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Victoria

Close to the historic centre of Durham, this traditional family-run inn not only makes a great base for exploring the city but is well worth a visit in its own right. The original Victorian décor is still intact and it remains charming and unspoilt ' just how the long-serving, attentive owners like it. Three small rooms, leading off a central bar, have mahogany, etched and cut glass and mirrors, colourful William Morris wallpaper over a high panelled dado, some maroon plush seats in little booths, leatherette wall seats and long narrow drinkers' tables. Also, coal fires in handsome iron and tile fireplaces, photographs and articles showing a real pride in the pub, lots of period prints and engravings of Queen Victoria, and Staffordshire figurines of her and the Prince Consort. Big Lamp Bitter is always available on handpump, along with four other well kept changing ales, most of them, such as Durham White Stout and Wylam Gold Tankard, from the Newcastle and Durham area. There's also more than 35 Irish whiskeys, 60 Scottish malts and fair-priced house wines; dominoes. Attractive bedrooms, hearty breakfasts and free off-street parking make this little gem a perfect base for a city break.