Curious about what people have been saying about the hotels near you?
England is in the midst of a national lockdown where non-essential travel is banned- but we can still start planning our next staycation.
Even when restrictions ease, Matt Hancock has cautioned against booking summer holidays abroad, encouraging people to have a “great British summer” instead of travelling overseas.
Luckily for us, there are plenty of fantastic places to stay right on our doorstep.
Using Booking.com, we have tracked down some of the best-reviewed and rated hotels and inns in five of the biggest County Durham towns and cities.
These places are ideal for those who want to get out of the house after lockdown but don’t want to stray too far from home after lockdown.
According to research from Booking.com, 47% of people still plan to travel within their own country in 7-12 months’ time.
A spokesperson for the company added: “For Brits, there are many reasons why travelling domestically should be front of mind once it is permitted to do so.
“Firstly, the UK is home to some of the world’s most beautiful settings, which span incredible coastlines, stunning national parks and thriving cultural cities.
“Further to this, doorstep delights can often offer both cost and time savings, whilst also giving travellers more freedom over which method of transport to take when travelling to and from their chosen location.”
“[However], we strongly recommend that travellers book refundable/flexible room options in case of the need to cancel or reschedule.”
Here are some top-rated hotels and inns around County Durham- and what the reviewers have been saying about them:
(Prices correct at time of writing and based on two adults for a two night stay from 27 August to 29 August)
BUA Boutique Hotel, Bishop Auckland
Rating: 8.5
Estimated price: £160-£180
This is one of the top-reviewed hotels in Bishop Auckland.
It’s the ideal location for people on an active holiday, as guests at the BUA can partake in hiking, cycling and fishing in and around Bishop Auckland.
The hotel itself has a bar, garden and even a tennis court.
While this certainly seems like a beautiful place to stay- what have the former guests been saying about it?
One person said their stay was “exceptional”.
They added: “ The lovely owners couldn’t do enough to help.”
Guests also had high praise for the “authentic” Thai food that Is served there.
The Ancient Unicorn, Barnard Castle, Teesdale
Rating: 8.9
Estimated price: £170-£280
The Ancient Unicorn is one of the top rated places to stay on Booking.com.
It’s the ideal place for hikers who want to immerse themselves in nature and explore the beauty of Barnard Castle.
After exploring everything that County Durham has to offer, guests can come back to the inn can enjoy a full English/Irish breakfast at the restaurant.
Former guests have high praise for this breakfast, calling it “fantastic” and “lovely”.
One couple were on a walking holiday in the Pennines and said it was a great location for an “overnight in comfort”.
However, some believe the Wi-Fi connection could be improved- but still gave their stay a 9/10 rating.
Clow Beck House, Croft-on-Tees, Darlington
Rating: 9.7
Estimated price: £180-£280
This Darlington hotel has received high praise from Booking.com users and currently has an impressive 9.7 rating.
Ideally located, it is only a 10 minute walk from Darlington town centre and the Croft Circuit is just a five minute drive.
The hotel itself is award-winning and people have high praise for the food served here.
One person said the hotel was in an “absolutely fantastic location” with owners who even dropped them off to the local pub.
Another said: “Everything was thoroughly thought through with lovely detail.”
One remarked that the food was “on the pricey side” but others only had good things to say about the “fantastic” breakfast and “great menu”.
Lumley Castle Hotel, Chester-Le-Street
Rating: 8.7
Estimated price: £310-£592
Planning a luxury getaway this summer?
Lumley Castle is a four star hotel within driving distance from Newcastle, Durham and Sunderland.
The stunning castle is more than 600 years old and is incredibly historic.
If you want a relaxing getaway where you can be immersed in the beauty of the countryside, then this is the place to be.
The hotel is surrounded by beautiful parklands and it overlooks the River Wear and Durham Cricket Ground.
Guests have 74 luxe en suite rooms to choose from and can enjoy a top-quality meal at the Black Knight restaurant.
One person said it’s the perfect place to stay for guest who want to experience a touch of luxury.
They added: “It’s such a beautiful old building.
“We came here many years ago for dinner when we got engaged and I always wanted to stay.
The entrance hall is just out of this world and the history of the building is wonderful.”
Three Horseshoes Inn, Sherburn House, Durham
Rating: 9.3
Estimated price: £150-£170
According to former guests, this “charming” inn is one of the best-rated places to stay in Durham.
Parts of the building are over 300 years old and it has still retained many of these historic and original features with a sprinkling of modernity.
Arguably, the best part about staying here are the countryside views that you wake up to each morning.
One person wished their room was more soundproof- but they still gave their stay an 8/10.
They wrote: “The staff were all very welcoming. While the room was not very big but there was a private bathroom and the bed was very comfortable.”
Another loved the breakfast, writing: “Our daily breakfast was excellent – there were many options and no-one could leave there with an empty stomach!”
Have you ever spent a night at any of these places? Let us know in the comment section.
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