Honest Lawyer Hotel Durham Exterior photoHonest Lawyer Hotel Durham Exterior photoHonest Lawyer Hotel Durham Exterior photo
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From79US$ /night
Check-in
10May2026Select date
Check-out
11May2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

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

Rooms & Suites

The Honest Lawyer Hotel provides 51 bedrooms furnished with LCD televisions, free Wi-Fi, work areas, telephones, hair dryers, and tea/coffee trays. Room 1 and Room 46 offer a double bed, a single bed, and a fully equipped wet room for disabled guests. Room 42/43 features a double bedroom, an adjoining twin bedroom, and a separate shower room. The Courtyard rooms have motel-style layouts with private entrances and free parking. Four-poster rooms and a large suite are available in the main building. Rooms are non-smoking and include modern en suite bathroom facilities and bed linen.

Dining At Bailey's

Bailey's Restaurant serves seasonal menus and a world wine list. Bailey's Bar provides a less formal dining setting with booth seating, sofas, and armchairs in the Orangery or Atrium. Daily menus feature locally sourced starters, main courses, vegetarian options, tapas, house favorites, and steak. Head chef Harry Bailey leads the culinary team. Continental and full English breakfast is served daily from 7am to 9am on weekdays and from 8am to 10am on weekends. Lunch is served from 12pm to 5pm, and dinner from 5pm to 8.45pm.

Leisure and Amenities

The Honest Lawyer Hotel offers a terrace, garden, and playground. It is near stargazing spots, especially in the Durham Dales and North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The courtyard rooms provide direct access from the car park for stargazers. Binoculars are useful for stargazing. The hotel welcomes dogs in the bar and atrium area. Dog bowls are available. A charge of £7.50 per dog per night applies to selected courtyard rooms.

Location & Access

Located less than 3 miles from Durham, The Honest Lawyer Hotel is near the River Wear. It is situated on The Way of Life Northern Saints Trail, which leads to Durham Cathedral and Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hotel is 35 km from Durham Tees Valley Airport. From the A1(M), exit at Junction 61 and take the A688 towards Bishop Auckland. Nearby landmarks include Lindisfarne Gospels (4 km), Durham Cathedral (4 km), and Low Burnhall Wood (2 km).

Hotel Services

The Honest Lawyer Hotel provides free parking and full fibre Wi-Fi in all bedrooms and public areas. The property hosts weddings and events, offering personalized service. The hotel organizes funeral wakes, offering a buffet menu and accommodation. Early check-in and late check-out are available for an extra cost of £20, subject to availability. All outstanding charges must be paid on check-out.

“What struck me most is this family-owned motel's commitment to Durham's charm. Its dog-friendly policy is notable, especially given its location near scenic trails. For families or couples drawn to both local history and natural beauty, this spot is worth considering, with Bailey's Restaurant providing seasonal meals.”
Hotel logo
Isabella MooreSenior Editorial Director at Petfriendlyhotels
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Select your room type

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

Baileys Restaurant at the Honest Lawyer Hotel offers a delightful taste of British cuisine in a traditional, family-friendly setting. With a focus on locally sourced produce from County Durham, guests can savor a menu that celebrates authentic flavors and seasonal ingredients.
Honest Lawyer Hotel Durham Restaurant photo
Honest Lawyer Hotel Durham Restaurant photo
Honest Lawyer Hotel Durham Restaurant photo

Baileys Restaurant

British
Ambiance
Traditional and family-friendly
Key Offerings
Experience a seasonal menu featuring hearty starters, main dishes, vegetarian options, and locally sourced steaks. The extensive wine list complements the culinary delights available.
Reservation
Recommended
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
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Croxdale Hall
10 minutes walking
Historic Croxdale Hall features beautiful architecture and surrounding gardens, offering a peek into local heritage.
Oriental Museum
10-minute drive
This museum showcases collections from Asia and the Middle East. Notable for its educational workshops and free entry days.
Willow Arbour
8 minutes walking
A serene location with stunning floral displays, perfect for a leisurely walk or a picnic with family and friends.
Durham University Botanic Garden
5-minute drive
This garden offers diverse plant life and themed sections. Ideal for relaxation, with beautiful walking paths and seasonal events.
Hiking at Low Burnhall Woods
25 minutes walking
Enjoy scenic trails at Low Burnhall Woods. Perfect for hiking enthusiasts looking for expansive views and fresh air.
Wellness Retreats
10-minute drive
Local wellness centers offer yoga sessions and relaxation therapies. Ideal for those seeking tranquility and rejuvenation.
The Honest Lawyer Restaurant
1 minute walking
Serving hearty British cuisine, this restaurant features local ingredients and a cozy atmosphere. Reservations recommended.
Willow Miner's Wife
10 minutes walking
Classic British pub offering a warm ambiance and home-cooked meals. The menu caters to various dietary needs.
Live Music at the Local Pub
10 minutes walking
Enjoy a lively atmosphere with weekly live music events. Ideal for those seeking a fun night out with friends.
Durham Arts Theatre
10-minute drive
A vibrant theater hosting various performances including plays and comedy shows. Family-friendly with diverse programming.
Getting around
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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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

