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The Morritt Hotel

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The Morritt Hotel

Historic Hotels |

Early Modern & Colonial Expansion

4-Star |

Greta Bridge, DL12 9SE Barnard Castle, United Kingdom

$99.00 /night for 2 adults View Deal

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$99.00 /night for 2 adults View Deal

Highlights

Featured in The Times as one of the UK’s ten best outdoor spas

Popular Amenities

Parking
Restaurant
Pets allowed
Room service
Meeting/banquet facilities
Bar
24-hour front desk
Sauna
Golf course (within 3 km)
Garden
Terrace
Non-smoking rooms
Laundry
Facilities for disabled guests
Family rooms
Breakfast in the room
Ironing service
Free parking
Internet services
Safety deposit box
Spa and wellness centre
Massage
Hot tub/Jacuzzi
Hiking
Packed lunches
Heating
Fax/photocopying
WiFi
Free WiFi
Non-smoking throughout
Designated smoking area
Snack bar
Sun terrace
Private check-in/check-out
Special diet menus (on request)
Daily housekeeping
Grocery deliveries
Parking on site
WiFi available in all areas
Board games/puzzles
Kid meals
Electric vehicle charging station
Accessible parking
Wine/champagne
Pet basket
Pet bowls
Coffee house on site
Outdoor furniture
Beauty Services
Facial treatments
Waxing services
Make up services
Manicure
Pedicure
Body treatments
Body scrub
Body wrap
Spa facilities
Steam room
Spa lounge/relaxation area
Spa/wellness packages
Fitness/spa locker rooms
Live sport events (broadcast)
24-hour security
Key access
Security alarm
Smoke alarms
CCTV in common areas
CCTV outside property
Fire extinguishers
Use of cleaning chemicals that are effective against Coronavirus
Linens, towels and laundry washed in accordance with local authority guidelines
Guest accommodation is disinfected between stays
Food can be delivered to guest accommodation
Staff follow all safety protocols as directed by local authorities
First aid kit available
Cashless payment available
Invoice provided
All plates, cutlery, glasses and other tableware have been sanitized
Guests have the option to cancel any cleaning services for their accommodation during their stay
Breakfast takeaway containers
Delivered food is securely covered

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Overview

The Morritt Hotel & Garage Spa is a charming 17th-century country house in County Durham. Originally a working farm and a key stop on the London to Carlisle mail coach route, it keeps its heritage alive. Guests can enjoy classic British dishes at Gilroy’s Restaurant or the Dickens Bar, where the famous John Gilroy mural adds a unique artistic touch. The Garage Spa steals the show with hydrotherapy tubs, a plunge pool, steam room, salt room, and indulgent Elemis treatments. Outside, the open spaces invite wandering, while nearby High Force Waterfall and Durham Cathedral, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offer exploration. Christmas and New Year events add festive cheer, making it a mix of history, calm, and celebration.

Good 8.0

1535 reviews

Greta Bridge, DL12 9SE Barnard Castle, United Kingdom

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Local Info

The Bowes Museum

(5.7 km)

Raby Castle, Park and Gardens

(17.7 km)

Hamsterley Forest

(26.7 km)

Nearest Airport

(37.4 km)

Nearest Railway Station

(29.6 km)

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History

The Morritt’s story starts in the late 1600s, when this land was still a working farm. There was no hotel then, only farm buildings and open fields. Some of those early structures stayed in use for a long time and were later converted into hotel spaces. As travel picked up, Greta Bridge became an important stop on the London to Carlisle mail coach route. It was the second overnight stop, which meant a regular flow of travelers, horses, and activity moving through the village. At that time, Greta Bridge had only three inns.

In 1839, Charles Dickens visited Greta Bridge while researching his novel Nicholas Nickleby. Dickens is thought to have stayed at one of the local inns, possibly The Morritt, and later used the village as the meeting place for Nicholas and Wackford Squeers in the story. The area also drew in artists and writers. Painters like Turner and Cotman captured scenes along the River Greta, including the Meeting of the Waters, which sits just a short walk from the hotel. Sir Walter Scott wrote about Brignall Banks and set his poem Rokeby close by. This creative past still feels present today, especially in The Dickens Bar, where a mural painted in 1946 keeps these literary connections alive.

The historic exterior of The Morritt Hotel Booking

Design and Architecture

The Morritt Hotel & Garage Spa is a classic English country house. Many of the original stone and timber structures have been carefully preserved and converted into guest spaces, maintaining the building’s historic charm. Inside, features like exposed beams, fireplaces, and elegant yet relaxed interiors create a warm, inviting atmosphere. The Garage Spa, housed in a restored building, retains its original character and offers a peaceful space for relaxation.

