Name: Farnley Tower Guesthouse
Address: The Avenue, Durham, Durham
Price range: US$207+
Rating: 8.4

Farnley Tower Guesthouse Durham Exterior photo

Key details

About the Hotel

The Avenue, Durham

Near Wharton Park

Great

8.9

9.5

/10

5.0

4.3

Loved by Farnley Tower Guesthouse guests

Helpful staff

Excellent breakfast

Wonderful views

Super clean rooms

Easy walk

"We loved the Cathedral room - spacious, great bathroom, microwave, mini fridge and wonderful views over the city."

Mike from United Kingdom

read full review

"The Hotel has lots of character features and the bonus of free parking."

Tracy L from United Kingdom

read full review

"Onsite bar and Indian restaurant, well worth a visit."

Janet

read full review

Rooms at Farnley Tower

Farnley Tower provides 17 individually designed rooms. Standard en-suite rooms accommodate two guests. Twin rooms have two single beds. Family rooms include a double bed and two single beds. Single en-suite rooms have a small double bed and a private bathroom. Deluxe double rooms offer views of the Castle, Cathedral, and surrounding countryside. A double deluxe room includes tea/coffee making facilities, a kitchenette with a fridge, microwave, kettle, hairdryer, complimentary toiletries, bottled water, biscuits, and a smart flat-screen TV. All rooms include coffee/tea making facilities, a hairdryer, complimentary toiletries and flat-screen TV. Certain rooms include a seating area.

Dining: Holi and Bhang

The hotel features an onsite restaurant and bar, Holi & Bhang, specializing in authentic Indian cuisine. The restaurant is open 7 days a week. The menu includes local fresh produce and an extensive selection of wines, cocktails and draught beers. The restaurant seats 35 guests, plus 15 on the patio. Guests can relax on the patio overlooking the garden. The restaurant provides a range of starters, mains, desserts, and sundries.

Things to do

Guests can explore Waldridge Fell Country Park and Whitworth Hall Country Park. The establishment allows well-behaved dogs for an extra £15.

Location and Access

Farnley Tower Guesthouse sits on the outskirts of Durham City Centre, a short walk to Durham's historic city centre, Durham Castle, and Durham Cathedral World Heritage Site. Durham Tees Valley Airport is 40 km away. Guests can explore historic sites and river walks. Durham University Museum of Archaeology is 1 km away and The Riverwalk is 0.5 km away.

Hotel Services

Farnley Tower Guesthouse offers free Wi-Fi and free parking. All 17 rooms include premium bedding and laptop-friendly workspaces. Furry friends are also welcome. A freshly cooked breakfast with continental, gluten-free and vegan options are provided.

“I noted individually designed rooms, each offering its own thoughtful touches, and the on-site Indian restaurant, the only one of its kind in Durham is to be considered. I especially like the idea of the scenic views of Durham's skyline, combined with the personalized recommendations from the staff, which, in my opinion, creates a distinct sense of place. With alfresco dining available, it seems ideal for families seeking spacious accommodations or couples looking for a romantic getaway.”

Isabella MooreSenior Editorial Director at Petfriendlyhotels

Location: Great

8.9/10Review score

View hotel on map

Highlights from guests

DiningBreakfast Excellence

The breakfast had great options. It catered to different allergies. The Indian restaurant was on site. A guest mentioned homemade fudge too.

Olivia from Canada

Review on

Guest ParkingEasy Parking

There's ample parking right next to the building. An overflow car park is available. It made coming and going very simple.

Samuel from Australia

Review on

Room FeaturesSpacious Comfort

Our family room was generously sized. The attic room was huge and well equipped. The rooms have high ceilings.

Isabelle from France

Review on

Select your room type

Cozy rooms, spacious suites, and family-friendly homes, all with flexible cancellation policies & special deals

En Suite Twin Room
2 persons
270 sq. feet
2 Single beds
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Family Room
2 persons
325 sq. feet
1 Queen-size bed, 1 Single bed and 1 Sofa bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details
En Suite Double Room
2 persons
270 sq. feet
1 Queen-size bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details

Show all rooms

Price and room availability calendar

Check availability and rates for your selected dates!

Facilities

Enjoy premium amenities for a relaxing stay with your pet

Facilities: Great

8.8/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Free parking
Off-site car park
Express check-in/ -out
Pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
Security
Luggage storage
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Cycling

Services

Pet amenities available
Room service
Housekeeping
Laundry
Welcome drink
Happy hour

Dining

In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Special diet menus

Business

Business centre
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Children's buffet
Board games

Facilities for people with disabilities

Toilet for disabled

Spa & Leisure

Garden area

Room features

Heating
Sitting area
Dressing area
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Dining table

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle
Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Media

Flat-screen TV
CD player

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

At Farnley Tower Guesthouse, the dining experience is delightful and diverse, featuring the lively Holi and Bhang Restaurant and Bar, alongside Gourmet Spot. Whether enjoying a romantic dinner or a family gathering, the culinary delights promise to enchant every palate.

