Finding the ideal place for a new tattoo can be a difficult decision because you want to make sure they can recreate your design in the best possible way, while also having good hygiene.

Whether you’re wanting to get a detailed piece inked on your back or you’re after something small and dainty, there are plenty of tattoo parlours to choose from in County Durham.

To help you decide where to go next for your body artwork, we have rounded up some of the best tattoo parlours in the area according to their Google reviews – each rating has a minimum of 4.0.

Some of the best tattoo parlours in County Durham

Buzzin Guns

Location: 6 Neville Street, Durham, DH1 4EY

Rating: 4.6/5

A first-time visitor wrote: “Great experience for first tattoo of a picture of my dog. Connor was brilliant obviously having a great love for dogs and caring attitude to get a great drawing.”

House Of Horrors Tattoo Company

Location: 86 Victoria Road, Darlington, DL1 5JW

Rating: 4.8/5

Someone who will be returning to have their sleeve completed, added: “Just had my forearm completed yesterday by Gemma who’s done an amazing job following the day of the dead theme. Great studio very professional and super clean. Can’t wait to get back and finish my sleeve. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking to get tattooed."

Skins & Needles

Location: 10 Elvet Bridge, Durham, DH1 3AA

Rating: 4.5/5

This regular customer said: “I’ve been here multiple times now and been tattooed by 3 different artists and every time has been great! All the staff are so lovely and friendly! Would definitely recommend and will be returning in the future.”

Darkside Tattoos

Location: 23A N Burns, Chester-le-Street, DH3 3TF

Rating: 5/5

One person who returned to the tattoo studio, posted: “This is the second time I've been to Chrissy for a mandala type tattoo, and I can't recommend him enough!! I gave him some images, and he was able to come up with a design that incorporated all three and gave his opinion on what he thought would/wouldn't work. He's friendly, professional and knowledgeable and I will definitely be going back to him soon!! :)”

Art La Vey Private Tattoo Studio

Location: The studio, 1 Hillside Gardens, Stanley, DH9 0HD

Rating: 4.9/5

Praised for their “amazing service”, this comment said: “Amazing service! Got tattooed by Paul a few months ago, it’s by far my favourite tattoo. He makes you feel so comfortable and at ease, would 10000% recommend! Faye is lovely too, between them both they made it one of my best tattooing experiences. Thank you, Paul!”

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Skin Deep Tattoo Studio

Location: 91 High Northgate, Darlington, DL1 1UJ

Rating: 4.8/5

This place offers piercings too, as one user posted: “The customer service here is excellent, it’s such a friendly environment, excellent with tea and coffees, the tattoos are amazing, just got one yesterday, also got both my left and right Helix ears pierced.”

Viking Ink

Location: 53 Hope Street, Crook, DL15 9HU

Rating: 4.9/5

One review said: “Received tattoo across my fingers by Jordan. Very friendly guy, the staff as a collective were happy and a down to earth bunch. Easy to have a conversation with, easy to book appointments there and then. Great service.”