40 Winks Hospitality

North East England County Durham Durham

  • From £199 a night
  • Nine Guest Rooms

An opulent Durham boutique hotel with luxury rooms and views of the cathedral

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They didn’t hold back when decorating 40 Winks, a small Durham boutique hotel that is a place of plush fabrics, patterned wallpaper and chandeliers. It’s a little bit of opulence in a peaceful part of the city and a lovely place to stay if you want to explore historic Durham and its surroundings. Situated on a cobbled street above the River Wear, you can see the cathedral tower from four of the guest bedrooms – and you can walk to it in under 10 minutes.

This Grade II-listed Victorian townhouse offers nine guest bedrooms spread across its first and second floors. All have a theme that lends itself towards opulent decor, whether that’s floral, Gothic or regal. They range from the garden-view Woodland Rooms to the Cathedral Rooms at the front, including the master Gala Room, which has both a roll-top bath and a super king-size bed, plus tremendous views of the cathedral. For all its modern conveniences (Smart TVs and WiFi included), 40 Winks retains the character of its era through bay windows and dado rails, all set off with elegant upholstery and damask wallpaper. It’s a similar story in the other named rooms. The Woodland Rooms are cosier and share a modern aesthetic, which means more pared-back styling but no less elegance or comfort. Whichever you choose, you’ll have a king-size bed, an en-suite with Molton Brown toiletries provided, and the usual inclusions of tea, coffee and a TV (the Cathedral Rooms even have decanters of whisky for a cheeky nightcap). You’ll also still enjoy the luxuriant decor of the common areas of the hotel.

The grand staircase that leads you from the reception to your bedroom is a striking introduction, with bold bird-print on the walls and tiered chandeliers hanging through the middle. The Snug room is a guest lounge with and playful prints on the cushions and walls and an honesty bar with an impressive selection of wine and their own branded spirits. The breakfast room is slightly more serious but no less flamboyant – all reds and golds – and it makes a luxurious backdrop for a highly-rated breakfast that’s the perfect start to a day in the city. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed castle and cathedral are a short walk away, the main university buildings are a couple of miles from here and the river provides a peaceful place for a walk.

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Details

Facilities

40 Winks is perfect for guests who wish privacy in an elegant surrounding.  Nine Bedrooms all with Double Beds, Satellite Wifi, Bathrobes, Slippers and all the small luxuries that one would expect.  In our Cathedral View Rooms there are a few surprises that you may not expect - Nightcap in your room and the sound of Durham Cathedral Bells?

Suitable For

No Pets

Nearby

Durham Cathedral is within walking Distance - City Centre is a short walk down the hill.

Food & Drink

Cellar Door is traditional good cooking
Coarse Restaurant is a modern Tasting Menu Style Restaurant with wine tasting option in relaxed atmosphere
Faru Restaurant is a modern Tasting Menu Restaurant with wine Tasting and Sommelier

Open

Open all year.

Pricing

Woodland Rooms to the Rear of the House are available around £199 a night.  Cathedral View Rooms are available  around £240 per night.

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The Owner Says

A unique stay in the heart of Durham.

A refurbished Victorian, Grade II listed Guesthouse, situated on the banks of the River Wear, with spectacular views of Durham Cathedral.

From your room, you can immerse yourself in views that inspired Sir Walter Scott.

Views spanning across Durham city where you can even catch a glimpse of Ancient Penshaw Monument.

40 Winks Guesthouse boasts 9 individual, stylish, en-suite bedrooms that include plush King and Super King beds. Complimentary Nightcaps / refreshments, High Speed Satellite Wifi as well as luxurious Molton Brown toiletries.

A short, 4-minute walk will take you directly into the city centre of Durham, giving you access to an abundance of shops, restaurants & pubs.

Within walking distance of the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle.

Location

Contact Website  01913 803 000  40 Winks Hospitality, 40 South Street, Durham DH1 4QP

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Getting There

Leave the A1 at junction 62, heading towards Durham on the A690. Follow this road for three miles, skirting the city until you meet traffic lights where the A690 heads right towards Crook. Ignore this turn, instead heading straight over to join Margery Lane which later turns into Grove Street. Turn left onto South Street. The river will be beyond the railings on your right, 40 Winks will be on your left after a short distance.

Features

  • Coffee/Tea Facilities
  • Hairdryer
  • Wifi

Looking For...

  • Activities
  • Car-free Option
  • Exclusive Hire
  • Historic
  • Rural Retreat
  • Sensational Views

As featured in

200 Hotels: Britain's Coolest Hotels and B&Bs

From sumptuous country houses and five-star hotels to boutique city boltholes and funky guesthouses to classic coaching inns, trust the latest Cool Places guide to find your perfect UK place to stay.

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Reviews

Let us know what you think of your stay.

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Rated ★★★★★ over 2 reviews

★★★★★

City Centre Boutique Stay

Very Boutique, design is modern and very relaxing - Grade Two Building with original Features - Very well Maintained, no Paint Chips etc are visible. Honesty Bar / Members Bar was classic, Espresso Martini, Negroni, Lemoncello, Orangecello etc. I think around 10 Bedrooms although we felt that we were the only ones in the house as all the rooms came down one or two at a time over three hours. We had a late checkout and enjoyed Brunch around 11:30ish. Views are Fantastic from the front rooms - the back rooms are maybe the poshest rooms in Durham
Feb 18, 2024 by SH
★★★★★

Elegant, Refined and Luxurious

Loved the Vegan / Halal options. Decor is better than some £500+ a night places. Staff / Team are all Genuine, efficient and have character. 12 Minutes on the train to Newcastle City Centre. Only Place I would stay if in the area.
Dec 15, 2023 by Putri Nanom

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