Farnley Tower Guesthouse Durham Restaurant photo

Holi and Bhang Restaurant and Bar

Authentic Indian cuisine

Ambiance

Family-friendly, modern vibe with romantic undertones. The main dining area invites cozy gatherings, while the patio offers an alfresco experience with an additional 15 spaces.

Key Offerings

A tantalizing array of vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free options, showcasing vibrant starters, mains, and desserts inspired by Indian festivals. An extensive selection of wines, cocktails, and draught beers complements the meal.

Reservation

Recommended

Open daily from 17:00 to 23:00

Gourmet Spot

Award-winning dining

Ambiance

Located on the lower grounds of the hotel, this restaurant provides a warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for intimate meals.

Key Offerings

Details about specific offerings are unavailable, but the focus is on gourmet dishes that elevate traditional flavors.

Reservation

Information not provided

No onsite dining information available.

Location

The Avenue, Durham

Map view

City landmarks

Church

Durham Cathedral

1.1 mi

Castle

Tunstall Chapel

1.2 mi

Mall

Prince Bishops Shopping Centre

1.0 mi

Garden

Crook Hall and Gardens

1.2 mi

Museum

Oriental Museum

1.4 mi

Landmark

Palace Green

1.1 mi

Landmark

Durham Castle

2900 ft

Library

Palace Green Library

1.1 mi

Landmark

Durham Riverside Walk

1.2 mi

Park

Wharton Park

4300 ft

Landmark

The Durham Light Infantry Memorial

3400 ft

Public Building

Durham Crown Court

1.5 mi

Landmark

Marquess of Londonderry's Statue

1.0 mi

Museum

Durham Museum

1.1 mi

Landmark

Neptune Statue

1.0 mi

Park

Durham University Botanic Garden

1.7 mi

Nearby

Durham Presbyterian Church

1600 ft

Restaurants

Club Mumbai

200 ft

The Avenue

Bella Mamma

2700 ft

Darlington Road

Antico Restaurant Durham

2700 ft

Darlington Road Neville's Cross Complex

The Kingslodge Inn

2900 ft

Waddington Street Flass Vale

Bailey's Restaurant

3100 ft

Croxdale Bridge Honest Lawyer Hotel

Alishaan

3700 ft

50-51 North Road

Bridge Hotel Restaurant

3200 ft

39-40 North Road

Domino's Pizza

3200 ft

41-43 North Road

Bean Social

3700 ft

53 North Road

Duke of Wellington

4600 ft

Darlington Road

Explore Durham

Local Highlights

Durham Cathedral

20 minutes' walk

UNESCO World Heritage site famous for Norman architecture and stunning stained glass windows. Free admission and guided tours available.

Durham Castle

10 minutes' walk

Historic castle offering unique insights into Durham's medieval past. Guided tours highlight its architecture and history.

Palace Green

25 minutes' walk

Beautiful green space surrounded by historic buildings, ideal for leisurely strolls and picnics. Hosts events throughout the year.

Durham Museum

25 minutes' walk

Museum showcasing Durham's local history and culture through exhibitions. Engaging for all visitors, with special family events.

Durham Riverside Walk

25 minutes' walk

Scenic walking route along the River Wear. Suitable for all levels and perfect for a leisurely stroll amid beautiful views.

Low Burnhall Woods

20 minutes' drive

Expansive woodlands featuring hiking and biking trails for outdoor enthusiasts. Great for a family-friendly adventure in nature.

Spa at the Inn

11 minutes' walk

Relaxation oasis offering massages and beauty treatments. Ideal for unwinding after a busy day exploring Durham.

Club Mumbai

1 minute' walk

Authentic Indian cuisine with a vibrant atmosphere, known for its flavorful dishes and friendly service. Reservations recommended.

Antico Restaurant Durham

10 minutes' walk

Charming Italian eatery famous for its fresh pasta and rustic decor. Family-friendly menu with vegetarian options available.

The Kingslodge Inn

11 minutes' walk

Pub-style dining with a cozy vibe. Offers classic British dishes and a selection of local ales, perfect for a casual night out.

The Gala Theatre

20 minutes' walk

Cultural venue hosting a variety of performances including live music, theater, and film screenings. Family-friendly options are available.

The Sandringham

10 minutes' walk

Popular local pub with a lively atmosphere, featuring quiz nights and live sports. A great spot for a casual evening with friends.

