4- and 5-star hotels in Durham

Durham is small and walkable, with medieval streets such as Saddler Street and Silver Street running down to the riverbanks, and Durham University's colleges set among the historic buildings. The Norman cathedral and castle are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Durham railway station sits on the East Coast Main Line, so London, Edinburgh and Newcastle are all within easy reach. The city makes a compact short-break destination, and the countryside around the Wear adds walks to a stay. Several sit in or just outside the centre, including Hotel Indigo Durham by IHG and Delta Hotels by Marriott Durham Royal County on Old Elvet, the Radisson BLU Hotel Durham on Frankland Lane and Victoria inn on Hallgarth Street; Apartment 1 The Grove is 0.7 km from the centre. The rest are country addresses: Burnhopeside Hall, Lumley Castle Hotel, The Old Mill, Plawsworth Hall Serviced Cottages and Apartments, Ramside Hall Hotel Golf and Spa, The Priory, Nafferton Farm, Bolton Farm, Ashtree Farmhouse and Stowhouse Farm Cottages. Couples and short-break visitors tend to prefer the central addresses for walking to the sights; families and groups may prefer the self-catering apartments and cottages with kitchens and parking; business travellers are served by the city hotels with fitness centres, business centres and 24-hour front desks.

Getting there and around

Durham is served by Durham railway station on the East Coast Main Line, with direct trains to Newcastle, York, Edinburgh and London. The station is about a 15-minute walk from the city centre, or a short taxi or bus ride. Newcastle International Airport is the nearest major airport, roughly 25 miles north. By road, the A1(M) passes to the east of the city, connecting to the national motorway network. Within Durham, the centre is compact and walkable. Local buses run from the marketplace and North Road to surrounding areas, and there are cycle paths along the river.

When to go

Late spring to early autumn is ideal for visiting Durham, with longer days for riverside walks and exploring the historic centre. Summer brings warmer weather and occasional events, though it can be busier. Winter is quieter but colder, and the cathedral and castle remain open year-round. University term times can affect accommodation availability.