Searching for cheap places to stay in Durham city centre? As the filming location of Harry Potter, Durham is a historic and quaint city with the World Heritage Durham Cathedral. Limited by the small peninsula’s terrain geography, and as a hot university and tourist town, living in Durham, especially in the city centre, can be very expensive. Some low-priced hotels labelled near the city centre may, in fact, require climbing a very Steep Hill to reach the cathedral. Therefore, our blog has compiled a clear and comprehensive guide to help you find affordable places to stay without sacrificing comfort and convenience, or walking into a trap. Whether you’re a visiting parent, a future student to join the Open Day, or a visitor to the cathedral, check out our top cheap hotels in Durham city centre UK together!
Cheap Hotels in Durham City Centre: Overview
Many people visit Durham to enjoy its historic beauty. If you rush to book cheap hotels in Durham city centre, UK, here is a quick breakdown of the best options tailored to specific needs, with their estimated price per night.
| Top Cheap Places to Stay in Durham City Centre | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel / Inn | Best For | Est. Price | Parking | Breakfast | WiFi |
| Travelodge (Station Lane) | Students & Backpackers (Absolute Lowest Price) |
£30 – £60 | Free(Limited) | To-Go Box | Paid(Free 30m) |
| Premier Inn (Walkergate) | Families & Comfort (Avoids steep hills) |
£40 – £90 | Paid(Off-site) | Paid(Buffet) | Free |
| Delta Hotels (Marriott) | Couples & Business (River views & 4-star feel) |
£40 – £90 | Paid(On-site) | Paid | Free |
| The City Hotel | Nightlife & Location (Right in the centre) |
£40 – £90 | No | Included | Free |
| The Victoria Inn | GB Authentic Experience (Parents & Culture lovers) |
£90 – £100 | Free(Permit) | Included | Free |
| The Kingslodge Inn | Drivers & Pet Owners (Quiet & spacious) |
£90 – £130 | Free(On-site) | Included | Free |
| University Rooms | Seasonal Bargain (Easter/Summer/Winter only) |
£45 – £60 | No | Included | Free |
Cheap Places to Stay in Durham City Centre: Chain Hotels
Among all the hotels in Durham city centre, chain hotels offer a reliable baseline for cleanliness and price, which is a sought-after choice for most tourists. We introduce 3 top-searched chain hotels in Durham city centre to provide you with a deeper understanding.
Travelodge Durham (Station Lane)
- Price: £30-£60 per night
- Location: Station Lane, Gilesgate, Durham, DH1 1LJ, UK
- Tel: 08719 846136
- Highlights: affordable, limited free parking
Travelodge Durham at Station Lane is the cheapest hotel near Durham city centre, just a stone’s throw from the city’s UNESCO World Heritage sites. Getting to Durham Cathedral takes about 15 minutes on foot, and the Oriental Museum is a 20-minute bus trip. There is a pub (The Woodman Inn, 5 min walk), bakery (Claypath Delicatessen, the most beautiful bread in Durham), and restaurants like Vino Pho (New Vietnamese restaurant) steps away.
Parking in Durham city centre is expensive, but Travelodge offers limited free parking on a first come first served basis. You can make a call in advance to check availability. Also, the hotel is generally regarded as clean and comfortable, although facilities are relatively simple. Please note that getting back to the hotel from the city centre is uphill, so do not bring too much luggage; taking a cab may be better.
Premier Inn Durham City Centre (Walkergate)
- Price: £40-£90 per night
- Location: Freeman’s Pl, Walkergate, Durham DH1 1SW
- Tel: 0333 777 4669
- Highlights: Excellent location in city centre and near leisure centre
Premier Inn (Walkergate) is the top-rated budget accommodation in Durham city centre. It is the perfect choice if you want more comfort than at Travelodge while paying less than at Radisson Blu. Located in the Walkergate complex, the hotel has a lift that can take you from the riverside level to the downtown level above (at the entrance to Gala Theatre), saving a lot of effort getting to the city centre. The Freeman’s Quay Leisure Centre is just nearby, with lots of chain restaurants and pubs like Nando’s and Slug & Lettuce at your doorstep.
Unlike Travelodge, which only offers Breakfast To Go, Premier Inn has an “All You Can Eat” English buffet breakfast in its own restaurant. There is no on-site parking available at this hotel, but chargeable off-site parking is accessible at nearby Walkergate Car Park at a discounted rate of £8.10 for 24 hours.
