Hotel berhampiran The Willow Miner, Durham

the service was great and it was clean, and very much nearer from the station

If you're picky, this probably isn't the place for you but if you're more the straightforward, no-nonsense type, it ticks all the boxes that matter. My room was clean and tidy, the bed comfortable and the breakfast kept me sated until late afternoon. If you have dietary requirements, though, you'll have to speak up. I was simply asked what time I'd like breakfast. There was no mention of options, vegan needs etc. I simply finished my toast and cereal and a glorious full English was put in front of me. My only dietary requirement is 'generous portions', so this approach worked perfectly for me but it won't suit everyone. The gentleman serving breakfast was a man of few words. Not rude or stand-offish, just reserved. If you loathe morning people and small talk in equal measure like I do, you'll love him. And as for the night before, don't worry about being away from the city centre. There's a Sainsburys and Vietnamese restaurant within easy walking distance, so you won't starve. The final plus point for me was the price of £43. £40-£50 cheaper than more central alternatives in a city that seems to think it's Kensington. I would definitely stay at The Shoes again.

I came for the Abba night. The venue itself is very nicely decorated and gives a good impression. The ticket cost was great value for the food and entertainment. I have a dairy intolerance, which I let them know about when booking. The food served was fantastic, hot and delicious. The staff were very friendly and service was excellent. The singer Ellie was amazing, she had a wonderful voice and sang for over an hour with great enthusiasm and everyone was up dancing. The DJ also played some great tracks. Overall I had a wonderful night and would totally come again for a similar evening. Thanks so much Bowburn Hall.

We arrived in Durham late afternoon after driving for hours from the Lakes district via Hadrian's wall in Hexham. We were greeted by the host William. After check-in we asked William for directions to Durham Cathedral. Unfortunately we got lost and couldn't get there. We got back to the B&B very tired and disappointed as we only had the date of arrival to visit the Cathedral. We were tired and told William that we will just rest up for our trip up north the next day. William wouldn't hear of it and offered to drive us to the Cathedral and even wait for us while we toured the Cathedral. We were embarrassed and did not want to trouble him but he insisted and took us in his car, acting as a tour guide he drove past many attractions and got us to the Cathedral. Once I knew the way, I asked if we could return to the B&B so I could drive us in our own car to the Cathedral and spend the evening around there. He recommended a few restaurants as we drove past them and took us back. We managed to drive back and attend evening song and then spent a lovely evening walking around. If it weren't for William, we would have just spent the evening in our room feeling sorry for our selves. Our room was at the top floor. As I was parking the car, my wife took a small suitcase in. An elderly woman insisted on carrying the bag upstairs and no matter how many times my wife tried, she insisted on taking it up. Breakfast was great. Although only street parking is available, William assured us that the area was safe and he was right. This is a family run B&B and William and his family could not be more hospitable, friendly and helpful. I would highly recommend Moor End Guest House.

Beautiful location, I attended a friend's birthday party best service was received at the buffet restaurant in the evening and again in the morning by a younger blonde eastern European woman, she went so out of her way to help me both times, I wish I had asked her name. The buffet breakfast had everything you could possibly want, well worth the $17 cost.. I booked the Coleman Suite and it was beyond amazing, but the basic rooms some of my friends had seemed overpriced.. I should have used to pool, sauna and other amenities but there was no time with the party, I would recommend staying for at least 2 days next time. Wonderful stay, just too short.

Wow sums up the experience from start to finish. Amazing room very clean infact it was spotless. Reception staff were very helpful they went above and beyond. We were checked in early, nice court yard to sit and have a drink from the well stocked bar, top quality wine. Very comfortable bed we both slept very well. Breakfast was a little hectic but we got there in the end food was just great good selection from the menu and very good quality. Wouldn't hesitate to stay here again. Thank you .

We went to Seaham with the kids for the glass beach and this was cheap and really really clean which was very good plus the bedroom for us was ample. The food was just outstanding especially the ty restaurant X the kids loved it and the staff was friendly, helpful x thankyou 🥰 xx

The drive up to the castle was was fantastic as the view of the castle looked stunning. The entrance to the court yard for parking was quaint and inviting. The look of the court yard looking at all the out buildings looked inviting and very well presented. The “stocks” make for great entertainment The entrance to the reception is like looking for the secret door but the plaque at the side with history information explains why and is interesting to read. Inside the reception is is quite dark but this for me added to the ambience of the place. The staff where welcoming, polite and explained the hotel set up. We stayed in one of the room in the courtyard which was beautiful. Very nicely decorated and good value for money. The room was cozy. We’d booked to have a meal in the Knights Restaurant and we had pre drinks in the bar first The walk to the restaurant through the corridor into the central courtyard was very different yet beautiful. It’s so old and it was nice to see it was decorated and kept within “keeping” The bar again was inviting and cosy and it was great to see that the drinks and wine list was very reasonably priced. So often places know you are a target audience and inflate the prices ridiculously however in our opinion the castle had not done this. There was a good choice of cocktails and the “smoked” cocktails added that something a little bit different and we didn’t mind paying a few pounds more for the “quirkiness”. Again the staff where very professional, friendly and well presented. The walk from the bar/lounge area to the Knights Restaurant was stunning through the corridors of the castle and past a lovely looking staircase and when we walked into the restaurant I was overwhelmed as it was stunning and not what I was expecting. The arched ceiling, the lighting, the privacy of how the tables where set out we felt was very nice. We thought it all created a romantic setting. It was very secluded but included. The menu choice was good and the food was beautiful. The service was great too and again the staff were very professional, polite and very well presented. The prices on the menu varied so I would say they’d catered fo most people’s budget and it was your own choice on how much you spend Our nights sleep was comfortable and the walk back from the restaurant to the courtyard was well lit but again in keeping with been in a castle environment. Great use of mood lighting. My husband even went into the stocks on the was home (🤣) Breakfast the next morning again did not disappoint. The selection was fantastic and plenty of food to choice from Overall we can can not fault our experience. It was a lively venue with great facilities and very well presented. The staff where Courteous, polite, friendly and very well presented. I would recommend this as a place to go and stay. We must go back so we can stay in one of the castle rooms as I am sure they would be as good and maybe even more “quirkier” than the courtyard rooms which were very nice.