Outside, the hotel’s gardens provide serene lawns and quiet corners for wandering or unwinding. Part of the hotel, Burns Cottage is a stylish self-catering property with garden views, overlooking open fields. It features a hot tub, patio, and BBQ area, giving guests a private space while enjoying all hotel and spa facilities.

Classic English country house style at The Morritt Hotel Booking

Gardens and open lawns complement the hotel’s timeless architecture Booking

Amenities

Popular Amenities

Parking
Restaurant
Pets allowed
Room service
Meeting/banquet facilities
Bar
24-hour front desk
Sauna
Golf course (within 3 km)
Garden
Terrace
Non-smoking rooms
Laundry
Facilities for disabled guests
Family rooms
Breakfast in the room
Ironing service
Free parking
Internet services
Safety deposit box
Spa and wellness centre
Massage
Hot tub/Jacuzzi
Hiking
Packed lunches
Heating
Fax/photocopying
WiFi
Free WiFi
Non-smoking throughout
Designated smoking area
Snack bar
Sun terrace
Private check-in/check-out
Special diet menus (on request)
Daily housekeeping
Grocery deliveries
Parking on site
WiFi available in all areas
Board games/puzzles
Kid meals
Electric vehicle charging station
Accessible parking
Wine/champagne
Pet basket
Pet bowls
Coffee house on site
Outdoor furniture
Beauty Services
Facial treatments
Waxing services
Make up services
Manicure
Pedicure
Body treatments
Body scrub
Body wrap
Spa facilities
Steam room
Spa lounge/relaxation area
Spa/wellness packages
Fitness/spa locker rooms
Live sport events (broadcast)
24-hour security
Key access
Security alarm
Smoke alarms
CCTV in common areas
CCTV outside property
Fire extinguishers
Use of cleaning chemicals that are effective against Coronavirus
Linens, towels and laundry washed in accordance with local authority guidelines
Guest accommodation is disinfected between stays
Food can be delivered to guest accommodation
Staff follow all safety protocols as directed by local authorities
First aid kit available
Cashless payment available
Invoice provided
All plates, cutlery, glasses and other tableware have been sanitized
Guests have the option to cancel any cleaning services for their accommodation during their stay
Breakfast takeaway containers
Delivered food is securely covered

Activities

Massage
Hot tub/Jacuzzi
Hiking
Beauty Services
Facial treatments
Waxing services
Make up services
Manicure
Pedicure
Body treatments
Body scrub
Body wrap
Spa facilities
Steam room
Spa lounge/relaxation area
Spa/wellness packages
Fitness/spa locker rooms
Live sport events (broadcast)

Services

Meeting/banquet facilities
24-hour front desk
Laundry
Ironing service
Packed lunches
Fax/photocopying
Private check-in/check-out
Daily housekeeping
Grocery deliveries
Pet basket
Pet bowls

General

Pets allowed
Non-smoking rooms
Facilities for disabled guests
Safety deposit box
Heating
Non-smoking throughout
Designated smoking area

Safety & security

24-hour security
Key access
Security alarm
Smoke alarms
CCTV in common areas
CCTV outside property
Fire extinguishers

Parking

Parking
Free parking
Parking on site
Electric vehicle charging station
Accessible parking

Food & Drink

Breakfast in the room
Snack bar
Kid meals
Wine/champagne
Coffee house on site

Internet

Internet services
WiFi
Free WiFi

Outdoors

Sun terrace
Outdoor furniture

Entertainment and family services

Board games/puzzles

Safety features

First aid kit available

Physical distancing

Cashless payment available

Reception services

Invoice provided

Food & drink safety

Breakfast takeaway containers

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Dining

Gilroy’s Restaurant

Gilroy’s Restaurant has long been a favorite with locals and travelers passing through on the A66. It is also the place for unhurried dinners and classic Sunday roasts made with locally sourced ingredients.

In summer, the garden is a lovely spot for drinks and light bites, while in winter, bonfires create a cozy setting for a comforting supper. The restaurant suits everything from family celebrations and romantic dinners to early evening meals and indulgent Afternoon Tea. The seasonal menu focuses on traditional dishes alongside the chef’s specials, with lunch and dinner served daily. Afternoon Tea is available every day, and booking ahead is recommended.

Classic dining with local flavors and seasonal menus Booking

Dickens Bar and Bistro

The Dickens Bar and Bistro offers a more casual dining option within the hotel. Open for lunch and dinner, it serves classic British pub food, including hearty favorites, sandwiches, and lighter bites made with familiar, comforting flavors. It is ideal for a relaxed meal after a walk, a catch-up with friends, or an easygoing dinner for hotel guests. The bar is also home to the famous John Gilroy mural**, which celebrates the artist’s work and gives the space a distinctive character, making it one of the most talked about features of the hotel.

