"Fab breakfast, plenty on offer. A lovely surprise to have vegetarian alternatives to meat."
Sophie from United Kingdom
read full review
"We had a charming night at the Shoes on our way to Scotland. We checked in on a saturday night and the pub was in party mode with a singer."
Isabelle from United Kingdom
read full review
"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
read full review
"Very comfortable, good sized room"
Pam from United Kingdom
read full review
"Good value basic but very clean and friendly staff."
Thomas from United Kingdom
read full review
3-star bed and breakfast above a traditional pub in Durham
Accommodation
The Shoes offers twin rooms with shower, some with en-suite facilities or a private bathroom across the landing. Each room includes a tea and coffee maker, a TV, and comfortable beds. The property is non-smoking throughout and has free parking adjacent to the pub.
Breakfast
Breakfast is a full English served on English china, with cereals, yoghurt, and orange juice from the buffet. Guests can choose a full English, scrambled eggs on toast, or kippers. The pub downstairs has a bar with real ale and hosts darts league and quiz nights.
Pub & On-Site Activities
The Shoes is a traditional pub with regular events including pub quiz, bingo, and monthly live music. On-site activities available for guests include cycling and fishing. The pub has a darts league and a lounge where guests can watch sports on TV.
Location
The hotel is located 2 km from Durham Cathedral and within walking distance of Palace Green Library and Durham Castle. A bus stop right outside provides regular service to Durham city centre, which is a 15-minute walk downhill. Nearby attractions include Beamish Museum (20 km) and Lumley Castle (15 km).
Solo Travelers & Safety
The Shoes provides a safe environment for solo travelers, with staff offering personalized local recommendations. Guests can enter via a back entrance from the car park, avoiding the pub at night. The hotel offers competitive pricing and good value, with many solo travelers returning for repeat stays.
Highlights
Breakfast: Full English breakfast with generous portions
Activities: Cycling and fishing available on-site
Pub: Traditional pub with darts, quiz, and monthly live music
Location: 15-minute walk to Durham Cathedral and city centre
Safety: Safe environment for solo travelers
Must-do experiences
Visit the Sarah P. Duke Gardens for stunning landscapes and peace.
Try the BBQ at The Pit for an authentic taste of North Carolina.
Explore the Nasher Museum for contemporary art and engaging exhibits.
Stroll through the historic Brightleaf Square for shops and dining.
Check out the Durham Farmers' Market for local produce and crafts.
Select your room type
The Shoes features a range of room types across England, from double and family rooms to suites, with breakfast, free cancellation, and special offers included
Twin Room Shower
2 persons
2 Single beds
room details
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your stay in England now!
September 2026 - September 2027
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
September 2026
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
October 2026
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
November 2026
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
December 2026
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
January 2027
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
February 2027
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
March 2027
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
April 2027
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
May 2027
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
June 2027
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
July 2027
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
August 2027
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
Choose dates to see prices
Check-in/ Check-out
Facilities
The Shoes provides amenities to make your stay in England comfortable and memorable
Facilities: Great
8.5/10Review 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 in England
16 Sunderland Road, Durham, DH1 2JT,
Explore Durham
Explore the Area
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Prince Bishops Shopping Centre
16 minutes' walk
Shopping haven with a range of retail options, cafes, and restaurants. Perfect for families and shoppers alike.
Durham Castle
20 minutes' walk
Impressive historic site offering guided tours. Stunning architecture and rich history make it a must-see.
Durham Cathedral
30 minutes' walk
UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Romanesque architecture. Features beautiful interior and scenic views.
Oriental Museum
25 minutes' walk
Unique collections of Asian artifacts. Engaging exhibits suitable for all ages, enhancing cultural understanding.
Adventure Valley
10 minutes' drive
Exciting outdoor adventure park with activities for all ages. Offers safe fun and exhilarating experiences.
Bannatyne Health Club and Spa
20 minutes' walk
Relaxation and wellness space with spa services, gym access, and fitness classes. Ideal for rejuvenation.
Belmont Pizza House
10 minutes' walk
Casual eatery specializing in pizza and Italian classics. Family-friendly atmosphere and vegetarian options available.
Old Durham Gardens
16 minutes' walk
Charming café set in beautiful gardens. Offers seasonal dishes and fresh ingredients; ideal for a leisurely meal.
Live Theatre Durham
5 minutes' drive
Local theater hosting a variety of performances, including plays and concerts. Engaging events for all ages.
The Students' Union
15 minutes' walk
Vibrant venue featuring live music and themed nights. Popular spot for nightlife with a welcoming atmosphere.
Getting around England
City Centre
Durham 5 min · 400 m
Airports
Newcastle (NCL) 61 min · 40.6 km
Durham Tees Valley (MME) 63 min · 41.6 km
Train
Durham Train Station 22 min · 1.8 km
Bus
Bus stop 23 min · 1.9 km
Want to see Exclusive Early Booking Rate?
Find exclusive rates for stays across England now!
Check Rates
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.
Guest Reviews and Ratings
What previous guests said about staying at The Shoes.
Review score
Based on 268 verified reviews
8.5 /10
Great
93 %
Recommend
Breakfast
8.8/10
Cleanliness
8.9/10
Comfort
8.7/10
Facilities
8.5/10
Free WiFi
5.0/10
Location
8.5/10
Paid Wi-Fi
9.4/10
Staff
9.4/10
Value for money
9.3/10
Pros
Really good hospitality
Excellent full English breakfast
Comfortable room amenities
Proximity to city center
Cons
Inadequate WiFi connectivity
Limited parking availability
Guest reviews
based on 465 reviews
8.5/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
Guest reviews
The Avenue
The Lemonfield Hotel
The Seven Stars
The Douglas Hotel
The Longship
Rye Hill Farm
Sutherlands Hotel
The Whitehouse Peterlee
The Queens Head
The Farmers Arms Inns
Redesdale Arms