Honest Lawyer Hotel Durham Exterior photoHonest Lawyer Hotel Durham Exterior photoHonest Lawyer Hotel Durham Exterior photo
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From79US$ /night
Check-in
02May2026Select date
Check-out
03May2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Croxdale,, Durham, United Kingdom, DH1 3SP
-
Close to Durham Cathedral
Very good
7.7
8.3
/10
4.0
3.9
/5

Location

Honest Lawyer Hotel is situated less than 3 miles from Durham City Centre, close to the banks of the River Wear. The hotel offers easy access to the scenic highlights of County Durham, with attractions like The Auckland Project nearby. Guests can use ample free parking with space for over 100 cars.

Rooms

The hotel consists of 51 individual bedrooms, including Four Poster rooms and Courtyard rooms with private entrances. Room types accommodate single, double, twin, and family occupancy, alongside accessible rooms equipped for disabled guests. Spacious combinations like Room 42/43 provide separate sleeping areas with en suite facilities.

Dining

Guests can enjoy a full English or continental breakfast served daily for £11.95 per person in the restaurant located in the main building. The on-site bar provides a range of meals and drinks, with lunch and dinner available during specified hours. Locally sourced dishes highlight the best produce Durham has to offer.

Pet-Friendly Amenities

The Honest Lawyer Hotel welcomes pets in designated Courtyard Rooms for a fee of £7.50 per dog per night. Well-behaved dogs may accompany owners in the Bar and Atrium area. Dog bowls are available upon request.

Stargazing and Activities

The hotel is positioned for stargazing enthusiasts, with direct access from Courtyard rooms for easy entry at any hour. The nearby Durham Dales offer Dark Sky Discovery Sites with excellent views. Guests can utilize stargazing maps and guides available through This Is Durham.

Highlights

Location: Less than 3 miles from Durham City Centre

Rooms: 51 individual bedrooms, including accessible options

Dining: Full English breakfast and locally sourced dishes

Pet-Friendly: Courtyard rooms available for pets

Activities: Stargazing access with Dark Sky maps

“This family-owned hotel strikes me as a solid base for exploring Durham, especially with its proximity to historical trails and Durham Cathedral. The pet-friendly policy, including designated courtyard rooms, really stood out to me. While the on-site dining at Bailey's Restaurant sounds appealing, the surrounding natural beauty offers a unique opportunity for stargazing.”
Hotel logo
Olivia SmithEditor-in-Chief at Cheaphotels
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Select your room type

The hotel provides a selection of rooms—doubles, family rooms, and suites—with perks like free cancellation, breakfast options, and great value deals
Four Poster Room
2 persons
240 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Family Room
2 persons
345 sq. feet 
1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
Shower
Heating
Double Room
2 persons
175 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Twin Room
2 persons
175 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
Shower
Heating
Click button to see more rooms
Show all rooms
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Amenities & services

Real traveler stories and honest reviews—no glossy ads, just authentic feedback to guide your booking
Facilities: Very good
7.7/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • 24-hour reception
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • Pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Coffee shop
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers

Sports & Fitness

  • Hiking
  • Cycling
  • Golf course
  • Fishing

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Pet amenities available
  • Room service
  • Car hire
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • In-room breakfast
  • Restaurant
  • Snack bar
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Dinner
  • Packed lunches
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots
  • Board games
  • Children's menu
  • Children's play area

Spa & Leisure

  • Live entertainment
  • Sun terrace
  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Sink

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite

At Honest Lawyer Hotel, guests can savor thoughtfully prepared British cuisine at Baileys Restaurant, which offers a family-friendly atmosphere perfect for any occasion. With a commitment to locally sourced ingredients, the seasonal menus provide an authentic taste of County Durham's rich culinary heritage.
Honest Lawyer Hotel Durham Restaurant photo
Honest Lawyer Hotel Durham Restaurant photo
Honest Lawyer Hotel Durham Restaurant photo

Baileys Restaurant

Traditional British
Ambiance
Family friendly with a welcoming, traditional vibe.
Key Offerings
Enjoy a variety of delectable starters, main courses, vegetarian and vegan options, plus house favorites alongside locally sourced steak, all paired with a fine selection from the world wine list.
Reservation
Recommended for dinner.
Monday to Friday: 07:00 - 21:00; Saturday: 08:00 - 21:00; Sunday: 08:00 - 19:00.

