16 Best Hotels in The Northeast, England

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The large hotel chains don't have much of a presence in the Northeast outside Durham and Newcastle. Instead, you can expect to find country houses converted into welcoming hotels, old coaching inns that still greet guests after 300 years, and cozy bed-and-breakfasts convenient to hiking trails. Many budget accommodations close in winter.

Battlesteads Hotel

$ | Hexham Rd., Hexham, NE48 3LS, England

Located 10 miles north of Hexham and "beyond the wall," this delightful old inn combines three virtues: good food, cozy rooms, and eco-friendly credentials. Bedrooms are simple but modern, with colorful decor and good-size bathrooms, and four rooms are fully wheelchair accessible. The best option is the luxury lodge on the grounds of the hotel, complete with supersized spa bath and terrace. The restaurant uses produce grown in the hotel's own gardens, and is especially crowded on Sunday.

Pros

  • Secret walled garden
  • Excellent Sunday roasts
  • Green ethos

Cons

  • Some rooms on the small side
  • No mobile phone reception
  • Service slow when busy
Hexham Rd., Hexham, NE48 3LS, England
01434-230209
hotel Details
22 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

  • $

Beadnell Towers

$$ | The Wynding, Bamburgh, NE67 5AY, England

Five miles south of Bamburgh on the scenic coastal road, this chic boutique hotel combines 18th-century heritage and character with 21st-century luxury and comfort. The individually designed rooms are colorful and spacious, with exposed brick walls and criss-crossing beamed ceilings, though the decor varies dramatically so not everything will be to everyone's taste. For ultimate luxury, opt for the top-floor Craa's Nest suite, which includes a comfy seating area, free-standing copper bath, and even a telescope (to scan the horizon for ships). Downstairs, The Towers kitchen, lounge, and bar serves good food all day long; try the fish pie, which is the catch of day topped with a cheddar crust and served with buttered greens.

Pros

  • Delicious locally sourced food
  • Free parking for guests
  • A short walk to sandy Beadnell Bay

Cons

  • Room decor varies wildly so pick carefully
  • Restaurant gets busy on weekends
  • Dogs can stay so barking may be heard
The Wynding, Bamburgh, NE67 5AY, England
01665-721211
hotel Details
18 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

  • $$

Doxford Hall Hotel

$$ | Off A1, Alnwick, NE67 5DN, England

Around six miles east of Dunstanburgh Castle, halfway between Alnwick and Bamburgh, lies this 200-year-old country mansion—now a popular spa hotel. Set within lovely gardens (including a walled garden and hedge maze) and surrounded by rolling, lake-dotted countryside, the central building is home to a host of well-appointed bedrooms and suites. There's also an excellent restaurant, and extensive spa facilities, including a large heated swimming pool, jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, and several treatment rooms. For longer or more secluded stays, opt for one of the three coach houses or the self-catering cottage in the grounds. Even if you aren't able to stay the night, you can still visit with a day package, which can include spa treatments and a two-course lunch.

Pros

  • Gorgeous Georgian property
  • Fascinating "history of Northumberland" tapestry in hall
  • Theraputic deep pressure massage

Cons

  • Some rooms old fashioned
  • Gym is small and a little tired
  • Can get booked up with weddings
Off A1, Alnwick, NE67 5DN, England
01665-589700
hotel Details
36 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

  • $$

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Farlam Hall

$$$ | Off A869, Greenhead, CA8 2NG, England Fodor's Choice

Seven miles southwest of Greenhead on the edge of the North Pennines, this luxury country estate is an idyllic away-from-it-all escape. The rooms are beautifully appointed in warm grays, greens, and blues, with modern bathrooms and garden views while larger groups can enjoy the extra spacious cottages on the grounds. The elegant Cedar Tree Restaurant offers fine dining using the best local and seasonal produce, with meals accompanied by stunning views across the manicured lawn to the ornamental lake. Take a stroll around the grounds, including the lovely walled garden, and consider a short walk to the village's pretty St. Thomas a Becket Church, where the chief engineer of the Titanic is buried.

