The widest selection of unusual accommodations in Durham

A cabin, a lighthouse, a glamping, your extraordinary stay awaits you

7 nights
2
1
  • airbnb
  • booking
  • vrbo
  • expedia
  • premierinn
  • sykescottages
  • plumguide
  • hotelscom
  • tripadvisor
  • homestay
  • tuivillas
  • hostelworld
Durham unique stays
Choose the perfect holiday accommodation
Price per night
Accommodation type
Rating

12 Unique places to stay in Durham

Browse Unique Stays near the Historic Centre in Durham

Stay moments from superb independent restaurants and major transport links with central unique stays in Durham.

Elsie's Retreat - Durham
8.6 10 reviews

Elsie's Retreat

cabin
This quirky modern shepherd's hut is located just a short distance from Durham City, offering easy access to the A1 and A167, as well as a variety of local amenities. The property has received excellent user and location ratings, as well as a very good cleanliness rating.
The hut comfortably sleeps two guests and includes a fully equipped kitchen, a private outdoor seating area, and access to a shared hot tub. Guests can enjoy a relaxed stay with amenities such as a pet-friendly policy, ample parking, and a convenient location close to Durham City's attractions.
Gosling Lodge - Durham
10 96 reviews

Gosling Lodge

cabin
Gosling Lodge is located in the Durham countryside, just a short walk from the village of West Rainton and overlooking a wildlife-filled pond. It has received excellent ratings for location, cleanliness and user experience.
The lodge is a comfortable and spacious one-bedroom property suitable for two guests. It offers a private decked area with views of the pond, a modern bathroom with a power shower, a fully equipped kitchen, and a cosy living area with gas central heating.
Modern Ensuite Room. Own Entrance. Parking Dh12uh - Durham
9.8 272 reviews

Modern Ensuite Room. Own Entrance. Parking Dh12uh

cabin
This cosy cabin is situated in a quiet cul-de-sac just 6.2 kilometres from Durham city centre, a short walk from a nature reserve and a retail park.
The self-catering property, perfect for a couple, offers a private patio area, a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge, freezer, and microwave oven, and a private ensuite bathroom.
Self-catering Shepherds Hut With Private Garden - Durham
10 135 reviews

Self-catering Shepherds Hut With Private Garden

cabin
This charming shepherd's hut is situated just a short distance from Durham City, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The accommodation has received excellent ratings for its cleanliness, location, and overall experience.
The hut features a comfortable king-size bed and a fully equipped kitchen, perfect for a couple seeking a peaceful retreat. Guests can enjoy a private garden, a smart TV, and the convenience of free parking and a nearby bus stop.

Choose the Right Family-Friendly Unique Stays in Durham

Plan a family holiday in Durham that everyone will remember, featuring iconic city attractions and truly remarkable accommodation.

Bowes Barn: Charming Retreat In Ouston - Durham
No reviews

Bowes Barn: Charming Retreat In Ouston

chalet, Gateshead
This detached cottage, located on the outskirts of Ouston, Tyne and Wear, offers convenient access to Beamish Museum, situated a short 5-kilometer drive away, and is also well-positioned for exploring Sunderland and Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
This pet-friendly, family-friendly barn conversion features two bedrooms accommodating up to three guests, an open-plan living area, a kitchen with a dishwasher, a garden, and off-road parking for two cars.
Gosling Lodge - Durham
10 96 reviews

Gosling Lodge

cabin
Gosling Lodge is located in the Durham countryside, just a short walk from the village of West Rainton and overlooking a wildlife-filled pond. It has received excellent ratings for location, cleanliness and user experience.
The lodge is a comfortable and spacious one-bedroom property suitable for two guests. It offers a private decked area with views of the pond, a modern bathroom with a power shower, a fully equipped kitchen, and a cosy living area with gas central heating.
Woodstock Lodge - Durham
9.5 28 reviews

Woodstock Lodge

bungalow, Mainsforth
This renovated stable bungalow in Mainsforth, a quiet village a couple of kilometres from the A1, offers easy access to Durham, Newcastle, and the North East coast.
Sleeping up to eight guests in four bedrooms and two bathrooms, this pet-friendly self-catering property boasts a fully equipped kitchen (fridge, freezer, microwave, dishwasher), garden, parking, and excellent internet access; nearby attractions include Beamish, the Yorkshire Dales and numerous walking routes.
120 M² Lodge ∙ 3 Bedrooms ∙ 6 Guests - Durham
No reviews

120 M² Lodge ∙ 3 Bedrooms ∙ 6 Guests

chalet, Oakenshaw
This handcrafted Finnish log cabin, offering an eco-luxury retreat, is located in the Durham countryside, 15 minutes by car from Durham City and its UNESCO World Heritage Site, Durham Cathedral & Castle.
This family-friendly lodge accommodates up to six guests across three bedrooms, featuring a wood-fired hot tub, a pool table, a retro arcade machine, and a unique stack-and-slide glass conservatory, all within a 120 square meter floor area.

