Care homes in Durham
Durham is a historic city in the North East with a slightly higher-than-average share of older residents (21.9%) and one listed care home rated Good by the CQC. It offers a cathedral and university town's cultural life, good transport links to Newcastle, and reasonable access to local health services—though choice of care homes is limited.
Average residential fee in Durham: £945/week — below the UK average of £1,279
What do these badges mean?
- Well Served — Excellent everyday amenities nearby — shops, supermarkets, cafés and places to eat (OpenStreetMap).
Good — safer than 35% of similar areas
Good — parks, playing fields & outdoor space nearby
Excellent — shops, supermarkets & places to eat nearby
How we grade areas
Grades are relative, comparing this area against others of the same type across the UK. Amenity grades are based on OpenStreetMap counts within a fixed radius. The Safety grade ranks recorded police crime — per head of population where ONS figures are available, otherwise by total recorded crime. Figures are estimates to aid research, not a substitute for visiting an area.
Sources — crime: Police.uk, April 2026; amenities: OpenStreetMap, updated June 2026.
The estimated average residential care fee in Durham is about £945/week, below the UK average of £1,279.
Estimated from published weekly fees for homes in the area. Actual costs vary by care needs and room type.
100% of Durham’s CQC-rated care homes are rated Good or Outstanding — above the national average of 79%.
Of the homes in and around Durham, 2 offer nursing care, 1 offer dementia care and 2 offer residential care.
Based on 10 CQC-rated homes in and around Durham. National baseline: CQC State of Care (2024/25).
The average residential care home in Durham costs about £945/week, while County Durham’s published usual rate is around £857/week (2025). If you qualify for council funding, expect a likely third-party top-up of about £88/week (≈ £4,576/year) to bridge the gap.
Estimate only. Councils fund care only when the person’s assets are below the means-test threshold, and actual fees, funding and top-ups vary by home, room and assessed needs. Compares the area average against County Durham’s published usual cost of residential care (2025).
- Good
updated September 2026
No care homes found in Durham.
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Wondering if that’s cheaper than staying put? Compare a care home with care at home, or see who pays.
The average house price in County Durham is £138,148, based on HM Land Registry data. The graph shows sold-price trends by property type over the last 30 years.
Average price by property type
- All property types
- £138,148
- Detached
- £236,657
- Semi-detached
- £138,892
- Terraced
- £114,222
- Flats & maisonettes
- £77,271
Source: HM Land Registry UK House Price Index, to Jun 2026 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Figures are area averages for the wider local authority, not retirement properties specifically.
Residential care homes
2 in DurhamResidential care homes provide help with everyday living in a safe, sociable setting — the right choice when someone needs support day to day but not round-the-clock nursing.
Nursing homes
2 in DurhamNursing homes provide everything a residential home does, plus registered nurses on site 24 hours a day — for people with ongoing or complex health needs.
Dementia care homes
1 in DurhamSpecialist dementia care homes provide trained staff and a carefully designed, calm environment for people living with dementia — supporting safety, routine and wellbeing.
Respite care
2 in DurhamRespite care is a short stay in a care home — to give a family carer a break, or to help someone recover after a hospital stay.
257 crimes reported in April 2026, sourced from Police.uk.
- Violent crime76
- Anti-social behaviour50
- Shoplifting34
- Public order27
Is Durham a good retirement location?
Durham suits older people who value a sense of place, cultural activity and North East community over having many care-home options nearby. The city's population skews older than the national average, suggesting it is an established retirement area. The single listed care home is rated Good, but limited choice means families should explore what meets their needs and plan ahead; the broader region offers alternatives. It's a reasonable middle-ground for those with local family connections or who want walkable, historic surroundings without paying premium fees.
Health & support
- Medical access: Durham has several GP surgeries and pharmacies; Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary (a major teaching hospital) is within reach by public transport.
- Safety: Recorded crime in 2026-04 was 257 offences. The most common types were violent crime, anti-social behaviour and shoplifting; rates are above the national average for a town of this size and worth discussing with family.
- Family & connection: Consider how close your family and support network are. Durham's university and historic character mean good links to the wider region; local networks matter if you plan regular visits or need hands-on help.
Finances & daily life
- Cost of care: No specific weekly fees for the listed home are available here; you'll need to contact providers directly. Durham is not a premium-fee region like the South East, so care costs are likely closer to the national average—but check with individual homes.
- Transport: Durham has regular bus services and a railway station with direct links to Newcastle and beyond. The city centre is walkable; many areas are accessible without a car, though some care homes may be on the outskirts.
