Hardwicke Hall Manor Hotel

Hardwicke Hall Manor is a sixteenth-century manor house turned hotel at Hesleden, just inland from the Durham Heritage Coast and a couple of miles from Blackhall Colliery. It holds a 4.4/5 paw rating, and what guests remember is the staff: warm with dogs even on a packed night, and quick to make owners feel their dog is wanted rather than put up with.

Up to two dogs can stay per booking. There are water bowls, and a dog exercise area in the grounds for a stretch before bed. The one firm rule is that dogs must not be left unattended anywhere in the hotel, so plan around being with them. Guests have also reported that dogs are kept to the bar area rather than the main restaurant, which is worth confirming when you book if you were counting on a dinner with the dog at the table.

The building has real old-world character: an oak staircase and panelling, creaky floorboards, wonky doors and windows, and beautiful gardens that clearly take some keeping. Rooms are large and comfortable, and the food earns consistent praise, from the carvery and evening meals through to breakfast, with vegetarian and vegan options covered.

The Durham Heritage Coast is minutes away for clifftop and beach walks, and Hartlepool, Seaham and the wider North East coast are all within easy reach.

Set expectations on condition. This is an old building showing its age in places: weak shower pressure is a repeated complaint, some guests found the mattresses far too firm, a few modern fittings jar against the period feel, and the parking arrangement confuses people. Because it is a popular dog hotel, guests have also been woken by a dog barking in a neighbouring room, which is the trade-off for staying somewhere this relaxed about dogs. Breakfast service also stops promptly, so check the time on arrival.

Best suited to a dog owner who values a genuinely warm welcome, good food and character over polish, and does not mind a hotel that has seen better days.