Green Guide Durham

Nestled in the heart of the North East, Durham brings scenery and fascinating history together. With visitors having the option to explore on city breaks, coastal or countryside escapes, Durham truly has it all.

That's why we've created the LNER Green Guide; a one-stop shop to staying sustainable when you visit Durham. So whether you're looking for an eco-friendly adventure, or just a sustainable place to rest your head; here are our top recommendations for environmentally friendly places in Durham.

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Eco-friendly places to stay in Durham

From brand new ecologically-friendly lodges on the banks of the River Tee, to staying in a history filled castle a stones throw away from the Cathedral, Durham truly has it all when it comes to having a sustainable place to rest your head.

Durham places to stay

Durham Castle

BEST FOR: Anyone who wants to stay surrounded by history

ADDRESS: Palace Green, Durham, DH1 3RW

In term-time, this Norman castle and UNESCO World Heritage Site is reserved for students. But when they’ve gone home for the holidays, the public can book B&B accommodation here, just a stone’s throw from the Cathedral.

Durham Marriot Royal County

BEST FOR: Couples or families who want to stay close to the centre of town

ADDRESS: Old Elvet, Durham, DH1 3JN

In a convenient location, guests won’t be far from the River Wear, the Market Place, or the iconic Cathedral. The hotel’s Cast Iron Grill is open all day, although you’re just a hop, skip and a jump to lots of great dining options nearby.

Radisson Blu

BEST FOR: Couples, families, and solo travellers

ADDRESS: Frankland Lane, Durham, DH1 5TA

This riverside property is one of the first city-centre hotels you come
to when you walk from the station, which is about ten minutes away
however it is slightly longer uphill on the way back!

Seaham Hall

BEST FOR: Those looking for a luxurious, wellness retreat

ADDRESS: Lord Byron’s Walk, Seaham, County Durham, SR7 7AG

Located a 20 minute drive from Durham, Georgian country house hotel, Seaham Hall is socially and environmentally committed to deliver the best experiences for their guests.

Teesdale Cheesemakers

BEST FOR: Family friendly escapes

ADDRESS: Pond Farm, 11 Copley Lane, Butterknowle, Durham, DL13 5LW

Sleep under the dazzling dark skies of the Durham Dales in your very own private shepherds hut complete with private hot tub. Try your hand at cheesemaking or tuck into delicious food made from locally sourced
ingredients and sausages and bacon made from the farm’s pigs.

Whispering Waters Eco Lodges

BEST FOR: Getting back to nature

ADDRESS: Whispering Waters Lodges, Gainford, Barnard Castle, Durham, DL2 3AA

Three uniquely-designed ecologically-friendly lodges set along the banks of the River Tees in Teesdale - one of the least-discovered parts of England. Each equipped with a hot tub, the lodges have ‘meadow roofs’ that change with the seasons as well as heating features to keep you toasty warm in the winter months.

Conscious places to eat in Durham

Whether you're in the mood for some sustainable snacking, or looking for a classic pub lunch and a homecooked meal, Durham has a wide variety of places to eat who are all doing their bit for the environment.

Durham places to eat

Barrio Comida

BEST FOR: People who love authentic Mexican food

ADDRESS: 34 Church St, Durham, DH1 3DG

This tasty taqueria dishes up Mexicaninspired tacos, cocktails, and mezcal-based beverages. It started as a summer pop-up before finding a permanent base on Church Street.

Bells

BEST FOR: Fish and chip lovers

ADDRESS: 11 Market Place, Durham, DH1 3NE

Sometimes only a good fish and chips hits the spot. But even when you’re tucking into a delicious piece of cod or haddock, it’s good to know it’s come from sustainably-caught stocks, like Bells.

Cafedral

BEST FOR: Everyone who appreciates great homemade food

ADDRESS: First Floor, Ownegate House, Durham, DH1 3HB

As the name implies, you’re not far from the Cathedral if you stop for a bite here after wandering from the centre of town. There’s a wide range of favourites from sandwiches and light bites to pies and paninis, homemade cakes, and plenty of vegetarian and vegan choices.