Pros

  • Spacious rooms with garden views
  • Beautiful decor throughout
  • Relaxing rural setting

Cons

  • A 15-minute drive from the wall
  • Service can be a little slow
  • Minimum two-night stay in summer
Off A869, Greenhead, CA8 2NG, England
01697-746234
hotel Details
13 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

Hallow and Crux

$$ | 34 Narrowgate, Alnwick, NE66 1JG, England

Magic-loving Muggles will go wild for this enchanting boutique hotel in the heart of Alnwick, which evokes all the spirit of the wizarding worldeven if its literary inspiration is never actually named. The four atmospheric rooms, which are called things like The Marauders and The Dumbledorm, as well as the stairways and corridors that link them, are decked out with stuffed owls, broomsticks, and burgundy-and-gold scarves, and lit by "candlelight." However, there are plenty of mod-cons to enjoy too, from Hypnos beds and smart TVs to coffee machines and rainfall showers. Downstairs is the Dirty Bottles bar, which serves excellent pub food (with a focus on smoked meats) and fancy cocktails until late. There's no parking on-site, but you can pick up a parking disc for £1 and leave your car on nearby Pottergate (!) street.

Pros

  • Delicious breakfasts (try the kippers)
  • Great town center location
  • Quirky decor that alludes to "The Book That Must Not Be Named"

Cons

  • Short window for breakfast and early check-out
  • Wi-Fi is patchy in rooms
  • Heritage features like separate hot and cold faucets will charm some but annoy others
34 Narrowgate, Alnwick, NE66 1JG, England
01665-606193
hotel Details
4 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

  • $$

INNSiDE Newcastle

$$ | Bridge Court, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3BE, England

This large but stylish design hotel is a relatively new addition to Newcastle's waterfront yet it's already proving to be one of the city's most in-demand stays. Each of its stylishly understated bedrooms, which range from cozy double rooms to large townhouse suites, offer floor-to-ceiling windows (most with river views), modern bathrooms with rainfall showers, and good-sized smart TVs as well as extra touches like yoga mats. The hotel also has Gino D'Acampo Quayside, an excellent Italian restaurant with an appealing riverside terrace as well as a fully-equipped 24-hour gym. There's also a great selection of local artwork throughout.

Pros

  • Appealing riverside setting
  • Design elements that reflect the Tyne bridges
  • Great on-site Gino D'Acampo restaurant

Cons

  • No coffee machine in basic rooms
  • Feels like a business hotel in places
  • Restaurant can get busy with non-guests
Bridge Court, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3BE, England
0191-338–7710
hotel Details
161 rooms
Rate Includes: No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

Jesmond Dene House

$$ | Jesmend Dene Rd., Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 2EY, England Fodor's Choice

Occupying a sprawling 19th-century mansion in the northeastern part of the city, this attractive, independent boutique hotel is surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens overlooking a stream with a small waterfall and is filled with polished oak floors, huge windows, and wandering staircases. You can read the paper by the inglenook fireplace in the lounge or curl up on a firm bed in one of the chic and modern guest rooms. For ultimate comfort, book one of the two major suites; each offers quirky sloping ceilings, spacious seating areas, and appealing rooftop terraces. Downstairs, the elegant Fern Dining Room run by renowned local chef Danny Parker serves elegant yet unfussy dishes using the finest regional meat and produce; try the aromatic tandoori spiced monkfish or the indulgent cheddar cheese and spinach soufflé. Ask at reception for a quick peek inside The Great Hall, a grand high-ceilinged room with oak paneling, huge Gothic windows, and an intricately carved fireplace, all overlooked by an ornate minstrels' gallery.

Pros

  • Stylish bathrooms with underfloor heating
  • Delicious breakfasts
  • Free private parking

Cons

  • Some room TVs are a little small
  • 15 minutes by bus or tram to the center
  • "New House" rooms are less interesting
Jesmend Dene Rd., Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 2EY, England
0191-212–3000
hotel Details
40 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

  • $$

Langley Castle

$$ | Off A686, Hexham, NE47 5LU, England

Close your eyes and imagine an English castle: you're probably picturing Langley, a lavish 14th-century fortification complete with turrets and battlements. Today, the castle is a romantic hotel, offering large, well-appointed rooms—both in the castle and out in the grounds (with castle views)—as well as one of the region's best fine-dining experiences. The romantic baronial dining room, with little candlelit alcoves draped in rich fabric, offers an excellent three-course prix-fixe menu of traditional English dishes with Italian twists; think ravioli stuffed with ox cheek. There's also a lighter (and cheaper) snack menu, served in the equally attractive drawing room. Langley Castle is six miles west of Hexham. Stick around after breakfast for the free morning tour of the battlements.

