The Vibe: Contemporary Victorian.

The Area: Famous for its eponymous university, Durham is laden with historic pubs, listed buildings, cosy cafes and spellbinding churches, surrounded by rolling countryside and quiet villages. A stone’s throw from the city’s cathedral and castle – which together make up the city’s famous UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Hotel Indigo Durham is also within easy walking distance from the train station.

The DNA: Hotel Indigo Durham is set in the Grade II-listed ‘Old Shire Hall’, once a university building and acted as its administrative headquarters; it was office to the university’s Vice-Chancellor until 2012. Before it served as the Durham County Council offices. There are lots of nods to academia and the cathedral, with original features retained. Set against polished tilework, marble staircases, stained-glass windows and parquet flooring are stripy chairs, Scandi-style tables, industrial lighting and framed architectural and engineering drawings. The original circular oak-panelled Council chamber has been turned into the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill offers guests signature steaks and timeless English and French classics, delivered with Marco’s unique flair.

Suite-Me-Up: All bedrooms feature ornate details to reflect the rich ties to the city’s famous trinity of cathedral, castle and university. The hotel features three distinct room types, from academia-inspired featuring the University’s official colour, purple, through to grand bedrooms with a sumptuous feel and tapestry detailing.

✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 83 rooms & suites (18-39m2) (194-420 sq ft) • hotel opened: 2018 • architecture & interior design: Howarth Litchfield • on-site parking (charged) • no pets allowed • 24-hour front desk • wheelchair accessible