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Farnley Tower Guesthouse Durham Exterior photoFarnley Tower Guesthouse Durham Exterior photoFarnley Tower Guesthouse Durham Exterior photo

Farnley Tower Guesthouse

•
8.9|Great
Check rooms and rates
From$180 /nightOnly on Our Website-10%
Check-in
23Oct
Check-out
24Oct
Guests
2 Guests
Key details

About the Hotel

The Avenue, Durham
-
Close to The Riverwalk
Great
8.9
9.5
/10
5.0
4.3
/5

Dining

Accommodations & Grounds

Farnley Tower Guesthouse is a prominent Victorian mansion with distinguished architecture and gardens. All 17 bedrooms are individually designed and spacious, with many rooms offering scenic views of Durham's historic skyline. The guesthouse provides free parking and is set in a quiet residential area less than a 10-minute walk from the city center.

Dining

The on-site restaurant, Holi & Bhang, is open 7 days a week and specializes in authentic Indian cuisine, making it the only Indian restaurant of its kind in Durham. Guests can dine alfresco on the garden patio, and the bar serves wine and champagne with a 2-for-1 cocktail happy hour from 5 pm to 6:30 pm. Breakfast includes vegan and gluten-free options, with a cooked-to-order full English and family-made jams.

Accessibility

The guesthouse offers express check-in/check-out, luggage storage, and a business centre with meeting and banquet facilities. Accessibility features include wheelchair-accessible rooms with raised toilets, grab rails, and a designated accessible parking space. Staff provide local insights and personalized recommendations, and the hotel has CCTV in common areas and outside the property for security.

Points of Interest

Farnley Tower is less than a 10-minute walk from Durham Castle and the historic city center. The hotel's elevated position provides views over Durham Cathedral and the surrounding countryside. Guests can access river walks, boutique shops, galleries, and museums directly from the guesthouse.

Highlights

Location: 10 min walk to Durham Castle and Cathedral

Dining: On-site Holi & Bhang Indian restaurant, the only one of its kind in Durham

Rooms: 17 individually designed, spacious rooms with skyline views

Pet Policy: Well-behaved dogs welcome in select rooms

Parking: Free on-site parking included

“In my opinion, this guesthouse offers a distinctive Durham experience, blending Victorian charm with an unexpected culinary focus on authentic Indian cuisine. The individually designed rooms and attentive service create a memorable stay, while the on-site restaurant and scenic views provide a delightful backdrop.”
Hotel logo
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Dogfriendly-hotels

Select your room type

The hotel provides many room choices—family rooms, doubles, and pet-friendly suites—with breakfast, free cancellation, and special offers
  • En Suite Twin Room
    2 persons
    25 m²
    2 Single beds
    Bathtub
    Heating
  • Family Room
    2 persons
    30 m²
    1 King-size bed
    Bathtub
    Heating
  • En Suite Double Room
    2 persons
    25 m²
    1 King-size bed
    Bathtub
    Heating
Show all rooms

Rates & availability calendar

See current prices and availability for your chosen dates!

Facilities

Hotels feature amenities designed to keep both you and your pet comfortable
Facilities: Great
8.8/10Review score

General

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

Sports & Fitness

  • Cycling

Guest Parking

  • Private parking is possible on site for free.

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
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Dining Onsite

At Farnley Tower Guesthouse, dining transcends the ordinary with vibrant culinary offerings that celebrate authentic Indian cuisine. Guests can choose between a cozy restaurant atmosphere or an inviting alfresco patio for delightful meals surrounded by pleasant surroundings, making each dining experience unique and inviting.
Farnley Tower Guesthouse Durham Restaurant photo
Farnley Tower Guesthouse Durham Restaurant photo
Farnley Tower Guesthouse Durham Restaurant photo

Holi and Bhang Restaurant and Bar

Authentic Indian
Ambiance
Family-friendly with a modern touch, perfect for romantic evenings or casual family dinners
Key Offerings
An extensive selection of starters, mains, desserts, and a remarkable array of beverages including wines, cocktails, and draught beers-ideal for unwinding after a day of exploration.
Reservation
Recommended for dinner service
Open for dinner from 17:00 to 23:00, seven days a week

