THE MORRITT HOTEL
About the Castle Hotel
The Morritt Hotel, Barnard Castle - A Countryside Retreat
The Morritt Hotel stands as a steadfast favourite, a traditional country house venue steeped in the heart of Teesdale's stunning countryside. It's long been a favoured dining destination for locals and a most convenient stopping point for travellers traversing the A66. As part of a respected family of four hotels, The Morritt offers a particular charm, an establishment that understands the art of refined hospitality. For those seeking an escape, a place where the rhythm of the seasons dictates the menu and the surrounding landscape invites exploration, this is an assured choice.
Location
Situated in the heart of the Teesdale countryside, The Morritt is a mecca for lovers of the outdoors. For walkers, the proximity to the Teesdale Way, Weardale Way, and a particularly striking stretch of the Pennine Way National Trail offers immediate access to the best the county has to offer on foot. While Barnard Castle itself, with its historic churches and The Witham art centre, is a mere 4.5 km away, the hotel's true allure lies in its position amidst open fields, offering a tranquil base away from the immediate hum of town life. Durham Tees Valley Airport is a manageable 40 km journey away.
Style and Character
This is a country house hotel that wears its history with understated grace. The original 17th-century building's natural stone and timber features are embraced by a calming décor, creating an atmosphere of enduring elegance. The Dickens Bar and Bistro, a classic country pub within the hotel, offers a welcoming hearth, famously adorned with a Dickens-inspired mural. The main house is home to Gilroy's restaurant, which, alongside the hotel's elegant Ballroom and its own self-contained bar, speaks to a tradition of gracious entertaining. The hotel's character is one of established comfort, where contemporary needs are met with a nod to the past.
Service and Facilities
The Morritt's award-winning Garage Spa is the undeniable jewel for those seeking to unwind. This boutique spa experience provides a perfect escape, offering guests three hours of access to its luxurious facilities, which include indoor and outdoor hot tubs, a steam room, and a sauna. Beyond the spa, the hotel offers quiet lounges, including the aptly named Whisper Lounge, designed for peaceful contemplation or conversation before treatments. The grounds also feature pretty terraced gardens with tables, ensuring ample space for guests to find a quiet corner. For events, the elegant Ballroom can accommodate up to 140 guests and boasts traditional wood flooring ideal for dancing, complemented by a large open fire.
Rooms
The Morritt provides a range of individually decorated rooms, each exuding a sense of comfortable refinement. While specific room categories are not detailed beyond 'double room' and 'spacious rooms with a seating area,' the descriptions point to thoughtful touches. Expect features such as private bathrooms with showers and hairdryers, electric kettles for your morning brew, carpeted floors, and flat-screen TVs. Some rooms offer a seating area, providing a comfortable space to relax. The emphasis appears to be on creating a serene environment, with units offering either one or multiple beds to suit various needs.
Food and Drink
The Morritt Hotel has long held a reputation as a favourite dining venue, and rightly so. Gilroy's restaurant, situated in the main house, serves a seasonal menu showcasing fresh produce, often featuring innovative dishes that shift with the harvest. The accompanying bar, alongside the more casual Dickens Bar and Bistro, ensures varied dining options. For those seeking a lighter indulgence, an Afternoon Tea is offered, complete with a glass of bubbly, a selection of sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, cakes, and your choice of tea or coffee. The use of hand-picked fruits from the farm for jams adds a delightful touch of local provenance.
Value for Money
The Morritt offers a compelling proposition, particularly for those drawn to its spa facilities and dining. The spa days, which typically include three hours of facility use, a 25-minute Elemis treatment, and a 'tune-up' treatment, represent excellent value for a revitalising experience. Dining in Gilroy's restaurant, with its seasonal menu and focus on local produce, provides a quality culinary experience. While specific room rates are not provided, the overall package of country house charm, excellent spa, and respected dining suggests a strong return on investment for a relaxing getaway or a convenient stopover.
Accessibility
The hotel does not explicitly detail accessible room categories or specific accessibility features for guests with mobility concerns. While the descriptions mention gardens and general facilities, a direct inquiry regarding adapted rooms or wheelchair access would be advisable for guests requiring such accommodations.
Family-Friendly
While not explicitly highlighted as a primary focus, the hotel's offering of spacious rooms and the general welcoming atmosphere of a country house hotel suggest it can accommodate families. The presence of multiple hotel properties under the same family ownership might indicate an understanding of varied guest needs, though specific family-centric amenities or activities are not detailed in the provided information.
Choose your room
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Local transport options
Overview of transport connections
Facilities
General
- No smoking on site
- Free Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Safe deposit box
- 24-hour reception
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Pets allowed
- Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
- 24-hour security
- Locker room
- Coffee shop
- Smoke detectors
- Electric vehicle charging station
- Fire extinguishers
- Key access
Sports & Fitness
- Hiking
- Golf course
Guest Parking
- Electric kettle
Services
- Pet amenities available
- Room service
- Housekeeping
- Laundry
- Grocery shopping service
- Welcome drink
Dining
- In-room breakfast
- Restaurant
- Snack bar
- Bar/ Lounge area
- Packed lunches
- Special diet menus
Business
- Meeting/ Banquet facilities
- Fax/Photocopying
Children
- Cots
- Board games
- Children's menu
Spa & Leisure
- Sun terrace
- Garden area
- Spa & wellness centre
- Sauna
- Steam room
- Jacuzzi
- Pedicure
- Manicure
- Waxing
- Body scrub
- Facial
- Treatment room
- Body wraps
- Massage
- Make up services
Room features
- Heating
- Sitting area
- Terrace
- Garden furniture
- Ironing facilities
Bathroom
- Free toiletries
Self-catering
- Electric kettle
Media
- Flat-screen TV
Room decor
- Carpeted floor
Location
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