Three Horseshoes Inn Running Waters

The Three Horseshoes Inn is a family-run restaurant and bed and breakfast located at Running Waters on the A181, just a short drive from Durham City. Since 2016, this welcoming establishment has built an excellent reputation throughout County Durham for serving quality, comforting classics with generous portions. The family behind The Three Horseshoes pride itself on the motto “Where Quality and Quantity go hand in hand,” ensuring every guest leaves satisfied.

This charming country establishment combines traditional hospitality with homemade favourites, creating a dining and accommodation experience that keeps customers returning time and again. The Three Horseshoes is part of a small family group that also includes sister pubs The Bowes Incline and The Old Mill, demonstrating the family’s commitment to quality hospitality across the region.

Dining at The Three Horseshoes Inn

The restaurant at The Three Horseshoes specialises in homemade favourites designed to delight your taste buds. Every dish is made with love and care, with the kitchen preparing food fresh throughout the day. The menu is packed with comforting classics that showcase traditional British pub fare done exceptionally well, using quality ingredients and generous portions that have become the hallmark of this family-run establishment.

The kitchen serves food throughout the week with consistent opening hours that make planning your visit easy. From Monday to Thursday, food service runs from 12 pm until 8 pm, perfect for lunch or an early evening meal. Friday and Saturday see extended hours with food served from 12 pm to 9 pm, ideal for weekend dining. Sunday service runs from 12 pm to 7 pm, allowing families and groups to enjoy a leisurely lunch or early dinner.

The menu features a range of dishes to suit all tastes, from hearty mains to lighter options, with vegetarian choices available. The kitchen’s commitment to homemade preparation means that dishes are cooked fresh to order rather than reheated, ensuring quality and taste in every meal. Regular customers praise the consistency of the food and the generous portion sizes that provide excellent value for money.

Accommodation

The Three Horseshoes Inn offers six ensuite bedrooms, each thoughtfully designed for guest comfort. The accommodation provides the perfect blend of relaxation and comfort, with rooms that have been carefully furnished to create a peaceful retreat. Each bedroom features an ensuite bathroom, ensuring privacy and convenience for all guests.

The hotel is nestled in the countryside near Durham, offering stunning views and tranquil surroundings that provide an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Despite the peaceful rural setting, the location is just a short drive from the vibrant city of Durham, making it perfect for visitors who want to explore the historic city while enjoying countryside accommodation.

Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, The Three Horseshoes provides comfortable bed and breakfast accommodation that serves as an excellent base for exploring County Durham. The peaceful location, combined with the quality of the rooms and the warm family hospitality, creates a memorable stay for business travellers and leisure visitors alike.

Location and Access

Situated at Running Waters on the A181, The Three Horseshoes enjoys a convenient location that balances countryside tranquillity with easy access to Durham City and the surrounding areas. The establishment is just a short drive from Durham’s historic city centre, making it an ideal choice for visitors who want to explore Durham Cathedral, Durham Castle, and other attractions while staying in a more peaceful rural setting.

The A181 location provides straightforward access by car, with ample parking available on site. The surrounding countryside offers pleasant views and a sense of escape, while the proximity to Durham means that guests can easily visit the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, university, shops, restaurants, and cultural venues.

For travellers exploring County Durham and the wider North East region, The Three Horseshoes serves as a convenient stopping point. The location provides good access to other towns and attractions in the area, making it suitable for both short visits and longer stays while touring the region.

Family-Run Hospitality

What sets The Three Horseshoes apart is its genuine family-run character. Since taking over in 2016, the family has built the business on principles of quality, value, and warm hospitality. This is not a corporate chain but a real family business where standards are maintained through personal pride and commitment to customer satisfaction.

The family also operates sister establishments, The Bowes Incline and The Old Mill, and gift vouchers purchased for The Three Horseshoes can be used at these sister pubs, providing flexibility for customers and demonstrating the family’s wider commitment to quality hospitality across their venues.

Gift Vouchers

The Three Horseshoes offers gift vouchers that make perfect presents for any occasion. Whether for birthdays, anniversaries, or simply as a gesture of appreciation, these vouchers allow recipients to enjoy a memorable meal at the restaurant. The vouchers provide an ideal way to share the joy of great food and hospitality with loved ones.

Gift vouchers can also be used at the sister pubs The Bowes Incline and The Old Mill, giving recipients flexibility in where they choose to dine. This makes them an even more versatile gift option for friends and family across the Durham area.

Why Choose The Three Horseshoes

The Three Horseshoes offers a genuine family-run dining and accommodation experience in the Durham countryside. The combination of homemade food prepared with care, comfortable ensuite accommodation with stunning countryside views, and warm family hospitality creates something special that keeps customers returning.

The commitment to quality and quantity means that every meal provides excellent value, with generous portions of freshly prepared food that satisfy even the heartiest appetites. The peaceful rural location, combined with easy access to Durham City, makes it ideal for both local diners and visitors exploring the region.

Whether you are seeking a satisfying meal made with love and care, comfortable bed and breakfast accommodation near Durham, or a peaceful countryside retreat within easy reach of historic attractions, The Three Horseshoes delivers on all counts. The family’s dedication to hospitality since 2016 has created a loyal following and an excellent reputation that continues to grow.

Important Information

The information in this listing is provided as a guide only. Hotel details such as room configurations, amenities and rates may change or vary. Always check the property’s official booking page before confirming your stay to ensure you have the latest and most accurate information.