Pros

  • Romantic and historic setting
  • Lavish afternoon tea
  • Full movies and sports TV packages in rooms

Cons

  • Breakfast can be hit-or-miss
  • Decor a little tired in places
  • Service can be slow
Off A686, Hexham, NE47 5LU, England
01434-688888
hotel Details
27 rooms
Rate Includes: No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

Lord Crewe Hotel

$$ | Front St., Bamburgh, NE69 7BL, England

This cozy, stone-walled inn with oak beams sits in the heart of the village and has simple, modern guest rooms decorated with pine furnishings; some of them date back to the 1600s. The food in the bar and in the restaurant, especially the freshly caught seafood, is excellent, making it an ideal spot for lunch while you're touring the area.

Pros

  • In the center of the village
  • Good seafood restaurant
  • Close to Bamburgh Castle

Cons

  • Pub can get quite crowded
  • Some uninspiring room decor
  • Pet-friendly bar is ideal for dog lovers but not for allergy sufferers
Front St., Bamburgh, NE69 7BL, England
01668-214243
hotel Details
7 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

  • $$

Lumley Castle Hotel

$$ | Off B1284, Chester-le-Street, DH3 4NX, England Fodor's Choice
Lumley Castle Hotel, Beamish Open-Air Museum
Lumley Castle Hotel

This is a real Norman castle, right down to the dungeons and maze of dark flagstone corridors—one room even has a bathroom hidden behind a bookcase. Antiques and rich fabrics lend the castle rooms a sumptuous feel (those in the courtyard annex are less expensive, but also less atmospheric), while the bar and lounge areas are fittingly decked out with historic portraits and chandeliers. Dine in the modern and surprisingly inexpensive Black Knight—perhaps the hotel's most beautiful room—or join one of the regular, and somewhat cheesy, Elizabethan banquets (£36.50; one goblet of wine and one of mead included). You'll find the hotel just east of Chester-le-Street, around eight miles north of Durham on the road to Newcastle.

Pros

  • Great for antiques lovers
  • Gorgeous high-ceilinged restaurant
  • Good value out of high season

Cons

  • Easy to get lost among winding corridors
  • A little way out of Durham
  • (verily) ye banquet is cheesy
Off B1284, Chester-le-Street, DH3 4NX, England
0191-389–1111
hotel Details
73 rooms
Rate Includes: No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

Macdonald Linden Hall

$$$ | Off A697, Longhorsley, NE65 8XF, England

Built as a getaway for a wealthy banker in 1812, this charming country estate surrounded by 450 acres of private grounds is wonderfully secluded; it's a full five minutes' drive off the nearest public road. The original building is well maintained, particularly the beautiful, spacious atrium and a wood-paneled bar. A modern wing has less character, and the guest rooms could do with a face-lift, but the beds are comfortable and the bathrooms modern. The Dobson Restaurant serves good Modern British cuisine, and there's the family-friendly Linden Tree pub if you want something more relaxed. Part of the vast estate has been converted into an 18-hole golf course, which makes it a popular destination for sports enthusiasts. There's also a spa and a swimming pool. The hotel is located just off the A1, roughly halfway between Morpeth and Alnwick.

Pros

  • Out-of-the-way escape
  • Soothing spa
  • Gorgeous original building

Cons

  • Can get overrun by large tour groups
  • Visiting spa means a trip outside
  • Bedrooms not as well maintained as public areas
Off A697, Longhorsley, NE65 8XF, England
0344-879–9084
hotel Details
50 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

Malmaison

$$ | 104 Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3DX, England

Converted from an old riverside warehouse, this glamorous, design-conscious hotel sits beside the iconic Millennium Bridge. Guest rooms, done in a modern style with clever rococo-esque touches of gilt and velvet, are spacious, and the huge beds are piled high with pillows. The discreet Mal restaurant presents modern French fare in a room overlooking the Tyne. Combined dinner, bed, and breakfast deals are available.

