OYO The Town House

A short walk away form Durham's historic centre, a little way up Old Elvet, away from the bridge, this boutique Georgian townhouse is one of the city's most unusual places to stay, with 11 extravagantly decorated rooms that are a complete contrast to thesobriety of the building and location.

Now part of the OYO group of well-priced boutique city hotels, it's handily located just a few minutes' walk from all of Durham's sights, attractions and nightlife. The public areas set the tone immediately, decadently decorated with art and antiques, while the guest rooms are all individually done out in full-on colours that lend a romantic, sexy vibe. Rooms like 'Hideaway' and 'Azzurri' sport a rich, glam decor and free-standing clawfoot baths, while the three 'lodge' apartments in the garden come with private outdoor hot tubs. All rooms have wifi, en-suite bathrooms with baths, tea- and coffee-making facilities and flatscreen TVs.

There’s a good, moderately priced restaurant downstairs as well as a lovely summer terrace overlooking the garden, and the train station is within walking distance. In short, there's no better or more unique place from which to soak up the beauty of Durham on a long weekend, particularly for couples.