Location

The Avenue, Durham
Map view
Nearby
Durham Presbyterian Church
470 m
Restaurants
Club Mumbai
60 m
The Avenue
Bella Mamma
810 m
Darlington Road
Antico Restaurant Durham
820 m
Darlington Road Neville's Cross Complex
The Kingslodge Inn
880 m
Waddington Street Flass Vale
Bailey's Restaurant
940 m
Croxdale Bridge Honest Lawyer Hotel
Alishaan
1.12 km
50-51 North Road
Bridge Hotel Restaurant
960 m
39-40 North Road
Domino's Pizza
960 m
41-43 North Road
Bean Social
1.12 km
53 North Road
Duke of Wellington
1.39 km
Darlington Road
Explore Durham
Local Highlights
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Durham Cathedral
Durham Cathedral
20 minutes' walk
This UNESCO World Heritage site features stunning Norman architecture, impressive stained glass, and guided tours available.
Palace Green
Palace Green
25 minutes' walk
An iconic area showcasing historic buildings, gardens, and often hosts local events, enhancing the rich heritage of Durham.
Durham Castle
10 minutes' walk
Medieval architecture with captivating history, offering guided tours and beautiful views over the city and River Wear.
Low Burnhall Woods
25 minutes' walk
A serene woodland area perfect for leisurely walks and picnics, showcasing diverse flora and fauna in a calming setting.
Durham Riverside Walk
Durham Riverside Walk
25 minutes' walk
A scenic trail along the River Wear ideal for walking or cycling, offering picturesque views and plenty of photo opportunities.
Wharton Park
Wharton Park
16 minutes' walk
A family-friendly park with playgrounds and gardens, providing a relaxing environment for picnics or a leisurely stroll.
Indoor Rock Climbing at The Climbing Station
10 minutes' drive
An exciting indoor climbing facility for thrill-seekers of all levels, with rental gear and instructive sessions available.
Yoga Classes at The Yoga Space
10 minutes' drive
Calming yoga classes suited for all skill levels, fostering relaxation and mindfulness in a serene environment.
Club Mumbai
Club Mumbai
1 minute' walk
Authentic Indian cuisine in a vibrant setting, known for its flavorful curries and friendly service; vegetarian options available.
Antico Restaurant Durham
Antico Restaurant Durham
10 minutes' walk
Charming Italian eatery with a cozy atmosphere, offering homemade pasta dishes and seasonal local ingredients.
The Kingslodge Inn
The Kingslodge Inn
11 minutes' walk
A traditional pub with classic British fare and a relaxed vibe, ideal for enjoying local ales and hearty meals.
Bailey's Restaurant
Bailey's Restaurant
12 minutes' walk
Stylish dining with a focus on seasonal produce, offering dishes catering to various diets including gluten-free options.
Proper Job Theatre
15 minutes' walk
A local theatre showcasing a variety of performances from drama to comedy, with regular family-friendly shows.
The Half Moon
15 minutes' walk
A lively bar with a mix of live music nights and open mic events, providing a fun atmosphere for guests of all ages.
The Gala Theatre
15 minutes' walk
A modern arts venue featuring films, plays, and live performances, centralized in the heart of Durham's cultural scene.
Durham Museums
20 minutes' walk
Various museums throughout Durham highlighting the city's rich history, perfect for family or educational outings.
Local transport and travel tips
  • City Centre
    Durham 5 min  ·  400 m
  • Airports
    Durham Tees Valley (MME) 57 min  ·  38 km
    Newcastle (NCL) 63 min  ·  41.8 km
  • Train
    Durham Train Station 11 min  ·  900 m
  • Bus
    Bus stop 9 min  ·  700 m
Want access to early-bird pet-friendly hotel deals?
Access exclusive discounts today!
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-18:00
Check-out
from 07:00-10:00
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
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:
17

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Farnley Tower Guesthouse from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Farnley Tower Guesthouse offers a delightful stay, and many guests appreciate its spacious rooms. The on-site restaurant and bar are convenient, with the Indian restaurant menu being a highlight for some. While some guests in ground-floor rooms have noted occasional noise from upper floors, the guesthouse provides free on-site parking and is within walking distance of the city centre, offering lovely views, including some rooms boasting cathedral views. The breakfast is another recurring positive point, with delicious options often praised.
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Review score
Based on 6 verified reviews
8.2 /10
Great
100%
Recommend
Staff
9.6/10
Cleanliness
9.2/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.7/10
Facilities
8.8/10
Pros
Helpful manager
Historic building
Lovely views
Spacious room
Excellent breakfast
Cons
Tasteless eggs
Poor reception staff
Guest reviews
based on 6 reviews
8.2/10
based on 469 reviews
3.5/5
based on 2023 reviews
8.9/10
John from United States
Couple
En Suite Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 28, 2026
6/10

Mixed feelings about my stay.

frayed towels small shower
The bed was supposed to be large. it was just a standard double. The bedlinen felt cheap. The towels had frayed edges. The bathroom was small with a tiny shower and a klargester toilet. WATER was not available in the room.
0 Helpful
Parker from United States
Couple
En Suite Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 24, 2025
9.0/10