Frequently asked questions about unique stays in Durham

  • What are some hidden gems to explore in Durham?

    For a hidden gem, head to the Durham University Botanic Garden, a peaceful oasis just outside the city centre. You can also take a stroll along the River Wear, exploring the cobbled streets of the historic Elvet area, which is home to some charming independent shops and cafes.
  • What attractions is Durham famous for?

    Durham Cathedral is a must-see, a magnificent Norman cathedral that dominates the city skyline. The nearby Durham Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also a popular attraction, offering stunning views of the city.
  • What clothing or gear is recommended for the climate in Durham?

    Durham has a temperate climate, so you'll need layers. Pack a waterproof jacket, as it can rain at any time of year. In the summer, you'll need light clothing, but be prepared for cooler evenings. In the winter, you'll need warm clothes, including a hat, gloves, and scarf.
  • What are the best ways to travel to Durham eco-consciously?

    The train is the most eco-friendly way to get to Durham. The station is conveniently located in the city centre. If you're coming from further afield, you could consider taking a coach or carpooling with other travellers.
  • Which neigbourhood offers the best unique stays in Durham?

    The Elvet area is a great place to find unique stays. It's a historic neighbourhood with a mix of traditional and modern architecture, and it's close to all the main attractions.
  • What should you know about unique stays in Durham before booking?

    Check the location carefully, as some unique stays are located outside the city centre. Also, be sure to read reviews from previous guests to get a sense of what to expect.

Popular destinations

Browse Unusual Places to Stay with a Jacuzzi in Durham

Relax after a busy city day with a secluded hot tub at your premier unique stay in Durham.

The Oak & The Log Cabin, Sleeps 10, 2 Hot Tubs Near Durham City & Bishop Auckland - Durham
No reviews

The Oak & The Log Cabin, Sleeps 10, 2 Hot Tubs Near Durham City & Bishop Auckland

cabin, Durham
This Willington lodge is situated 19 kilometers from Lumley Castle and within 24 kilometers of Beamish Museum, offering a peaceful retreat with convenient access to Durham City and Bishop Auckland.
This spacious 260 square meter cabin accommodates up to 19 guests across 3 bedrooms and 2 living rooms, featuring a kitchen, Wi-Fi, two hot tubs, billiards, and outdoor play equipment.

Neighborhoods and points of interest in Durham

Best pet friendly Durham unique stays

Among the 8 accommodations in Durham, here are the 1 best pet friendly unique accommodations

150 M² Bungalow ∙ 4 Bedrooms ∙ 8 Guests - Durham
No reviews

150 M² Bungalow ∙ 4 Bedrooms ∙ 8 Guests

bungalow, Mainsforth
Woodstock Lodge, a 19th-century stable conversion in Mainsforth, offers a pet-friendly self-catering house near Durham and Newcastle, approximately 20km from each city.
This 150 square metre property sleeps eight guests in four bedrooms (one king ensuite, two doubles, one twin), boasting a games room with pool table, Xbox, and Sky TV, plus a fully equipped kitchen and garden.

Discover Unusual Places to Stay with a Swimming Pool in Durham

Take a dip whenever the mood strikes with an on-site pool at your unique stay in Durham.

The Barn & The Log Cabin, Sleeps 12, 2 Hot Tubs, Near Durham & Bishop Auckland - Durham
No reviews

The Barn & The Log Cabin, Sleeps 12, 2 Hot Tubs, Near Durham & Bishop Auckland

cabin, Durham

Top-Rated 5-Star Unusual Places to Stay in Durham

The luxury unique stays below in Durham offer a sophisticated urban base with a singular twist.

Gosling Lodge - Durham
10 30 reviews

Gosling Lodge

chalet, Durham
©2026 cozycozy.com