Delta Hotels Durham Royal County
- Price: £40-£90 per night
- Location: Old Elvet, Durham, England, United Kingdom, DH1 3JN
- Tel: +44 191-386-6821
- Highlights: cheap 4-star hotel, convenient and quiet location, on-site parking
Delta Hotels is one of the best-value hotels in the Durham city centre, UK. As a 4-star hotel managed by Marriott, Delta is always available for under £100 per night, much more affordable than Indigo and Radisson. Located at the Old Elvet bridge, rooms at Delta Hotels are modern and refurbished, and many have breathtaking views of the River Wear, Durham Castle and the Cathedral. Although in the city centre, you can still enjoy quietness at night since it is located on the other side of the river, offering both convenience and peace of mind.
Delta has a well-equipped fitness center free and open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. There is a restaurant and bar on-site, offering convenience for residents. Both on-site parking and on-street parking at the front of the hotel are available, but on-site parking can be expensive at £4 per hour and £11 daily.
Cheap Places to Stay in Durham City Centre: Unique Inns and B&Bs
When looking for affordable places to stay in Durham city centre, inns or B&Bs are popular options for saving money on breakfast and also experiencing the true “British style”. If you want that feeling of “coming home” while also keeping your wallet safe, the following places are treasures in or near the city center.
The City Hotels
- Price: £40-£90 per night
- Location: New Elvet, Durham, United Kingdom
- Tel: 0191 389 7516
- Highlights: Flat location, pub downstairs
The City Hotels is the best location value inn in Durham city centre. Located at New Ekvet near the Elvet Bridge, getting to the Market Place or the Cathedral is a flat road or a very gentle slope. For visitors accompanying parents or those wishing to avoid steep climbs, this location is ideal. As a pub with rooms, the bar and restaurant are located downstairs. Some rooms also enjoy a stunning river view, a rare treat for a budget hotel.
The price at The City Rooms usually includes a freshly prepared hot breakfast, saving you nearly £30 per day on meals. As a hot pub, the evening can be noisy, and there is no lift or on-site parking.
The Victoria Inn
- Price: £90-£100 per night
- Location: 86 Hallgarth Street, Durham, DH1 3AS
- Tel: 0191 386 5269
- Highlights: Victorian neighbourhood, free off-street parking
The Victoria Inn is a budget place to stay in the Durham city centre that provides the best authentic experience. It is a 4-star inn and also an award-winning pub of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) and a regular feature in the Good Beer Guide. Unlike the bustling weekend bars found in The City Hotel, it feels more like a traditional Victorian neighbourhood pub with old-fashioned décor and a very stylish atmosphere. Rooms always include a top-notch breakfast that is worth £15. It is just next to Durham University’s Science Site and Palatine Centre, perfect for parents visiting. Also, the inn has free off-street parking and free wifi.
With only 6 rooms, Victoria Inn is very hot and hard to book. Remember to check and book in advance, and ask for parking permits if you need. Also, there is no lift in this protected historic building, and the walk from the city centre back to the hotel involves a gentle uphill slope.
The Kingslodge Inn
- Price: £90-£130 per night
- Location: Waddington Street, Flass Vale, Durham, DH1 4BG
- Tel: 0191 370 9977
- Highlights: central location and quiet, dog friendly, free parking
The Kingslodge Inn offers both city living and a relaxed countryside atmosphere. It is just a 10-minute stroll from the cathedral, surrounded by trees and away from the buzz of the city centre. It has ample free parking and free wifi, as well as a bar, lounge and beer garden. As a big professional inn, it has more rooms than the previous ones and is easy to book. Also, it is one of the very few places in Durham city centre that welcomes dogs and offers a pleasant environment (with woodland right outside for walking your dog).
Situated slightly further from the city centre core, it requires a 10-15 minute walk with an uphill stretch on the return journey. As this is an older establishment without lifts, it is advisable to request a ground-floor room. For guests not travelling by car (and thus unable to utilize the complimentary parking), the base room rate is comparatively higher than the previous two establishments.
Cheap Places to Stay in Durham City Centre: University Rooms
If you happen to visit Durham during Easter, summer or winter holidays (when students are away), you will unlock the city’s best-value hidden gem: University Rooms.
You will be able to pay just £45 – £60, which is half the price of budget hotels, to stay within the walls of Durham Castle (University College), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or wake up next to the cathedral at Hatfield College. What’s more, this price usually includes a full English breakfast in the Hogwarts-style Great Hall, offering you an experience so immersive and also priceless!
But let’s be clear (essential reading to avoid pitfalls): This is student accommodation, not a luxury resort. To get this bargain price, you’ll typically book a Standard Room, which means shared bathroom facilities, no TV in the room, and no lifts in the ancient colleges (think twice if you’re lugging two large suitcases!). But if you don’t mind basic facilities and simply want to stay in the city’s most central prime location at rock-bottom prices, this is absolutely the standout choice. Remember to search for ‘Event Durham’ and be quick off the mark to secure your room!
