- Christmas
- 3rd Dec 2025
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- 0 minute
Why Radisson Blu Durham should be your festive getaway for 2025
- Advertisement Feature
If Durham has been calling your name for a winter escape, now’s the perfect time to go.
Radisson Blu Durham – already loved for its riverside setting and gorgeous cathedral views – is stepping into a new era as the region’s must-visit luxury staycation spot.
And honestly, the location couldn’t be better. Fancy a riverside stroll to Durham Cathedral and Castle? You’re minutes away. Want shops, cosy restaurants or festive events? They’re right on your doorstep. Even better, the Durham train station is just a four-minute walk and there’s on-site parking for totally stress-free arrivals.
After a multi-million-pound makeover, the hotel is looking better than ever, with a sparkling festive calendar that makes winter stays feel extra special.
And as part of Visit County Durham’s Next Stop, Durham campaign, Radisson Blu is perfectly placed to help you discover everything the city – and the wider county – has to offer, all in complete comfort and style.
A NEW CHAPTER: STYLISH SPACES & SMART UPGRADES
Radisson Blu’s transformation is well underway, with a £5 million refurbishment continuing through to 2026. Phase two – completed this summer – has elevated 83 bedrooms into calm, contemporary sanctuaries designed with comfort, functionality and sustainability in mind.
Expect plush king-size beds, high-spec bathrooms, Chromecast smart TVs, in-room mini fridges, floor-to-ceiling mirrors and beautifully curated lighting. Eco-conscious touches, including refillable water stations and low-energy fixtures, make the experience feel modern and thoughtful. The design takes subtle cues from the riverside itself, blending stone tones, soft blues and slate accents to create rooms that feel warm, grounded and unmistakably Durham.
For just a £30 upgrade, you can enjoy one of these refreshed rooms – many offering sweeping river views – which have quickly become favourites among winter travellers looking for a little extra indulgence.
And the improvements don’t stop at the bedrooms. Józef’s Bar and Restaurant, along with the hotel’s public areas, were revamped in Phase one, bringing a fresh, modern energy to the spaces where guests dine, unwind and make memories.
RELAX, RESTORE & WARM UP FOR WINTER
What we love is that you get full access to Pace Health Club, the hotel’s on-site wellness haven. Swim, sauna, steam, soak, exercise or simply unwind – ideal for recharging during a winter break or recovering from a lively festive night out.
DINE, DRINK & ENJOY: JOZEF’S – YOUR TABLE WITH RIVER VIEWS AWAIT
Durham has no shortage of fantastic restaurants, but you’ll want to make time for a meal at Józef’s, the hotel’s very own cathedral-view gem.
With its seasonal ingredients, stylish interiors and warm, local hospitality, Józef’s is equally suited to romantic dinners, group celebrations or a leisurely lunch paired with serene riverside scenes. Expect locally inspired dishes, modern flavours and the kind of relaxed luxury that turns an ordinary meal into a highlight of your trip.
FESTIVE OFFERINGS TO MAKE YOUR WINTER SPARKLE
When Radisson Blu Durham says they’ve “got Christmas all wrapped up”, they mean it. Their 2025 festive programme is bursting with seasonal celebrations, indulgent treats and memory-making moments – perfect for couples, friends, families or full office parties.
Ultimate Christmas Party Night
Friday 19th December
Celebrate the season in style at our Ultimate Christmas Party, where a red-carpet welcome, bubbles on arrival and a festive three-course dinner set the tone for an unforgettable night. After dining, dance the night away with live entertainment, a feel-good DJ playlist and a late-night snack to keep the party going.
FAMILY FESTIVE FUN
Family Santa Sunday Lunch
Sunday 7th & Sunday 14th December
Enjoy a hearty festive lunch, a family-friendly atmosphere and a special visit from Santa himself.
Magic at the Movies
Sunday 7th & Sunday 21st December
Cosy up in your PJs for a screening of The Polar Express, complete with a live magician and festive buffet (popcorn included, of course).
HLN TOP TIP: Because no one wants to rush home afterwards, festive guests can stay overnight from just £109 per room.
Festive Afternoon Tea
Across December
Looking for something calmer? Slow down with a seasonal afternoon tea – ideal for festive catchups, mother-daughter outings or a quiet moment of indulgence amid the December chaos.
Cocktail Masterclasses
First Saturday of every month
Create, shake and taste your way through three cocktails, guided by the hotel’s expert mixologists. Tickets start at £40 with nibbles included – perfect for groups or a festive date night.
GIFTS THAT MEAN MORE
Radisson Blu gift vouchers offer overnight stays, dining experiences, spa access and more – an always-appreciated Christmas treat.
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Radisson Blu Durham, Frankland Lane, Durham DH1 5TA
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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