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The Shoes, Durham

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From$87 /night
Check-in
12Aug
Check-out
13Aug
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

16 Sunderland Road, Durham, DH1 2JT
-
Close to Durham Cathedral
Great
8.6
/10
4.7
4.5
/5

The Shoes - A 3-star hotel with a bar and proximity to Durham's landmarks

The Shoes offers a bar and is situated 2 km from Durham Castle and Durham Cathedral, with Palace Green Library and Durham Magistrates Court also nearby. The twin rooms include tea and coffee makers and TVs. Nearby dining options include China Diner (0.5 km), The Coffee House Durham (0.5 km), and Papa John's (0.5 km). Local attractions such as Old Durham Gardens and Prince Bishops Shopping Centre are within 1 km. The hotel is 45 km from Newcastle International Airport. Guests can explore the area by cycling or fishing.

Pros

The bar provides convenience for on-site drinks and relaxation.

Proximity to landmarks like Durham Cathedral and Palace Green Library makes exploring easy.

Twin rooms are equipped with tea and coffee makers.

Cons

The nearest airport is 45 km away, requiring transportation for travelers.

Limited dining options are available on-site; guests may need to visit nearby restaurants.

Select your room type

The Shoes offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Twin Room Shower
2 persons
2 Single beds

Room Rates & Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!
August 2026 - August 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

The Shoes offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.5/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • No pets allowed

Sports & Fitness

  • Cycling
  • Fishing

Dining

  • Bar/ Lounge area

Room features

  • Tea and coffee facilities
Show more

The Shoes Location

16 Sunderland Road, Durham, DH1 2JT
Explore Durham
Explore Local Gems
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Durham Cathedral
30 minutes' walk
This UNESCO World Heritage Site features stunning Norman architecture and incredible views from its tower.
Durham Castle
20 minutes' walk
An impressive castle offering guided tours, showcasing its history and beautiful architecture.
Crook Hall and Gardens
16 minutes' walk
A delightful medieval manor with exquisite gardens, perfect for a serene stroll among nature.
Oriental Museum
25 minutes' walk
Home to a diverse collection of Asian artifacts, this museum offers insights into various cultures.
Adventure Valley
10 minutes' drive
An exciting outdoor adventure park featuring zip lines, go-karts, and other thrilling attractions for all ages.
Bannatyne Health Club and Spa
20 minutes' walk
A relaxing spa offering treatments and fitness facilities, ideal for unwinding after a busy day.
Belmont Pizza House
10 minutes' walk
Casual dining with a variety of delicious pizzas, perfect for families and pizza lovers. Vegetarian options available.
Old Bell Tower
10 minutes' drive
An elegant venue celebrating British cuisine, known for its steak and seafood, with a lovely atmosphere.
Darlington Hippodrome
20 minutes' drive
A vibrant theater hosting a variety of performances from musicals to comedy shows suitable for all ages.
The Half Moon Inn
10 minutes' walk
A traditional pub with live music nights, perfect for enjoying local brews in a friendly atmosphere.
Getting around
  • City Centre
    Durham 5 min  ·  1400 ft
  • Airports
    Newcastle (NCL) 61 min  ·  25.2 mi
    Durham Tees Valley (MME) 63 min  ·  25.9 mi
  • Train
    Durham Train Station 22 min  ·  1.1 mi
  • Bus
    Bus stop 23 min  ·  1.2 mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 12:00-23:30
Check-out
until 10 am
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
No internet access available.
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Shoes from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Shoes offers guests spacious rooms and convenient access to bus stops for exploring the city. Many appreciate the full English breakfast, along with the bonus of free early check-in. Some guests have noted that the stair access might be challenging for some, but overall, visitors find the hotel to be a good value, with comfortable beds and large bathrooms enhancing their stay.
Show moreShow less
Review score
Based on 268 verified reviews
8.5 /10
Great
93 %
Recommend
Staff
9.5/10
Paid Wi-Fi
9.4/10
Free WiFi
5.0/10
Facilities
8.5/10
Pros
Friendly staff
Excellent breakfast
Good room size
Comfortable beds
City centre proximity
Cons
Slight smell
Unclean mugs
Tired hotel
Mould around windows
Guest reviews
based on 268 reviews
8.5/10
based on 477 reviews
8.6/10
Sebastian from Germany
Couple
Twin Room Shower
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 30, 2025
6/10
small television traffic noise
The breakfast was plentiful (I really enjoyed it).
The small television in the room was difficult to see from the bed. I also noticed some noise from traffic outside. It made it a little hard to sleep well.
0 Helpful
George from United Kingdom
Single
Twin Room Shower
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: November 29, 2025
6/10

Average Stay, Some Issues

poor soundproofing annoying noise
The breakfast was okay, nothing to write home about, but it did the job.
The room was pretty basic, a bit too basic if you ask me. I found the lack of proper soundproofing annoying. I could hear everything happening outside. The noise made it difficult to relax. It was far from the quiet getaway I wanted.
0 Helpful
Elijah from Israel
Single
Twin Room Shower
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed: October 25, 2025
6/10

adequate stay , nothing really good

traffic sounds stair access
the noise WAS a problem. some traffic sounds were noticeable throughout the night , and I could hear noise from other guests. THE stair access was also challenging with luggage , especially given there is no elevator.
0 Helpful
Camila from Colombia
Single
Twin Room Shower
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed: September 20, 2025
7/10

decent stay

english breakfast friendly staff spacious room challenging stairs small chair low desk
breakfast included a full english option. staff members were friendly. the room was quite spacious.
the stairs could be challenging for some guests. i found only one small soft chair in the room. a low desk chair was also available.
0 Helpful
FAQs
About The Shoes
What is the distance between The Shoes and Durham Cathedral?
The Shoes is located 2 km from Durham Cathedral.
Which attractions are near The Shoes?
Nearby attractions include Palace Green Library (2 km), Durham Castle (2 km), and Beamish Museum (20 km).
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Shoes?
Check-in is at 12:00 and check-out is by 10:30.
What activities can guests participate in at The Shoes?
Guests at The Shoes can engage in activities such as cycling and fishing.
Is there an on-site bar at The Shoes?
The Shoes features a bar/lounge area for guests.
Which languages are spoken by staff at The Shoes?
The staff at The Shoes primarily speaks English.
What is the nearest airport to The Shoes?
Newcastle International Airport is located 39 km from The Shoes.
What nearby restaurants can guests dine at when staying at The Shoes?
Dining options within 1 km include China Diner (0.5 km), The Coffee House Durham (0.5 km), and Tesco Cafe (1 km).
How far is The Shoes from the city center of Durham?
The Shoes is located 2 km from the city center of Durham.
Are there any non-smoking areas at The Shoes?
The Shoes is a non-smoking property.
What amenities are provided in the rooms of The Shoes?
Rooms at The Shoes are equipped with Wi-Fi and a TV.
What is the travel time from Newcastle International Airport to The Shoes?
Traveling from Newcastle International Airport to The Shoes takes approximately 38 minutes by car.

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