Honest Lawyer Hotel Location

Croxdale,, Durham, United Kingdom, DH1 3SP
Map view
Croxdale,, Durham, United Kingdom, DH1 3SP
Nearby
Plant for the Future
1200 ft
Restaurants
The Honest Lawyer Restaurant
100 ft
Restaurant
Explore Durham
Explore Croxdale
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Croxdale Hall
Croxdale Hall
10 minutes' walk
A historic site featuring stunning architecture and landscaped gardens, ideal for photography and history enthusiasts.
Durham University Botanic Garden
Durham University Botanic Garden
30 minutes' walk
Home to diverse plant collections and tranquility, offering picturesque walks and educational events year-round.
Oriental Museum
Oriental Museum
35 minutes' walk
Features a rich collection of artifacts from Asia, with occasional free admission days and guided tours.
Willow Arbour
8 minutes' walk
A serene park area perfect for relaxation and family picnics, showcasing beautiful willow trees and green spaces.
Golfing at Mount Oswald Golf Club
30 minutes' walk
A scenic 18-hole golf course providing a challenging experience, with rental services available for equipment.
Relaxing at Poplar Tree Garden Centre & Coffee Shop
10 minutes' drive
A tranquil garden center featuring a café and shop, ideal for leisurely afternoons with homemade treats.
The Honest Lawyer Restaurant
The Honest Lawyer Restaurant
1 minute' walk
Offers classic British cuisine in a cozy setting, featuring seasonal dishes and locally sourced ingredients.
Willow Miner's Wife
10 minutes' walk
A delightful pub serving hearty meals, known for its friendly atmosphere and signature fish and chips.
Durham City Golf Club
35 minutes' walk
A vibrant venue known for social events and meet-ups, suitable for golf enthusiasts and casual visitors.
Prince Bishops Shopping Centre
Prince Bishops Shopping Centre
50 minutes' walk
Offers shopping, dining, and occasional entertainment events, perfect for families and shoppers alike.
Getting around town
City Centre
Durham7 min  ·  2.7 mi
Airports
Durham Tees Valley (MME)51 min  ·  20.9 mi
Newcastle (NCL)65 min  ·  26.9 mi
Train
Durham Train Station8 min  ·  3.0 mi
Bus
Bus stop7 min  ·  2.8 mi
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Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-22:00
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Breakfast
You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs GBP12.50 per person per day. 
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Year renovated:
2008
Number of rooms:
50
Former name
BEST WESTERN Honest Lawyer Hotel

Reviews and Ratings

What past guests shared about their stay
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Honest Lawyer Hotel offers a convenient location with a bus stop right outside, providing easy access to Durham city center. Guests appreciate the good-sized rooms, especially the showers with excellent water pressure, and the option to park directly outside their rooms in the motel-style layout. Breakfast is a highlight, often described as good and filling; some have noted that dinner is also of good standard. While a few guests found the bathroom decor a little worn, the hotel offers a practical and accessible base for exploring the area.
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Review score
Based on 824 verified reviews
7.8/10
Very good
76%
Recommend
Free Wi-Fi
8.9/10
Breakfast
8.6/10
Paid Wi-Fi
7.5/10
Facilities
7.7/10
Pros
Comfortable beds
Good food
Friendly staff
Cons
Outdated room
Guest reviews
based on 824 reviews
7.8/10
based on 1443 reviews
7.7/10
Riley from Australia
Family with children
Family Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:February 04, 2026
8.3/10

Very Satisfactory Stay

delicious foodasian dishesconvenient proximityeasy walk
The breakfast offered sufficient options and the food tasted delicious. The bistro restaurant offered a good selection, including Asian dishes, it was not crowded. Proximity to the bus service for city access was convenient. I enjoyed the easy walk to the beach at Porobello.
The sink had a small crack, though this did not affect its functionality.
Facilities
8/10
The hotel includes a bar and restaurant within the main building, these areas showed recent refurbishment efforts. A car park provides direct access to motel-style rooms. I found this convenient. Open garden spaces offer opportunities to enjoy fresh air.
Location
9/10
The hotel is situated on a main road. This facilitates bus routes into the city. Rooms at the rear faced a field backed by woodland. I found the location offered convenient access to transport links, though not secluded.
Rooms
8/10
The room was adequately equipped. It featured two chairs, multiple sockets, and mirrors. A warm shower over the bath provided reliable hot water. I appreciated the functional setup of the room, though some aspects was somewhat worn
0 Helpful
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harper from canada
Family with children
family room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:February 03, 2026
9.0/10

amazing stay! highly recommend!!!