a good stay, highly recommended

better room onsite parking
I received a better room than booked, a lovely surprise! the breakfast included high quality ingredients. It was all cooked to order. the location worked well. Onsite parking was a real bonus. i also appreciated the easy walk into the city centre.
The room lacked soundproofing. I could hear a lot of noise from adjacent rooms. it made for a slightly less restful night.
Rooms
8/10
the en suite double room had older furniture but felt spacious. clean towels were provided in the bathroom. the shower was decent, and everything looked well maintained.
Location
9/10
the building has historical features and offered great views. it is situated a short walk to the city centre. onsite parking is included in the rate and is very convenient. the neighbourhood is quiet too.
Service
10/10
anna, the manager, were really good too. the team provided great service overall! the staff were helpful and friendly. they addressed all my needs quickly.
0 Helpful
|
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William from United Kingdom
Couple
en suite double room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed: December 23, 2025
7/10
city centre on-site parking breakfast selection high mirror frayed towel soft mattress
the location provided convenient access to the heart of the city. parking on site was available. i found the breakfast selection offered a decent variety (i really liked the eggs).
the bathroom mirror was positioned quite high. i also noticed the towel edges were starting to fray. the mattress felt too soft for my preference.
0 Helpful
Zoe from United Kingdom
Family with children
En Suite Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 03, 2025
9.5/10

Fantastic stay with friendly faces!

ornate details friendly staff yummy breakfast
The building showed beautiful, ornate details plus high ceilings. Staff were friendly and helpful. My hubby thought the cooked breakfast was the best he'd ever eaten. It tasted so yummy! The location had ample off road parking.
The room felt a little tired, carpets were old, and furniture seemed cheap.
Service
10/10
The staff offered recommendations for city exploration, they showed themselves very wonderful! I just can't sing their praises highly enough. The manager specifically was amazing.
Dining
9/10
Breakfast was cooked to order. The restaurant offered really good dining options. I appreciated the breakfast service very much. The food was tasty and well-prepared.
0 Helpful
|
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Victoria from United Kingdom
Single
En Suite Double Room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed: December 02, 2025
8.5/10

charming stay

varied choices helpful manager excellent restaurant
The included breakfast featured several choices I enjoyed. Anna, the general manager, was particularly helpful. She definitely goes above and beyond. I found the Indian restaurant connected to the guest house to be excellent and very good value.
parking space was somewhat limited, which required a bit of maneuvering.
Rooms
8/10
my En Suite double room was spacious. it included city views I appreciated. the room was nicely equipped with everything necessary for a pleasant stay. furniture was older, but the bed was comfy.
Location
9/10
the guest house is a short walk to the city centre. this provides a quiet environment away from the main attractions. there is also free parking available. this is a significant advantage for travelers with vehicles.
0 Helpful
|
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charles from united kingdom
Single
deluxe double room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: November 24, 2025
9.3/10

excellent stay!

spacious room maintained amenities indian restaurant great service
the beautiful double room was spacious. it had well kept amenities. breakfast included high-quality ingredients. the on-site indian restaurant menu was extensive, and the food was amazing!!! anna, the manager, provided great service. she ensured i had everything i needed.
the towels were clean, but they had started to fray at the edges.
Location
9/10
the location is convenient. it is a short walk to the city centre. on-site parking is included in the rate, a valuable benefit with cars. the hotel has great views.
Dining
9/10
breakfast is cooked to order. the menu has options prepared with high-quality ingredients. there is also a buffet breakfast. it includes everything you could want. the on-site indian restaurant provides another dining option.
Service
10/10
the staff were great. nothing was too much trouble for the whole team. anna, the manager, was especially accommodating and friendly. her care ensured a smooth experience.
0 Helpful
|
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FAQs
About Farnley Tower Guesthouse
What is the check-in and check-out policy at Farnley Tower Guesthouse?
Check-in time is at 14:00 and check-out time is at 10:30.
How far is Farnley Tower Guesthouse from the city center?
The hotel is located about 2 km from the historic city center.
What dining options are available at Farnley Tower Guesthouse?
The on-site restaurant, Holi & Bhang, specializes in authentic Indian cuisine and is open 7 days a week.
Is parking available at Farnley Tower Guesthouse?
Free private parking is available on-site without the need for a reservation.
What room amenities can guests expect at Farnley Tower Guesthouse?
Rooms include flat-screen TVs, coffee/tea making facilities, hairdryers, and complimentary toiletries.
What nearby attractions are within walking distance from Farnley Tower Guesthouse?
Nearby attractions include Durham Castle (2 km) and Wharton Park (1 km).
Is breakfast available at Farnley Tower Guesthouse?
Breakfast is available for an additional charge of £7.
Does Farnley Tower Guesthouse provide internet access?
Free Wi-Fi is available for all guests.
What recreational facilities are available at Farnley Tower Guesthouse?
Guests can enjoy a bar/lounge area and a garden patio for relaxation.
What type of hotel is Farnley Tower Guesthouse?
It is a historic Victorian mansion known for its architecture and gardens.
Are there laundry services at Farnley Tower Guesthouse?
Laundry services are available for guest use.
Which popular nearby restaurants can guests visit from Farnley Tower Guesthouse?
Nearby restaurants include Club Mumbai (0.5 km), Colpitts Hotel Pub (0.5 km), and Alishaan (1 km).

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