk - 18th century family owned coaching inn found in the picturesque Durham Dales village of Romaldkirk. A great location for walkers and dog-friendly breaks. 

The Seaton Lane Inn - Re-opened in 2018 after a complete refurbishment, this Durham Coast Inn is the perfect base for exploring the nearby Durham Heritage Coast with in-house restaurant and bar.