
With a wealth of attractions within County Durham you'll find so much to do. Durham City dates back over a thousand years and with its famous skyline the Cathedral is the world's finest example of Norman architecture. Today this is a bustling city which blends its history with a delightful pedestrianised shopping area, street entertainment, a monthly farmers' market and of course, restaurants that while focusing on good local produce continue a reputation for hospitality, born from a thousand years of welcoming pilgrims.
The Rose & Crown at RomaldkirkA huge stone fireplace, old oak beams and shuttered windows set the tone in the bar of the Rose & Crown, where a log fire burns in the grate and a grandfather clock keeps time.
Romaldkirk, Barnard Castle, County Durham - Cuisine: Modern British
Blagraves HouseNamed after the family that once lived in the house, this atmospheric Grade I listed dwelling lays claim to being the oldest residence in Barnard Castle.
30 - 32 The Bank, Barnard Castle, County Durham - Cuisine: Modern English
Beamish Park HotelSituated in open countryside a mile from the world-famous Beamish Open Air Museum, this independently owned hotel is ideal suited for business, leisure or tourist sightseeing.
Beamish Burn Road, Beamish, County Durham - Cuisine: Eclectic
Lumley Castle HotelIf there was ever a venue that lived up to the billing 'no ordinary hotel', it's Lumley Castle. Standing proud in the Durham landscape overlooking the River Wear for more than six centuries, it has played host to kings and princes, but now has an enviable reputation as a luxury hotel.
, Chester le Street, County Durham - Cuisine: International
Headlam HallA glorious Jacobean mansion set in its own walled gardens, Headlam Hall has been beautifully preserved as a country house hotel, and boasts lovely views of the rolling Teesdale countryside beyond.
Headlam, Darlington, County Durham - Cuisine: Modern European
Kenny Atkinson at The OrangeryKenny Atkinson at The Orangery is the flagship restaurant of Rockcliffe Hall, a magnificent five star hotel, spa and golf resort originally built in 1863 in the village of Hurworth-on-Tees and now owned by the chairman of Middlesbrough football club.
Rockcliffe Hall, Darlington, County Durham - Cuisine: Modern British
The Bridgewater Arms at WinstonPaul Grundy spent more than 20 years in the kitchens of the celebrated Black Bull at Moulton before moving to this village inn a few miles west of Darlington with his wife Kathryn.
Winston, Darlington, County Durham - Cuisine: Gastro pub
The CountyOverlooking an award-winning village green some 4 miles north of Darlington, this cream-painted, nineteenth-century hostelry is making quite a name for itself in the area.
13 The Green, Darlington, County Durham - Cuisine: Gastro pub
Bistro 21Situated in the village of Aykley Heads, just a short drive from the city of Durham, the popular Bistro Twenty One belongs to Terence Laybourne's '21' group (based in Newcastle upon Tyne).
Aykley Heads House, Durham, County Durham - Cuisine: Modern Bistro
Pump House RestaurantA converted Victorian pump house once used to supply Durham with its water supply from the River Wear is indeed the setting for this restaurant, which is now surrounded by an ever-changing landscape of mature woodland.
Farm Road, Durham, County Durham - Cuisine: Modern British
Durham Marriott Hotel, Royal County RestaurantA prime location right on the banks of the River Wear is one of the assets at this welcoming traditional hotel in the heart of Durham city.
Old Elvet, Durham, County Durham - Cuisine: Modern European
Kingslodge Hotel, Knights RestaurantHandily located near the centre of Durham, a few minutes walk from the railway station, Kingslodge Hotel prides itself on providing high quality service in comfortably luxurious surroundings.
Waddington Street, Durham, County Durham - Cuisine: Modern European
Oldfields RestaurantOriginally built as the headquarters of the Durham Gas Company in 1881, Oldfields is split into two distinct parts. On the first floor is the magnificent oak-panelled boardroom with its stained-glass windows and 17ft-high moulded plaster ceiling, which makes the perfect venue for formal occasions.
18 Claypath, Durham, County Durham - Cuisine: Modern British
Ramside HallFormerly the home of the Pemberton family, Ramside Hall was transformed into a country hotel in 1963 and is now the North-East's largest privately owned hotel, complete with its own golf club.
Carrville, Durham, County Durham - Cuisine: Modern
Seven Stars InnIf you are feeling fit, you might fancy walking the couple of miles or so from the centre of Durham out to this gem of a pub nestling in the quiet village of Shincliffe.
High Street North, Durham, County Durham - Cuisine: Modern British
The AlmshousesHandily placed overlooking the majestic cathedral, this honest daytime café does a great service to the city of Durham by providing no-nonsense fresh food at affordable prices in surroundings that are forever congenial.
Palace Green, Durham, County Durham - Cuisine: Bistro
The Gourmet SpotCheekily nicknamed 'the G-Spot', this unusual restaurant is hidden away discreetly on the ground floor of the Farnley Tower Hotel - a grandiose Victorian Gothic building a short drive from Durham city centre.
Farnley Tower Hotel, Durham, County Durham - Cuisine: Modern European
Redworth Hall Hotel, Restaurant 1744Set in 25 acres of grounds in lovely countryside, this historic mansion can trace its history back to Elizabethan times, although most of the current building is Georgian.
, Redworth, County Durham - Cuisine: International
Judges Country House HotelBuilt in 1881 for a famous Hartlepool engineering family, Kirklevington Hall stands right on the fringes of the North Yorkshire Moors and is surrounded by graceful sweeping lawns, a tiny river and a Victorian walled garden.
Kirklevington Hall, Yarm, County Durham - Cuisine: Modern British