comfortable bedgenerous roomeasy tv
The beds were comfortable! the room size was generous, great for moving around. the tv was a great size and very easy to use!!! the bathroom and shower were also a fantastic size. dinner was good. I found the atmosphere friendly and the food wonderful.
the decor is a little dated.
Dining
9/10
I enjoyed a wonderful dinner with a friendly atmosphere. The food was delicious! the selection of meals was varied, i found the presentation to be elegant, and the service was attentive! drinks were available quickly.
Location
8/10
the hotel's proximity to the university provided easy access. a nearby river bridge offered a scenic view. a short drive leads to the city center. it's a convenient spot for various destinations.
Rooms
9/10
our family room was a generous size, perfect for our needs. the tv size was great and easy to operate. the bathroom featured good space, very helpful for accessibility. the beds were comfortable for restful nights.
Service
10/10
the staff at the front desk were very helpful and cute, addressing our needs quickly. the wait staff were polite, our dining experience was enjoyable. every staff member went out of their way, it felt appreciated.
0 Helpful
|
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Scarlett from Ireland
Couple
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:February 01, 2026
9.0/10

A Tranquil Retreat, Celebrating Moments

attentive staffdelicious dinnerserene escape
I found the staff attentive and amicable. They made every effort to ensure I was comfortable. My Sunday dinner featured a lovely selection of vegetables and proved delicious. The trail near the river provided a serene escape after a lengthy drive, offering moments of quiet reflection among beautiful scenery.
The bathroom decor felt a little worn, though it was functional
Dining
9/10
The Sunday dinner included an excellent variety of vegetables. Its selection enhanced the main course. The restaurant offers a pleasant atmosphere for enjoying meals.
Rooms
8/10
My room provided a view of the fields behind the hotel. The room also included all necessary amenities for a comfortable visit. It offered a relaxing space.
Facilities
9/10
Parking was convenient, with spaces available near the rooms. A nearby trail offers a scenic walk. It is perfect for peaceful moments. These facilities added to the pleasant experience.
Location
10/10
The location is near a bus stop. This enabled easy travel to the city. Taxis are readily available for shorter trips. The hotel provides simple access to attractions.
0 Helpful
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Penelope from United Kingdom
Single
Twin Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 31, 2025
9/10

a comfortable stay with accessible parking

accessible parkingpowerful showergenerous portions
the room setup allowed parking directly outside. the shower had a powerful stream. the meals featured generous portions and the bus stop to the city centre was a short walk away (about 2 minutes).
0 Helpful
Molly from United Kingdom
Single
twin room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 01, 2025
9/10
easy parkingfarmland viewfriendly staff
I appreciated the easy parking right near the room door. the view from the window overlooked farmland. It helped me forget the nearby road (quite a treat, really). the staff were friendly and helpful throughout my stay.
the menu choice in the evening felt slightly limited.
0 Helpful
Rosie from Australia
Family with children
family room
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed:November 03, 2025
9.0/10

convenient stay

easy unloadingdog walkvaried breakfast
motel style rooms allowed driving directly to the door for easy unloading. this was helpful with luggage. a dog walk verge sat just outside the entrance. footpaths were also accessible. breakfast had a great variety.
the bar was the only option for dining one evening, not the hotel's restaurant.
Facilities
8/10
the hotel includes a bar and restaurant. there are meeting rooms available for events. gardens offer outdoor space for relaxation. reception operates 24 hours a day.
Rooms
9/10
the room provided faced a field. this made it quiet. the room design was nice. i noted no road noise even with a main road nearby.
Service
10/10
staff assisted when i checked in. they were friendly. water was given with ice while staff answered a question. i appreciated this extra attention to detail.
Location
9/10
a bus stop is located directly outside the hotel. the bus makes accessing the city simple. leaving my car in the parking lot was permitted. this allowed me to use the bus.
Dining
9/10
the restaurant served large portions. the food tasted good and was well cooked. prices seemed reasonable for what was offered. the restaurant staff was also attentive.
0 Helpful
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FAQs
About Honest Lawyer Hotel
What are the check-in and check-out times at Honest Lawyer Hotel?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
How far is Honest Lawyer Hotel from Durham Cathedral?
The hotel is located 4 km from Durham Cathedral.
What dining options are available at Honest Lawyer Hotel?
The hotel has an on-site restaurant, Bailey's, which offers seasonal British dishes and a bar area for drinks and light snacks.
Is there parking available at Honest Lawyer Hotel?
The hotel offers free on-site parking for all guests.
What amenities are included in the rooms at Honest Lawyer Hotel?
Rooms feature free Wi-Fi, an LCD TV, tea and coffee making facilities, and a private bathroom with toiletries.
What are some nearby attractions to Honest Lawyer Hotel?
Nearby attractions include Durham Castle and the Auckland Project, both within 5 km.
What recreational activities does Honest Lawyer Hotel offer?
The hotel features a children's playground, golf course access, and themed dinner nights.
How far is Honest Lawyer Hotel from Durham train station?
The hotel is approximately 10 minutes' drive from Durham train station.
Is breakfast available at Honest Lawyer Hotel?
Breakfast is available for an additional charge of £12.
What languages do the staff at Honest Lawyer Hotel speak?
Staff members are proficient in English, ensuring smooth communication with guests.

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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room