Long-Term Cheap Stays in Durham for Students
If you’re a student looking for cheap stays in Durham, uhomes.com offers affordable student housing in Durham starting at £130 per week. Student accommodation in Durham, especially PBSAs, is usually expensive, and we also have many budget-friendly PBSAs under £200 per week with the best amenities and convenience.
From private studios and social en-suites to spacious 1/2 bedroom apartments, our rooms are fully furnished with all-inclusive bills to ensure your quality of living and cater to diverse lifestyles. Also, our price-match guarantee will ensure you get the lowest market price for your room, and also offer vairous exclusive discounts and offers from time to time! Start your academic journery with us in this historic city!
Money Saving Tips
Finally, here are a few life-saving tips only locals know, helping you save every penny:
- Mind the Hills: Durham is built on hills. A map’s ‘10-minute walk’ often means a 10-minute uphill trek.
- Avoid pitfalls: For instance, Travelodge appears close to the city centre, but the return journey is all steep slopes (Claypath). If you can’t drag your suitcase and end up taking a taxi (£6-£8 one way), the savings on your accommodation vanish instantly.
- Handy Tip: If staying at Premier Inn, seek the public lift in the Walkergate complex. It whisks you from riverside to the elevated city centre, bypassing the uphill struggle!
2. Avoid Peak Dates: Durham’s accommodation prices fluctuate wildly. Absolutely steer clear of late January, late June/early July (graduation season), and early October (new student intake). Rates typically double during these periods, with rooms often sold out. Shift your stay by a week and prices halve.
3. Skip Hotel Breakfast: Unless your room includes breakfast (like at The City Hotel or University Rooms), don’t spend £12+ on chain hotel buffets. Greggs (Britain’s national breakfast spot) and Wetherspoons are everywhere downtown, where you can get a hearty brunch for £4-£5.
4. Avoid Parking Pitfalls (Parking Hack): City centre parking is prohibitively expensive (around £15 per night). For those driving, if you haven’t secured a free spot at Kingslodge, utilise out-of-town Park & Ride facilities or park at Prince Bishops Car Park (taking advantage of their overnight capped rate), which works out cheaper than hotel valet parking.
Top Attractions in Durham
Durham is compact, with its core attractions easily explored on foot. For budget travellers, the good news is that most premier sights are virtually free!
- Durham Cathedral: Its cloisters served as the filming location for Hogwarts School in the Harry Potter films.
- Durham Castle: It serves as a college of Durham University and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Riverside Walk: Strolling along the River Wear offers Durham’s most picturesque experience. Prebends Bridge provides the quintessential vantage point for photographing the cathedral.
- Durham Market Place: The city’s heart, hosting regular weekend open-air markets. The renowned Market Hall (indoor market) stands nearby, offering numerous affordable local delicacies.
Durham Transportation Guide
Durham is a transport hub, but once you arrive, getting around on foot is best.
Getting Here:
- By Train: Durham Station lies on the East Coast Main Line (LNER). Journeys take approximately 3 hours from London Kings Cross, 1 hour 45 minutes from Edinburgh, and just 12 minutes from Newcastle.
Getting Around:
- On Foot: The city centre is compact, with all attractions within walking distance (provided you’re prepared to tackle the hills).
- Cathedral Bus (No. 40/40A): This is a real lifesaver! It connects the train station, Market Square, and the cathedral.
- Fares: Tickets are inexpensive (typically £1–£2; sometimes free with a train ticket, subject to policy).
- Recommendation: If you’re lugging suitcases into the city centre or find the Cathedral Hill too steep, do take this bus.
- Taxis: Taxis are usually queuing outside the station entrance, with reasonable starting fares. A journey to the city centre typically costs £6–£8.
Best Time to Visit Durham
Choose the right time to save money and enjoy pleasant weather.
☀️ Best Balance: May – June & September
- Warmer weather with relatively less rainfall. Scenery is at its most beautiful, avoiding the peak summer tourist crowds.
💰 Cheapest Stay: University Holidays (Easter / Summer / Winter)
- As mentioned earlier, you can only secure ultra-low-cost accommodation like University Rooms during Easter (March–April), Summer (July–September), and Winter (December–January) breaks.
- Note: While summer offers more availability, it’s peak tourist season, requiring advance booking.
⛔️ Dates to Avoid: Graduation Week & Start of Term Week
- Congregation (Late January & Late June/Early July): During graduation ceremonies, hotel prices across town double and restaurants are packed to the rafters.