- Housing options: Only one care home is listed in the data provided, with capacity around 41 beds. This is a significant limitation; you may need to look further afield or contact local authority sources for a fuller picture of what's available.
Lifestyle & environment
- Green space & hobbies: Durham has 8 parks and 8 allotments, plus the River Wear and surrounding countryside nearby. The cathedral, university buildings and high street offer cultural interest; many residents enjoy walking and exploring the city.
- Community: The city has 110 restaurants and cafes and 53 pubs and bars, making it sociable for outings. University and cathedral communities mean cultural events, talks and social groups are easy to find; memory cafés and older-person groups exist, though you should check what's accessible from your chosen home.
- Climate: The North East has a temperate maritime climate with cold, damp winters and mild summers; expect more rainfall and wind than the Midlands or South, and plan for heating costs.
Things to weigh up
- Very limited care-home choice: Only one home is recorded here, which restricts options if it doesn't suit your needs, timescale or budget. Explore the wider region (e.g. Gateshead, Sunderland, Darlington) or contact Durham's local authority for a complete list.
- Crime above average: Violent crime and anti-social behaviour feature prominently; this is worth weighing if you or your family are cautious about safety. Ask any potential home about local security, nearby amenities and staff experience.
- Older population may affect services: At 21.9%, the over-65 share is above the national average; this can mean good older-person services and activity, but also higher demand for health and care appointments.
How many care homes are there in Durham?
There are 10 care homes listed in and around Durham on AskBart. You can filter them by care type, CQC rating and facilities to find the right fit.
How much does a care home in Durham cost?
Care homes in Durham range from around £931 to around £959 per week, with averages of £945 for residential, £959 for dementia, £945 for nursing care. Fees vary by home, care type and the level of support required.
How do care home fees in Durham compare to the national average?
The average residential care fee around Durham is about £945 per week — below the UK average of £1,279. Individual fees depend on the home, room and level of care.
Which care homes in Durham are rated Outstanding or Good by the CQC?
10 of the 10 care homes in and around Durham are rated Good or Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission. Ratings are published by the CQC following regular inspections.
What types of care are available in Durham?
Homes in and around Durham offer nursing (2), residential (2), respite (2), dementia (1). Availability varies by home — use the filters above to find homes offering the specific care type you need.
How many care homes in Durham offer dementia care?
1 care home in and around Durham offer specialist dementia care. Use the dementia filter above to see them, and check each home's CQC report for its record on caring for people living with dementia.
Do any care homes in Durham offer respite care?
Yes — 2 care homes in and around Durham offer respite (short-stay) care, for recovery after a hospital stay or to give a regular carer a break. Availability changes often, so contact the home directly to check.
How safe is the Durham area?
Durham is graded B for safety on AskBart — safer than 35% of similar areas. This is drawn from police-recorded crime data and compared against similar areas.
Can I get council funding for care in Durham?
If the person needing care has savings and assets below £23,250, County Durham Council may contribute towards fees. You can request a free care needs assessment and financial assessment through the council's adult social care team before choosing a home.
What's included in a care home's weekly fees in Durham?
A care home's weekly fee in Durham usually covers accommodation, all meals, day-to-day personal care, housekeeping, laundry and activities. Extras such as hairdressing, chiropody, outings and one-to-one care are often charged separately, so ask each home for a full breakdown of what is and isn't included.
What's the difference between residential and nursing care?
Residential care homes help with everyday personal care — washing, dressing, meals and prompting medication. Nursing homes provide the same support plus a qualified nurse on site around the clock for residents with ongoing medical needs. Homes in Durham may offer one or both, so check each listing for the care types it provides.
Could the NHS pay for care in Durham?
If a person's needs are primarily health-related rather than social, they may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare, which can fully fund a care-home placement regardless of their savings. Eligibility is decided by the local NHS integrated care board after an assessment — it's separate from means-tested council funding.
How do I choose a care home in Durham?
Start by shortlisting homes in Durham by the type of care needed and their CQC rating, then visit in person. On a visit, read the home's latest CQC report, ask about staffing levels and fees, and see how residents are supported day to day. AskBart lists each home's rating, facilities and fees so you can compare before arranging a visit.
Who regulates care homes in Durham?
Care homes in Durham are regulated and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England. The CQC rates each home as Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, or Inadequate following regular inspections — you can read each home's latest report on the CQC website.
What other nearby areas have care homes in County Durham?
If you're widening your search beyond Durham, nearby areas with care homes include Barnard Castle, Bishop Auckland, Chester-le-Street, Consett and Crook. You can browse each from the list of nearby locations on this page.
Talk to a Durham care expert.
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