Business Details
Open 24/7
always available
Luxury Country Hotel & Spa in Co. Durham
The Morritt has been a cherished country house hotel in the heart of Teesdale countryside for many years. Nestled near Barnard Castle in County Durham, we combine traditional charm with modern comforts to offer guests a unique blend of relaxation, fine dining, and hospitality. Our award-winning Garage Spa provides rejuvenating treatments in a tranquil setting, while Gilroys Restaurant serves seasonal menus with AA Rosette acclaim. As part of the Squirrel Hotel Group, we maintain a commitment to exceptional service, with many team members having worked here for years.Surrounded by rolling fields and historic landmarks like Bowes Museum, we cater to walkers, food lovers, and those seeking peaceful escapes. Our 26 individually designed rooms, including accessible and pet-friendly options, ensure every guest finds comfort. The Morritt also stands as a premier wedding venue, offering traditional country house settings for ceremonies and celebrations. With accolades such as being featured in The Times as one of the UKs top outdoor spas, we continue to deliver memorable experiences rooted in Durhams natural beauty and hospitality.
Services
Luxury Accommodation
Award-Winning Spa
Fine Dining
Wedding Venue
Self-Catering Cottages
Highlights and features
- Award-winning Garage Spa with outdoor thermal experiences
- Scenic location between Durham and Yorkshire Dales
- AA Rosette-accredited Gilroys Restaurant
- Experienced hospitality team with long-standing staff
- Pet-friendly rooms and family accommodations
What people say
Lovely staff and hotel
Brilliant food and comfy beds
Perfect Sunday lunch
Cute and compact spa
Delicious afternoon tea
Services
Luxury Accommodation
The Morritt offers 26 individually designed rooms with classic and superior options, including accessible, family, and pet-friendly accommodations. Each room blends traditional charm with modern comforts like plush bedding and scenic countryside views. Guests enjoy thoughtful touches such as 24-hour hospitality and proximity to local attractions like Bowes Museum.
Award-Winning Spa
The Garage Spa provides rejuvenating treatments in a historic 17th-century building. Facilities include hydrotherapy tubs, steam rooms, and a salt relaxation room. Guests can enjoy Elemis skincare treatments, outdoor thermal experiences, and afternoon tea. The spa, featured in The Times, caters exclusively to adults seeking tranquility in a countryside setting.
Fine Dining
Gilroys Restaurant serves seasonal menus with locally sourced ingredients, holding an AA Rosette award. The menu changes with the seasons, complemented by traditional Sunday lunches and afternoon tea. Dickens Bar offers casual dining with coffee, light meals, and evening options, all reflecting the regions culinary heritage in a relaxed atmosphere.
Wedding Venue
The Morritt is a premier country house wedding venue licensed for civil ceremonies. It offers flexible spaces for intimate gatherings or celebrations with up to 150 guests, including a secret garden for ceremonies. Packages include bespoke menus from Gilroys Restaurant and exclusive-use options, supported by a dedicated wedding coordination team.
Self-Catering Cottages
Burns Cottage provides self-catering accommodation for families or groups, sleeping up to twelve adults with space for children. Located in a scenic rural setting, it features versatile living areas, modern amenities, and uninterrupted countryside views, ideal for extended stays and special occasions.
People
Andrew Slinger
General Manager
Andrew oversees operations at The Morritt, ensuring the hotel maintains its reputation for exceptional hospitality. With a focus on guest satisfaction, he leads a team dedicated to preserving the propertys heritage while delivering modern comforts.
Questions
How do I book a room at The Morritt?
Visit our website or contact us directly at 01833 627232 to reserve your stay online.
Does The Morritt allow pets?
Yes, we offer pet-friendly rooms for guests traveling with their animals.
Can I use the Garage Spa as a day visitor?
The Garage Spa is open to hotel guests and day visitors, with treatments bookable in advance.
Are weddings accommodated at The Morritt?
Yes, we host weddings for 10–150 guests with bespoke packages and dedicated coordination.
Is The Morritt accessible for guests with mobility needs?
We provide accessible rooms and facilities to ensure all guests enjoy their stay comfortably.
What dining options are available?
Gilroys Restaurant offers seasonal fine dining, while Dickens Bar provides casual meals and drinks daily.
Reviews (7)
Beverley Dowson
Jun 21, 2022
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Lovely place out of the way but great if you like to walk or relax was lovely weather when we were there and the beer gardens were lovely, breakfast was excellent
Jet Z.
May 18, 2022
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I absolutely loved this place. It's a complete one off, great atmosphere, very friendly staff and wonderful food. You just have to visit to appreciate its uniqueness
Danny Robson
May 06, 2022
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Me and my partner used the spa and stayed at this hotel yesterday, I would totally recommend staying here! When we arrived at the spa Larissa showed us where to go and made us feel so welcome. Then the massage by Katie was amazing and also gave me advice about my skin condition which I was so concerned about for no reason what so ever! The hotel Alex was so helpful and showed us to our room which was beautiful. Jack on the bar was first class service and Paul went above and beyond to make my stay perfect ( even stayed later trying to find an extension which he found for me ).
We are even now considering having our wedding here in 2024/2025 which they even introduced us to the wedding planner who was lovely! Very reasonable for price and the food was remarkable, they should charge a lot more because of the service you get! Thank you for everything and see you again very soon! Kind regards Dan and Sarah
We are even now considering having our wedding here in 2024/2025 which they even introduced us to the wedding planner who was lovely! Very reasonable for price and the food was remarkable, they should charge a lot more because of the service you get! Thank you for everything and see you again very soon! Kind regards Dan and Sarah
Allan Johnston
May 02, 2022
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Fantastic day celebrating a family wedding. would have loved to have statyed over but after at least 100 calls I give up. no one ever answered the phone. how on earth they did business is beyond me.
Susan Greenwood
Apr 06, 2022
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Had 2 night break, DBB. Excellent service. Staff friendly and obliging. Spacious, clean room with ample storage and comfortable bed. Hotel in old building, creaky uneven floors eyc. Great food and quirky bar with unique murals, and roaring log fire. Lovely food in restaurant and also in bar. Spa is luxurious and treatment v relaxing. If being picky, would have expected more toiletries in room eg hair conditioner and body lotion, but there was lots of shower gel and shampoo. Dogs are welcomed in bar and hotel which doesnt suit me, but is great for dog owners! Highly recommended.
Joanne Coates
Mar 17, 2022
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Do not book spa! Twice now I've booked on for friends and family as gifts both times cancelled last minute with no notice. Lied about power outage when I live in the area. Guess what no power out anywhere else. Had family and friends turn up tonight, staff didn't bother to call or email them just said nothing was available. This place used to be good. Living in reeth I used to come all the time. It's very poor now. If you want a good experience go somewhere better. This has also happened to a friend. When staff want to go home, they lie out about power out.
Simon Atack
Mar 15, 2022
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Stayed overnight here as near where I had to be in the morning. Had a late lunch of sandwiches and chips when we arrived and very nice filling they were freshly made everyone enjoyed them. Talked to reception and had a walk in the afternoon and went to where the rivers met under the a66 and through some fields. The Al a caete dinner was very tasty a chicken supreme dish and came with a side of in season vegetables, and followed by a chocolate orange desert that was very nice, mind you the sticky toffee looked very nice as well. The breakfast in the morning was a nice buffet option that included a full cooked breakfast part, a shame it hadn't been longer since dinner