"As a 600-year old castle, the hotel has a wonderful atmosphere, and all the staff gave a warm and relaxed welcome. We had room in the castle itself, and didn't think it over-expensive at all by our modest standards: excellent facilities, and very good options for eating in the library/bar or the restaurant. You do need a car as the hotel is outside the town - beside a golf course that welcomes visitors, and the Durham Cricket Club ground. We've stayed before, and will be back. The only grumble I can make is that the toast with an otherwise excellent breakfast was consistently a bit soggy!"