Feedback about Honest Lawyer Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Honest Lawyer Hotel is often chosen for visits to Durham University, thanks to the convenient bus stop right outside offering quick access to the city and train station. Guests frequently appreciate the comfortable beds, with some staying in motel-style rooms allowing them to park directly outside. Breakfast is popular, with a fully cooked option available, although some guests have noted the potential for noise issues between rooms. The hotel also features a bar, restaurant with Asian options, and offers good value for money.
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Review score
Based on 837 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
Friendly staff
Good breakfast
Good shower
Large outside terrace
Cons
Smell in room
Tired bathroom
Waking up early
Old mattress
Guest reviews
based on 837 reviews
7.8/10
based on 1428 reviews
7.7/10
Amelia from United Kingdom
Single
Double Room
1 night in October 2025
|
Reviewed:December 07, 2025
7/10

Satisfactory overnight stay

comfortable bedample parkingconvenient bus stoplate mealrude bartenderincorrect order
the hotel beds are comfortable. i found plenty of parking spaces available. the bus stop is conveniently located right outside, allowing quick and cheap access to the city.
I didn't like being told that food was served until 8:45, only to be told no at 8 when i went to the restaurant. the menus stated food was available until 8:30. i had to order a takeaway delivery instead. the older lady behind the bar was rude, gave me the wrong drink, and insisted i ordered something different from what i did. three people heard one thing. She heard another.
0 Helpful
Amelia from United Kingdom
Single
Double Room
3 nights in June 2025
|
Reviewed:September 14, 2025
6/10
road noisestale food
My room overlooked the busy road and it was quite noisy. The soundproofing was not great. I also found the breakfast disappointing. The bacon was hard and some items had clearly been sitting out for a while. It was not the relaxing start to the day I had hoped for.
0 Helpful
Joshua from United Kingdom
Single
Double Room
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed:August 29, 2025
9.0/10

Convenient Stay Near University

convenient parkingcomfortable furnishingsdelicious mealuseful location
I appreciated the convenient parking directly outside my ground floor room. The bedroom had comfortable furnishings and ample space for luggage. I enjoyed the evening meal in the restaurant. The location was useful for visiting the university.
The room decor looked somewhat dated.
Service
9/10
Staff replaced facilities and amenities. The reception offered twenty-four hour service, ready to assist with enquiries at any time. Staff members were helpful and friendly, assisting me .
Facilities
8/10
The venue included a bar with a selection of drinks. Ample parking was available . The restaurant provided convenient on-site dining. There was a conference room available, useful for business travellers.
Rooms
9/10
The room provided adequate storage facilities. The bed allowed for a comfortable sleep. The room had a good size, perfect for a comfortable stay. The shower maintained a consistent water temperature with excellent water pressure.
Location
10/10
The hotel provides easy access to the A1 main road. The city centre could be reached within a short drive using a taxi. The surrounding area provides picturesque views. The accommodation is near the university.
0 Helpful
|
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FAQs
About Honest Lawyer Hotel
What is the policy for check-in and check-out at Honest Lawyer Hotel?
Check-in is available from 15:00, and check-out is by 11:00.
How far is Honest Lawyer Hotel from the city center of Durham?
The hotel is 6 km from the city center of Durham.
What room amenities are provided at Honest Lawyer Hotel?
Rooms include free Wi-Fi, an LCD TV, a coffee and tea maker, and a private bathroom with free toiletries.
What dining options are available at Honest Lawyer Hotel?
Bailey's Restaurant offers seasonal menus, and the bar serves a range of beers and light snacks.
What attractions are close to Honest Lawyer Hotel?
Nearby attractions include Durham Cathedral and Castle (2 km), and the Prince Bishops Shopping Centre (3 km).
Is there a children's playground at Honest Lawyer Hotel?
Yes, the hotel features a children's playground on-site.
What are the breakfast options at Honest Lawyer Hotel?
Breakfast is available for an additional charge of 12 GBP.

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Check-in
10May2026Select date
Check-out
11May2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room