Relaxed pub dining with classic comfort dishes at the Dickens Bar Booking

Bar with its iconic John Gilroy mural Booking

Destination Wedding

The Morritt Hotel is a lovely choice for a countryside wedding in County Durham, just moments from the historic town of Barnard Castle. Set in a peaceful hamlet, this elegant country house offers a relaxed and scenic setting for celebrations of all sizes. The hotel is licensed for civil ceremonies and features flexible indoor spaces along with a secluded garden that works beautifully for ceremonies and drinks receptions. Weddings can be as intimate as 10 guests or as lively as 150, with spaces that adapt easily to your plans.

A dedicated wedding team is on hand to guide you from the early planning stages right through to the big day, keeping everything well organised. Menus are created by the chefs at Gilroy’s Dining Room, with options for wedding breakfasts, canapés, evening buffets, and late-night suppers. The Morritt offers all-inclusive wedding packages with pricing based on guest numbers, along with off-peak and seasonal offers. Exclusive use of the hotel is also available for a more private celebration, with packages tailored to your vision.

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A peaceful garden setting for ceremonies Booking

An elegant hall designed for memorable wedding moments. Booking

Events & Experiences

Cultural and Outdoor Experieneces

The Garage Spa stands out as one of the most memorable parts of the experience here. Housed in a beautifully restored 17th-century building beside the hotel, it feels like a hidden retreat designed for switching off and spending time together. Guests drift between the hydrotherapy tub and plunge pool, linger in the steam room, or settle into the quiet comfort of the relaxation lounges. The salt room offers a deeply soothing pause, while Elemis treatments add a layer of indulgence that turns it into something truly special. With gentle music, peaceful spaces, and light refreshments close at hand, the spa becomes a highlight.

Beyond the hotel, the story opens out into the landscapes of County Durham, where days naturally fill with gentle exploration. Experience the thunderous glory of High Force Waterfall, one of the finest waterfalls in England, at the heart of the Durham Dales, part of the North Pennines National Landscape and UNESCO Global Geopark. Or take a stroll along Durham City’s delightful wooded riverbanks and enjoy magnificent views of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle. Add in quiet walking routes, fresh coastal air along the Heritage Coast, and the simple joy of being outdoors together, and it all just flows naturally, letting you wander, explore, and soak it all in.

Melt into calm and warmth in the spa bath Agoda

Hot tub perfect for total relaxation Agoda

Durham Castle and its historic surroundings Carla Brain

During the Christmas and New Year period, The Morritt provides a range of seasonal activities. Visitors can take part in a Wreath Making Workshop with afternoon tea, enjoy a Festive Murder Mystery dinner, or test their knowledge at the Quiz of the Year. Families with children can join Breakfast with Santa, which includes a full English breakfast, continental buffet, and gifts for kids under 12. The hotel hosts themed Christmas Party Nights, including a Decades Party featuring music from the 80s, 90s, and 00s, as well as a Christmas Casino Night with a three-course menu, dancing, and casino tables. Traditional festive dining is available through Afternoon Tea, Boxing Day Lunch, and New Year’s Day Lunch, all served with seasonal menus.

New Year’s Eve features a Black Tie Gala Dinner with a five-course menu, entertainment, casino tables, and a midnight toast. Guests staying overnight can enjoy festive breaks with mulled wine on arrival, carol singing, Christmas Day lunch, and breakfast on New Year’s Day.

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Other Celebrations

The Morritt offers versatile spaces for a wide range of celebrations and meetings. Meeting rooms can accommodate up to 100 guests, and packages can be tailored for day events or formal seated dinners with seasonal menus, ideal for corporate events or society balls. For personal celebrations, the hotel caters to birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers, hen parties, and proms. Flexible packages like the Pick ‘n’ Mix Party and Prom Package include room hire, DJ and dancefloor, food options such as pizza stations, BBQs, or hog roasts, and extras like sweet carts and party games. The team works with guests to design memorable events, ensuring every celebration includes great food, music, and personal touches for a truly special occasion. For more information or to plan your event, guests are encouraged to get in touch with the hotel’s events team.

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Sustainability

The Morritt Hotel is focused on reducing its impact on the environment and continually reviewing operational practices to run more sustainably. Each year, they set business goals around key areas like removing single-use plastics, cutting down on paper use with guests and B2B, and lowering the overall carbon footprint. They prioritise local suppliers wherever possible to reduce food miles, and guests are encouraged to reuse towels and linen instead of having them changed daily. Electric car charging points are being introduced across the hotels, and waste management and recycling strategies are regularly reviewed and improved.

Local Info

The Bowes Museum

5.7 km

A striking museum housing fine art, decorative pieces, and fascinating exhibits, offering a cultural experience for visitors of all ages. (8-minute drive)