Planning a Durham staycation? Located just 4.5 miles from Durham’s city centre, Plawsworth Hall’s serviced cottages put you within easy reach of Northeast England’s top attractions. We’ve compiled practical information about opening times, costs, and insider tips to help you make the most of your stay.
Whether you’re here for Durham Cathedral’s daily free guided tours or Beamish Museum’s year-round living history experience, our local knowledge will help you plan effectively.
Durham’s Must-Visit Attractions: Times, Prices & Tips
Durham Cathedral and Castle dominate the city’s skyline and your likely first stop. The Cathedral opens daily from 9:30am – 4:30pm (morning prayer from 5:30am), with free entry but a suggested £5 donation. Guided tours run from 11:30am for £7.50 per adult. The Castle, part of Durham University, offers tours for £5 per adult, running from 1:15pm, but is subject to change.
Beamish Museum, just 7.9 miles from Plawsworth Hall, brings history to life across 350 acres. Open daily 10am – 4pm (summer 10am – 5pm), and you can get the Beamish Unlimited Pass. This pass costs at least £27.95 and allows you to visit for a year free of charge, including daytime events. Visit midweek to avoid peak weekend crowds, and don’t miss the traditional fish and chips at Davy’s Fried Fish Shop (£11.75 per portion).
Your Base at Plawsworth Hall
We’ve got room for everyone at Plawsworth Hall:
- Snug one-bedroom apartments for lovebirds and solo adventurers
- Roomy two-bedroom flats for small families or friend duos
- Sprawling three-bedroom cottages for larger groups or those who crave extra elbow room
- Fancy premium apartments for those seeking a touch more indulgence
Every property comes fully equipped for a comfortable stay. The modern kitchens feature full-sized appliances, including a dishwasher, oven, and microwave – perfect for preparing anything from a quick breakfast to a family dinner. The washing machine and dryer mean you can pack light for longer stays.
We provide weekly housekeeping at no extra charge, maintaining fresh linens and a spotless space throughout your visit. The reliable WiFi reaches every corner of your accommodation, supporting multiple devices for streaming, work calls, or keeping in touch with family. Each living room includes a Smart TV with Netflix access, perfect for relaxing evenings in.
Nearby essentials:
- Tesco Extra Chester-le-Street (2.1 miles, open 6am – midnight)
- Red Lion pub (0.4 miles, food served 12pm – 9pm)
- Chester-le-Street train station (2.3 miles, direct trains to Durham every 30 minutes)
Family Activities That Won’t Break the Bank
Adventure Valley (4.2 miles away) provides all-weather entertainment with both indoor and outdoor play areas. Entry starts at £9.95 per person (under 2s free), including animal encounters and seasonal activities.
Durham Botanic Garden welcomes visitors year-round (£5 adults, £4.50 concessions). Their bamboo grove and tropical house offer shelter on rainy days, while the woodland walk showcases seasonal blooms. Regular family activity days include crafts and guided nature exploration.
Indoor Activities Near Plawsworth:
- Durham Indoor Market (free entry, Mon-Sat 9am – 4:30pm)
- Palace Green Library exhibitions (£5 – adults, under 5s – free)
- Oriental Museum (£6 adults, children – free)
- Durham Leisure Centre swimming (£5.50 – adults, £3.50 – children)
Seasonal Activities Worth Planning For
Spring brings Durham to life with vibrant displays at the University’s Botanic Garden. The annual spring bulb spectacular peaks in April, when thousands of daffodils and tulips create stunning photo opportunities. Easter at Beamish Museum transforms the living museum with period-appropriate celebrations and activities – all included in your entry ticket.
Summer sees Durham at its liveliest. Cricket fans flock to the Emirates Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street, just a short drive from Plawsworth. International matches and Durham County games offer a perfect day out, with tickets starting from £15. The highlight of Durham’s summer calendar is the Miners’ Gala in July. This free event fills the streets with marching bands, traditional banners, and a celebration of local heritage.