Pros

  • Spacious and soundproofed rooms
  • Relaxing spa
  • Good restaurant with river views

Cons

  • Unreliable Wi-Fi
  • Bordello chic decor not for everyone
  • Lacks the intimacy of small hotels
104 Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3DX, England
0191-389–8627
hotel Details
122 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

  • $$

Ramside Hall

$$$$ | Off A690, Durham, DH1 1TD, England Fodor's Choice

Just a short drive or taxi ride from the center of town yet surrounded by a sea of green, Ramside Hall is one of the most luxurious stays in the northeast. The main hotel has some good rooms and wonderful suites, but the treehouses are even better—they're built on stilts and set in woodland overlooking the two 18-hole Championship golf courses surrounding the hotel. Each of the one-, two-, and three-bedroom treehouses offers a spacious living room with a gas fireplace and enormous TV, a well-equipped kitchenette, a modern bathroom with a free-standing copper bath, and a spacious terrace with a hot tub and steam room. Shuttle buses take you from the treehouses to the main hotel complex, where there are two excellent dining options (try the pan-Asian restaurant Fusion) and an ultra-modern spa with pools galore.

Pros

  • Modern spa with multiple pools
  • Delicious bone marrow fries in the Rib Room
  • Luxury treehouses set among 350 acres

Cons

  • Short drive (or long walk) to the city center
  • Events in main hotel can get noisy
  • Expensive option for the region
Off A690, Durham, DH1 1TD, England
0191-386–5282
hotel Details
127 rooms
Rate Includes: No Meals

Quick Facts

Seaham Hall

$$$ | Lord Byron's Walk, Seaham, SR7 7AG, England Fodor's Choice

In 1815, Lord Byron married Annabella Milbanke in this foursquare mansion on a cliff top overlooking the sea; today, the sumptuous contemporary interior is a haven of luxury. Stately bedrooms have their own fireplaces, original artwork, two-person baths, and exotic flowers. At the equally elegant restaurant, indulge in dishes such as loin of venison and root vegetables flavored with chocolate. Make some time for the excellent Serenity Spa, inspired by feng shui principles. Seaham is right on the northeastern edge of County Durham, around 13 miles from the city of Durham.

Pros

  • Pampering rooms
  • Full of atmosphere
  • Wonderful spa facilities

Cons

  • Far outside town
  • High prices
  • You'll have to dress up for dinner
Lord Byron's Walk, Seaham, SR7 7AG, England
0191-516–1400
hotel Details
19 suites
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

The Cookie Jar

$$ | 12 Bailiffgate, Alnwick, NE66 1LU, England Fodor's Choice

With sumptuously appointed rooms, a popular bistro restaurant, and convenient location right by the castle, this historic convent-turned-boutique-hotel is Alnwick's most luxurious stay. Each of the 11 rooms are beautifully and individually decorated, but if you have to pick one, make it the Chapel—arguably the holy grail of Northumberland hotel rooms. This stunning (and seriously spacious) suite combines beautiful old chapel features like carved beam ceilings and stained glass windows with modern luxury like a super-soft king bed, drench shower, freestanding bath, 60-inch flat-screen TV, and an Amazon Echo. Even if you don't stay here, pop in for a decadent afternoon tea (Thursday through Saturday) or a delicious dinner.

Pros

  • Spacious rooms and Alnwick's poshest suite
  • Delicious cooked breakfast
  • Housemade cookies in rooms

Cons

  • Superior rooms are expensive
  • No afternoon tea served midweek
  • Unrelentingly blue decor
12 Bailiffgate, Alnwick, NE66 1LU, England
01665-510465
hotel Details
11 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

  • $$

Walwick Hall

$$$ | B6318, Hexham, NE46 4BJ, England Fodor's Choice

A short stroll from Chesters Roman Fort, this boutique country estate offers beautifully appointed rooms, a sophisticated fine dining restaurant, and a modern spa with a glass-walled pool. Each of the 10 bedrooms is tastefully decorated with muted colors and tartans and includes a king bed, coffee machine, smart TV, and marble bathroom. The refined Dining Room restaurant, with its elegant floral wallpaper and pastel-colored chairs, serves seasonal menus of British specialties, from roast lamb to seared sea trout. Guests can also enjoy the fitness suite, swimming pool, jacuzzi, and steam room, and there are spa treatments available.

Pros

  • Gorgeous Georgian property
  • Views over the lawn to the hills beyond
  • Excellent restaurant (try the sticky toffee pudding)

Cons

  • Service can be slow
  • Only one spa treatment room
  • Expensive for the area
B6318, Hexham, NE46 4BJ, England
01434-620156
hotel Details
10 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

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