The Stage is Set. Make it Yours.
From intimate milestone celebrations to grand gala dinners, our stunning riverside function rooms in the heart of Durham await your occasion.
At a glance
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4 to 400 guests
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11 flexible event spaces
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200+ on-site hotel bedrooms
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1 dedicated event host assigned to your booking
Where every celebration becomes a memory
Radisson Blu Hotel Durham occupies a breathtaking riverside setting in the heart of Durham City - just moments from the UNESCO World Heritage cathedral and castle. Our flexible function rooms have hosted some of the North East's most spectacular social gatherings, and our team lives for the moment a room comes to life.
Whether you're toasting a 40th birthday with 40 of your closest friends, staging a black-tie gala for 220, raising funds for a cause close to your heart, or simply gathering your family for a seasonal celebration - we have the space, the food, the style and the experience to make it extraordinary.
Why Choose Radisson Blu Durham?
- Function room spaces from 4 to 400 guests with flexible configuration
- Józef's catering team and bespoke menus
- Private bar and drinks reception area included
- 120 on-site parking spaces easy access from the A1(M)
- 200+ hotel bedrooms for guests staying overnight
- Dedicated event coordinator from first enquiry to the last dance
Our function rooms
Each of our 11 function rooms offers its own character - from the grandeur of the Auger Suite to the elegance of the Seam Room. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of the River Wear throughout.
The Auger suite
Our flagship function room. Experience 270m² of elegantly adaptable space. The largest function room in Durham City, perfect for grand gala dinners, charity balls and large celebrations.
- Reception: up to 400 guests
- Banquet / Rounds: up to 220 guests
- Can be divided into Auger 1 and Auger 2 for smaller events
The Seam Room
A beautifully proportioned space ideal for medium-sized celebrations, private dinners and milestone birthday parties.
- 76m²
- Reception: up to 100 guests
- Banquet / Rounds: up to 60 guests
The Cavil rooms
Intimate and elegant — perfect for private dining, anniversary dinners and smaller parties.
- 65m² (combinable)
- Banquet: up to 40 guests
- Reception: up to 70 guests
Private bar area
Our private bar, Tempus Hub, is complimentary with all full function room hire and serves as the perfect welcome space, ideal for champagne receptions, live music and guests arriving before the main event. Live entertainment welcome.
Every occasion, perfectly hosted
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Gala dinners
Black-tie evenings that demand a venue as spectacular as the occasion itself. The Auger Suite is Durham's finest gala dinner setting. Think impeccable food, stunning décor and a team that makes it seamless.
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Milestone birthdays
Whether it's a 21st, 40th, 50th or beyond, we'll help you create a celebration that's talked about for years. Personalised menus, themed décor, live entertainment space and overnight rooms for guests.
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Charity balls & fundraisers
From auction evenings to black-tie charity galas, our spaces have raised hundreds of thousands for great causes across County Durham. Complimentary planning support for registered charities.
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Christmas parties
The most sought-after dates in the diary. Our Christmas party packages include themed decorations, a festive three-course dinner, a DJ and a fully stocked bar - all under one stunning riverside roof.
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Proms & school formals
Give your students a night to remember at one of Durham's most elegant venues. We offer dedicated prom packages with red carpet arrivals, photo opportunities, three-course dining and a dance floor.
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Christenings, Anniversaries, Retirements and everything in between
From silver to golden - mark your most important occasions in a setting that matches the significance of the milestone. Private dining, champagne receptions and personalised touches throughout.
Menus crafted for the occasion
Our award-winning kitchen team crafts every menu with the same passion they bring to Józef's Restaurant. From elegant three-course gala dinners to festive celebration banquets and canapé receptions - the food at your event will be as memorable as the evening itself.
All menus can be adapted for dietary requirements. Bespoke menus available on request. Prices are indicative - contact our events team for a tailored quote.
More than a room. An experience.
Choosing Radisson Blu Durham means access to everything that makes a social occasion truly special- from the setting and the food, to the service and the little details that your guests will remember.
Dedicated event host
Every function room booking comes with a personal event coordinator - your single point of contact from the first enquiry right through to the last dance. We handle the detail so you can enjoy the moment.
200+ bedrooms on-site
Why let the evening end? Your guests can check in and make a night of it. We offer preferential room rates for groups staying over after your event, and our concierge team can arrange welcome gifts and upgrades.
Flexible timings
Whether you're planning an afternoon tea party, an early evening drinks reception or a full gala dinner running into the small hours - our spaces adapt to your schedule, not the other way around.
Live entertainment ready
Our private bar area and function suites are fully equipped to welcome live bands, DJs, tribute acts, magicians and comedians. We work with trusted local entertainment agencies to help you find the perfect act.
Unbeatable location
Frankland Lane, Durham - right on the banks of the River Wear and moments from Durham's UNESCO World Heritage Site. Easy access from the A1(M), 5 minutes from Durham Station and 120 on-site car parking spaces.
The Yes I Can! Promise
Our entire team operates on Radisson's legendary "Yes I Can!" philosophy. If it can be done, we'll find a way to do it. From personalised favours to surprise entertainment - just ask.
From first idea to unforgettable evening
Planning a large social occasion can feel daunting, but with our dedicated events team guiding you every step of the way, it's actually one of the most enjoyable parts of the whole celebration.
- Initial Enquiry: Fill in our simple enquiry form or give us a call. We'll check availability for your date and outline which spaces suit your guest numbers and vision. There's never any pressure - we're here to help you explore options.
- Site Visit & Proposal : Come and see the spaces for yourself. We'll show you around, walk you through menu options and put together a personalised proposal with clear, transparent pricing - no hidden surprises.
- Planning Your Event: Once you're booked in, we work through every detail together - menus, room layout, decorations, entertainment, arrival drinks, accommodation for guests and all the personal touches that make your event unique.
- The Big Night: Your dedicated event host is on-site from set-up to close, ensuring everything runs precisely as planned. All you have to do is arrive, enjoy and celebrate.
The best dates go quickly
Our most popular function room dates - particularly summer weekends, Christmas party season and school prom season - book up well in advance. Secure your date today.
Get in touch
To check availability, arrange a site visit or request a personalised proposal, contact our dedicated events team by phone on 0191 372 7200, email at events.durham@radissonblu.com or send us a message on the enquiry form below.