Autumn welcomes the Durham Book Festival, transforming the city into a literary haven. Past speakers have included bestselling authors and poets, with events ranging from free readings to ticketed talks. October brings spooky evening events at Beamish, where the museum takes on a theatrical atmosphere as darkness falls.
Winter in Durham is truly magical, especially during the Christmas Festival. The craft market in and around the Cathedral cloisters showcases local artisans, while the Cathedral itself hosts atmospheric Christmas services that draw visitors from across the country. Even in cold weather, you’ll find plenty to do – the Prince Bishops Shopping Centre offers welcome shelter and post-Christmas bargains.
Local Dining Options
Budget-Friendly Meals
The Red Lion’s weekday lunch menu (12pm – 2pm) offers mains from £8.95
Durham Indoor Market (open Mon-Sat, 9am – 4:30pm) hosts local food stalls with hot lunches under £7
Tesco Café provides breakfast deals from £4.50 including a drink
Special Occasion Dining
Finbarr’s Restaurant (3.1 miles) serves three-course early evening meals for £24.95 (Tues-Thurs, 5:30pm-7pm)
The Cellar Door near the Cathedral offers riverside dining with mains from £22-£34
Transport Tips & Costs for Durham
By Train
Chester-le-Street station offers direct connections to major Northeast hubs:
Durham: 8 minutes, £3.80 single
Newcastle: 12 minutes, £4.50 single
York: 1 hour 20 minutes, from £15.50 one-way Buy a North East Explorer ticket (£14.80) for unlimited daily travel across the region’s rail network.
By Bus
The X21 bus stops near Plawsworth Hall (2-minute walk):
Durham City Centre: 25 minutes, £4.20 return
Newcastle: 45 minutes, £7.50 return Save with a Durham County Day Ticket (£8.50) for unlimited bus travel.
Driving & Parking
Durham’s city centre parking can be expensive. We recommend:
Prince Bishops Car Park (DH1 3UJ): £3.50 for 4-6 hours
Sidegate Car Park (DH1 5SZ): £1.20 per hour, often quieter
Park & Ride: £2.20 day pass from three locations around Durham
Why Choose Plawsworth Hall for Your Durham Stay?
Situated just 4.5 miles from Durham city centre, Plawsworth Hall strikes the perfect balance between accessibility and tranquility. You’ll reach Durham Cathedral in 10 minutes by car, Beamish Museum in 15 minutes, and Newcastle city centre in 25 minutes.
A bus stop is located 350 yards away on the A167. Buses to Durham arrive approximately every 15 minutes. Buses to Newcastle and Chester-le-Street arrive every 11 minutes on the opposite side of the A167 outside the Red Lion Pub. Durham Railway Station is 3 miles away and Chester-le-Street 2 miles. Several Taxi firms operate in the area. Details and numbers are located in the information pack which is provided in your accommodation.
Each property at Plawsworth Hall comes ready for real life. Our fully-fitted kitchens mean you can cook proper meals, while washer-dryers handle the practical side of longer stays. Every bedroom features black-out blinds, quality mattresses, and plenty of storage. We’ve focused on what actually matters – reliable WiFi, effective heating, and proper water pressure in all showers.
Book directly through our website (www.plawsworth.com) or call us on 0191 371 0251 for:
Best available rates
Flexible cancellation options
Special requests handled personally
Immediate booking confirmation
FAQs
What are your check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 3 pm. However, if your cottage or apartment is ready for you to occupy earlier we will happily give an early check-in. We cannot guarantee this service but will certainly try to accommodate your requirements if possible. Checkout is at 10 am. In exceptional circumstances, we may be offered a later checkout but this is dependent on capacity and daily booking requirements on the day.
Is there always someone on site?
Our reception is staffed 9am-4pm daily. If for some reason the office is unmanned when you arrive please ring the bell/intercom. Out of Hours telephone number 0191 3711529
Do you provide bed linen and towels?
Yes, we provide all bed linen, towels, and kitchen towels.