Claypath Delicatessen

BEST FOR: Relaxed vibes and freshly baked breads

ADDRESS: 57 Claypath, Durham, DH1 1QS

Bakery specialising in sourdough breads and speciality coffee sourced via a local roaster. Relax within the cosy café during the winter months, and when the weather improves, soak up the sunshine in the outdoor seating within the deli garden.

El Castillo

BEST FOR: Those seeking a taste of Spain at tapas restaurant El Castillo

ADDRESS: Market Place, Bishop Auckland, Durham, DL14 7JF

Head to Bishop Auckland’s visitor destination, the Auckland Project, for a taste of Spain at tapas restaurant – El Castillo.

Flat White Kitchen

BEST FOR: Coffee connoisseurs

ADDRESS: 40 Saddler Street, Durham, DH1 3NU

Brunch is served all day at this lovely independent spot in a refurbished Grade II-listed building – and the queues you’ll often find outside prove its popularity.

Refuse Cafe

BEST FOR: Sustainable snacking

ADDRESS: 143c Front Street, Chester-le- Street, Durham, DH3 3AU

Intercepting approximately 12 tonnes of food that would otherwise go to waste each month, REfUSE redistributes unjustly wasted food from retailers around the North East and serve it to the community from its volunteer led ‘Pay As You Feel’ café in Chester-le-Street.

Undercroft Restaurant

BEST FOR: Everyone who appreciates great homemade food

ADDRESS: Durham Cathedral, The College, Durham, DH1 3EH

Located just off the Cloister, The Undercroft Restaurant is an eatery
at the world-renowned Durham Cathedral. A delicious range of homecooked food and sweet treats are on offer, made from locally-sourced produce and ingredients.

Whitechurch Free House

BEST FOR: Anyone who loves a pub lunch

ADDRESS: 29 Church Street Head, Durham, DH1 3DN

This friendly pub serves globally-inspired comfort food made from locally-sourced ingredients to a hungry mix of locals, tourists, and students. Its outdoor area is often booming on sunny summer days and there’s a café too for those on the go.

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Sustainable things to do in Durham

Why not hire a hand-built rowing boat and float down the River Wear, or explore the 10 hectares of natural beauty in Durham University's Botanic Gardens? Durham combines beautiful scenery with an enriched history ready for you to explore.

Durham things to do

Browns Boats

BEST FOR: Everyone who dreams of lazy summer days

ADDRESS: The Boathouse, Elvet Bridge, Durham, DH1 3AF

There’s something very relaxing about messing about on the river. You can
hire a hand-built rowing boat for a jaunt on the River Wear from the boathouse just under Elvet Bridge.

Crook Hall and Gardens

BEST FOR: Fresh air lovers

ADDRESS: Frankland Lane, Sidegate, Durham, DH1 5SZ

Crook Hall is a medieval manor built around 1220, which over the centuries has developed into a Jacobean then Georgian townhouse. Reopened under
the guidance of the National Trust, its café and ten-acre gardens give a fantastic view over the city.

Durham Botanic Garden

BEST FOR: Family fun, garden inspiration

ADDRESS: Hollingside Lane, South Road, Durham City, DH1 3TN

This RHS partner is not only beautiful to look at but also has a full programme of activities including Winter Wonderlands, and Family Fun days in the summer months.

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Doing our bit for the environment

A message from our Managing Director;

Travelling by train is the most eco-friendly mode of motorised transport, particularly our world-class Azuma trains which run under electric power on much of our network. If over the next year each of us substituted just half of our planned leisure car and plane journeys within the UK with train, we’d reduce our carbon emissions by a staggering 331 kgs.

With sustainable recommendations from LNER colleagues, locals and tourism organisations, this Guide has something for everyone to enjoy when exploring Dundee, Durham, and York this year and beyond.

We hope that you enjoy your journey. Please don’t forget to tag us on Twitter or Instagram @LNER and #GreenGuides so that everyone can see where and what you’ve been enjoying on your travels.

David Horne,
LNER Managing Director

LNER Environmental Policy

We’re committed to reducing our environmental impact and improving our environmental performance as an integral and fundamental part of our business.

Popular Trains to Durham