"We had a charming night at the Shoes on our way to Scotland."
Isabelle from United Kingdom
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"The room was spotless and the facilities were all in good working order."
Chris from United Kingdom
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"Really good breakfast. Good selection of beers in the bar and all the staff were really friendly."
Dave from United Kingdom
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"This is a great bnb, check in very quick and polite, hotel room very clean,with all necessaties, first class breakfast with very friendly hosts."
Sharon G from United Kingdom
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"Comfortable room and welcoming staff. Highly recommended and very good value."
Sawmillbloke from United Kingdom
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3-star Durham pub B&B with a hearty Full English breakfast and community charm
Amenities & Activities
The Shoes offers an on-site bar with a cozy lounge area for guests to relax. Cycling and fishing are available directly from the property, with equipment storage provided. The staff gives personalized local recommendations, pointing guests toward nearby community events and walking routes.
Dining & Breakfast
A Full English breakfast is included in the room rate, served on traditional English china with generous portion sizes. Cereals, yogurts, and fruit juice are also available from a self-service buffet. The bar stocks real ales and offers a selection of hot and cold drinks throughout the day.
Location & Transport
The property sits 2 km from Durham Cathedral and a 15-minute walk from the city centre. A bus stop directly outside provides frequent service to Durham bus and train stations, with journeys taking about 5 minutes. Free parking is available on site for guests arriving by car.
Rooms & Comfort
Twin rooms with en-suite shower are the standard accommodation, offering firm beds and a quiet environment. Despite being above a lively pub, no noise transfers to the bedrooms after closing time. Each room includes a kettle, tea/coffee supplies, and a small flatscreen TV.
Community & Safety
The pub downstairs hosts regular darts league evenings, pub quizzes, and live music once a month. Solo travelers consistently report feeling safe, with the property located on a well-lit main road and a secure back entrance from the car park. The atmosphere encourages interaction with regulars, creating a home-from-home feel.
Highlights
Location: 15-minute walk to Durham Cathedral and city centre
Dining: Generous Full English breakfast included
Activities: On-site cycling and fishing
Rooms: Twin rooms with en-suite shower
Transport: Bus stop outside, free parking
Ideal for: Solo travelers, leisure guests, cycling enthusiasts
“The Shoes excels as a genuine value proposition in Durham, combining a welcoming pub atmosphere with comfortable, clean accommodations a short walk from the city centre. Its spacious rooms and friendly staff contribute to a sense of genuine hospitality. I found the breakfast to be a strong point, solidifying its reputation for excellent value.”
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Bnbrental
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 details
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your dates now!
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Check-in/ Check-out
Facilities
The Shoes offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.3/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
No pets allowed
Sports & Fitness
Cycling
Fishing
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Dining
Bar/ Lounge area
Room features
Tea and coffee facilities
Show more
The Shoes Location
16 Sunderland Road, Durham, DH1 2JT,
Explore Durham
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Durham Cathedral
30 minutes' walk
Iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning Norman architecture and scenic views. Guided tours available.
Prince Bishops Shopping Centre
16 minutes' walk
A modern shopping hub featuring brand stores, eateries, and entertainment. Perfect for fashion and dining enthusiasts.
Durham Castle
20 minutes' walk
Historic castle offering guided tours that showcase its rich history. Stunning architecture and views of the city.
Durham Museum
25 minutes' walk
Exhibitions detailing Durham's history and heritage. Engaging displays ideal for families and history buffs.
Discover the local attractions near The Shoes
Explore notable sites near The Shoes Durham in the Gilesgate neighborhood that enhance your stay.
Ideal for immersive historical experiences: Durham Cathedral
Great for reflective visits and learning about local history: The Durham Light Infantry Memorial
Perfect for a serene outdoor environment: Bow Trust
Suited for leisurely strolls and picturesque views: Palace Green
Well suited for cultural exploration and art appreciation: Oriental Museum
Best for shopping and entertainment options: Prince Bishops Shopping Centre
Works well for casual sightseeing and photography: Neptune Statue
Ideal for relaxation and wellness activities: Bannatyne Health Club And Spa
Great for educational visits and archaeological interests: Durham University Museum of Archaeology
Adventure Valley
10 minutes' drive
Family-friendly adventure park with outdoor rides, mini-golf, and animal encounters. Great for thrill-seekers.
Bannatyne Health Club And Spa
20 minutes' walk
Spa offering relaxation treatments including massages and beauty services. Ideal for those seeking a tranquil experience.
Belmont Pizza House
10 minutes' walk
Casual eatery specializing in wood-fired pizzas and local ingredients. Family-friendly atmosphere with vegetarian options.