Getting around

City Centre
Durham 5 min · 1400 ft
Airports
Durham Tees Valley (MME) 57 min · 23.6 mi
Newcastle (NCL) 63 min · 26.0 mi
Train
Durham Train Station 11 min · 3000 ft
Bus
Bus stop 9 min · 2300 ft

Looking for exclusive early booking discounts?

Unlock special rates for your next adventure with your pet today!

Check Rates

Property information and rules

Check-in

from 14:00-18:00

Check-out

from 07:00-10:00

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Breakfast

You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs GBP 7.5 per person.

Children & extra beds

There are no extra beds provided in a room. There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Farnley Tower Guesthouse from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Farnley Tower Guesthouse is often praised for its beautiful, characterful building, sometimes even described as palatial, with some rooms offering lovely cathedral views. Guests frequently enjoy the spacious rooms, with features such as bay windows, while others appreciate the convenience of on-site dining, particularly the fabulous Indian restaurant. Some guests in certain rooms have noted occasional noise issues, but many find the location ideal, with a short walk to the centre and convenient access to local pubs.

Review score

Based on 5 verified reviews

8.4 /10

Great

100%

Recommend

Staff

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Facilities

8.8/10

Free Wi-Fi

8.8/10

Pros

Glorious views

Cute staff

Delicious breakfast

Cons

Awful bed

Tired rooms

Grubby curtains

based on 469 reviews

3.5/5

Alex from United Kingdom

Single

Deluxe Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 28, 2026

9.0/10

Excellent Stay

on-site parking excellent customer service comfortable room friendly staff

The hotel offers parking on site, very convenient. The staff ensured I felt welcomed. They were pretty good. I had a beautiful double room and found it super clean and cozy. I particularly enjoyed the option to leave my car after checkout to explore the area.

The walls seemed a bit thin. I could hear some noise from adjacent rooms.

Dining

9/10

Breakfast provided a great choice of options. It tasted delicious. There is an indian restaurant attached to the hotel, which offers great food, though perhaps a little spicy. The restaurant offers great convenience for dinner.

Location

9/10

The location is secluded, yet it provides easy access into town. The hotel is situated on a hill, which allows for some really good views. This location is very quiet and peaceful.

Facilities

9/10

The building features ornate decor and high ceilings, contributing to its beautiful aesthetic. I appreciated the availability of on-site parking, a convenient amenity. The entire hotel looked clean and well kept.

Rooms

9/10

The room was spacious. It had a lot of space to walk around. There was a beautiful view of the city visible from the window. The decor contributed to the room's ambience.

0 Helpful

lily from united kingdom

Couple

en suite double room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 02, 2026

9/10

helpful staff convenient location good selection

the breakfast offered a good selection of items, i was very grateful. i found the staff friendly and helpful . the location proved convenient, placing me within a short walk to many amenities.

The shower was somewhat small. It was a bit awkward to maneuver around inside.

0 Helpful

Mia from Germany

Single

En Suite Double Room

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 18, 2025

9.0/10

excellent stay near the city center

parking convenience friendly staff

I stayed for several nights and found the breakfast service started early. This accommodated various schedules. the on-site parking was quite convenient. I avoided street parking challenges. the staff were friendly, providing information about local attractions. the location offered easy access to the historic center.

the soundproofing was inadequate, and i could hear noise from adjacent rooms. this affected the tranquility of my stay.

Rooms

8/10

My room featured a comfortable bed and a private bathroom. It was well-kept. modern amenities were available including a television, and a coffee maker. i observed that the decor had tasteful architectural features, retaining character.

Dining

9/10

The breakfast buffet included a good choice of items like fresh fruit, and pastries. the dining area was clean. Staff maintained it well. i observed that breakfast service was offered until a reasonable hour each morning, accommodating various schedules.

Service

10/10

Staff provided helpful assistance with directions to local attractions. check-in was efficient, and quick. They provided all necessary information. i noticed the manager was available to address inquiries, which ensured a smooth stay.

Location

9/10

The hotel is within walking distance of the city center. This allows easy exploration. the area seemed quietwith a relaxed atmosphere. i also noted that there were several dining options near the hotel.

0 Helpful

gordon from united kingdom

Single

en suite double room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: November 27, 2025

6/10

poor lighting inconvenient access

The lighting outside was poor. i struggled to see the steps leading up to the entrance (i nearly tripped!). also, i was disappointed that i couldn't access the restaurant from inside. I had to go back outside in the cold. that felt inconvenient and poorly planned.

0 Helpful

Elijah from United Kingdom

Single

en suite double room

3 nights in June 2026

Reviewed: August 19, 2025

9/10

short walk friendly staff english breakfast

The location was close to the city center. Only a short walk. the staff was very friendly. breakfast was a good full english option.

the bathroom looked a little dated.

0 Helpful

Show more reviews