About the College

Founded in 1846, Hatfield College is a residential college of Durham University. It is right in the city centre, nestling beneath Durham's magnificent World Heritage Cathedral. The College buildings are an interesting blend of Georgian coaching inn, early Victorian room sets and major additions during the last century.

Central to the College is its Dining Hall - among the oldest parts of Hatfield. This historic building had a seventeenth century pedigree and an eighteenth century reputation as a fine coaching inn (The Red Lion) with dancing, dining and gaming rooms (all still in use for other purposes) and kitchens with stabling which used to be on front of what is now C Stairs.

When Hatfield was founded in 1846, David Melville - the first in a long line of principals and masters - set it up as a model college. This was a revolutionary development in residential higher education. For the first time, student rooms were let furnished, all meals were taken in Hall, expenses were fixed, reasonable and known in advance, with students cared for and guided by College Officers. Most of this is now considered general practice. However, it was many years before it became an accepted model throughout the world. The College is now home to approximately 400 students.

Banqueting & Private Dining

Hatfield College is able to provide the highest quality food and drink in a stylish setting.

The early Georgian Dining Hall is ideal for large, formal banquets for up to 190 or you may want to hold an intimate private dinner party for up to 20 people in our elegant SCR Dining Room.

View our College Banquet Menu 2024-25

Accommodation

Group Accommodation

During University vacations Hatfield College's accommodation within the heart of the city provides the perfect base from which to explore historic Durham City and the wider region.

The College has 93 single en suite bedrooms, 24 twin/double en suite bedrooms and 50 standard rooms (with shared bathrooms) available

Group bookings are welcome and catering can be arranged within the College's Georgian dining hall or private dinners for up to 20 in the SCR Dining Room.

When enquiring please ask about our group discounts.

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation

Hatfield College's Melville Building provides 22 twin/double executive-style ensuite bedrooms with a private shower, toilet and hand basin, wardrobe and tea/coffee making facilities & radio alarm clock. There are additional 38 en suite rooms in the Pace Building, and 57 en suite rooms in the Jevons Building.

The College can also offer standard bedrooms which have their own wash basin. Showers and toilets are conveniently located on each floor.

Our rates include a full English breakfast served in the Georgian Dining Hall between 8am and 10am.

Accommodation is available on a bed and breakfast basis during University vacations; for the months of July, August and September.

Residential Conferences

Meetings