- Lumiere Festival (Every other November): During the light festival, Durham is flooded with hundreds of thousands of visitors, making accommodation virtually impossible to secure.
Final Thooughts
In short, visiting Durham doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. Whether you opt for Travelodge’s rock-bottom prices, Premier Inn’s convenience and comfort, or the unique holiday experience of University rooms, them Durham city centre offers accommodation to suit every budget. The key to save budget lies in planning ahead, including highlights such as avoid the peak graduation season, study the map, and make the most of complimentary breakfasts or parking perks. Save on accommodation costs to indulge in an extra hearty English breakfast or linger longer by the banks of the River Wear. Durham’s sights are free to enjoy, and now that you’ve sorted out affordable lodging, all that remains is to immerse yourself in the city!
FAQ
What are the cheap places to stay in Durham city centre?
The best cheap places to stay in Durham city centre include Travelodge Durham (Station Lane), which offers the absolute lowest rates with limited free parking, and Premier Inn Durham City Centre (Walkergate), which provides excellent value with a lift and air conditioning. For a more traditional experience, The City Hotel offers affordable rooms above a pub in the heart of the city, while Delta Hotels by Marriott can surprisingly be booked for under £90.
Are there any cheap hotels in Durham city centre with parking?
Yes, the cheap hotels in Durham city centre with parking include Travelodge Durham (Station Lane) and The Kingslodge Inn, both of which offer free on-site parking (though limited at Travelodge). The Victoria Inn is another great option that provides free on-street parking permits to guests.
Which cheap hotels in Durham city centre allow pets?
The main cheap hotels in Durham city centre that allow pets are The Kingslodge Inn, which is famous for being extremely dog-friendly, and Travelodge Durham (Station Lane), which allows pets for a small surcharge (usually £20). Delta Hotels by Marriott also welcomes pets if you are looking for a 4-star experience on a budget.
Are there any cheap places to stay near Durham University?
Cheap places to stay near Durham University include The Victoria Inn, which is the closest commercial option to the “Hill” colleges and Science Site, and Travelodge Durham (Station Lane), which is well-placed for the School of Education and Hild Bede College.
Since Durham University is collegiate (buildings are spread across the city), The City Hotel and Premier Inn are also convenient for the city centre departments, while booking a room within a college via Event Durham (during holidays) is the absolute best way to stay on campus.
Do any cheap hotels in Durham offer free breakfast?
The City Hotel, The Victoria Inn, and The Kingslodge Inn typically include a freshly cooked full English breakfast in their room rates. During university holidays, staying in University Rooms (such as Durham Castle) also usually comes with a free breakfast served in the historic Great Hall.
What are the best hotels close to Durham most popular attractions?
The best hotels close to Durham’s most popular attractions (the Cathedral and Castle) are The City Hotel and Delta Hotels by Marriott, as they are both located right next to Elvet Bridge, offering the easiest walking access to the historic peninsula. Premier Inn (Walkergate) is also a top choice, situated right in the city centre near the Market Place and Gala Theatre.
Which cheap hotels in Durham have a restaurant on-site?
The cheap hotels in Durham with a restaurant on-site include Premier Inn Durham City Centre, which features its standard Thyme Bar & Grill, and Delta Hotels by Marriott, which houses the Cast Iron Bar & Grill. Traditional inns like The Kingslodge Inn and The City Hotel are also excellent options, serving hearty pub food right downstairs.
What are the best cheap hotels in Durham near Durham Cathedral?
The best cheap hotels in Durham near Durham Cathedral are undoubtedly University Rooms (specifically Hatfield College or University College), which place you right on the World Heritage Site peninsula. For year-round availability, The City Hotel is the closest budget-friendly commercial option, located just across Elvet Bridge, only a 5-minute walk from the Cathedral.
Which cheap hotels in Durham are good for families?
The cheap hotels in Durham that are good for families include Premier Inn Durham City Centre (Walkergate), which is the top choice due to its spacious family rooms, lift access (essential for pushchairs), and proximity to family-friendly restaurants like Nando’s. Travelodge Durham is also a popular option for those on a strict budget, while Radisson Blu Hotel is worth considering for its indoor swimming pool, which is a huge hit with children.
Which cheap hotels in Durham are good for couples?
The best cheap hotels in Durham for couples are Delta Hotels by Marriott, which offers romantic river views and a quieter setting perfect for evening strolls, and The Kingslodge Inn, which provides a cosy, countryside retreat vibe with a log fire. Radisson Blu Hotel is also a great option if you can find a deal, as it features an indoor pool and spa for a relaxing couple’s getaway.
