
They are kind and caring and take the time to get to know residents individuallyAlison P(Daughter of Resident/Service User)



They are kind and caring and take the time to get to know residents individuallyAlison P(Daughter of Resident/Service User)



The DurhamGate in Spennymoor offers permanent residential care, dementia support, short-term respite services and palliative care.
Professional staff provide continuous assistance tailored to individual requirements within a modern and comfortable setting.
Amenities include a cinema lounge, café space and on-site salon, while bedrooms are furnished with private en-suite bathrooms.
Situated in County Durham, the home combines landscaped gardens with a dynamic activities schedule.
Care Provided by The DurhamGate
Primary Care Categories
- Older Person Care
- Dementia
- Physical Disability
- Visual / Hearing Impairment
Length of Stay
- Permanent Care
- Respite Care
Care Types Provided
- Residential Care
- Dementia Residential Care
- For a maximum of 66 Service Users
Dementia Care TypesMild Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "mild dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Memory problems such as misplacing items and not be able to recall recent events (however, in some forms of dementia a person's memory may be unchanged)
- Difficulties thinking through problems and planning, making decisions
- Language and communication issues such as finding it difficult to recall the appropriate word in a conversation or following a conversation
- Poor orientation, getting lost in areas previously familiar to them
- Difficulty judging distances (more falls than usual)
- Changes in their normal mood including anxiety and depression
- In certain types of dementia, personality and behaviour changes may be present alongside or instead of issues with memory or concentration.
Moderate Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "moderate dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Worsened memory problems. Not always recognising own family members and friends. Repeating the same questions over and over again
- Worsened language and communication issues, forgetting what they are saying mid-sentence. Not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- More frequent confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Advanced Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "severe dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Severe memory problems. Not recognising family members and friends. Not being able to recall their own name
- Severe language and communication issues, not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- Severe confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Verbally or physically aggressive behaviour
If your loved one displays this type of behaviour you may need a care home that has specially trained staff. Verbal/physical aggression is often defined:
- Consistent shouting and screaming
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
How we define Dementia Care Types
Mild Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "mild dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Memory problems such as misplacing items and not be able to recall recent events (however, in some forms of dementia a person's memory may be unchanged)
- Difficulties thinking through problems and planning, making decisions
- Language and communication issues such as finding it difficult to recall the appropriate word in a conversation or following a conversation
- Poor orientation, getting lost in areas previously familiar to them
- Difficulty judging distances (more falls than usual)
- Changes in their normal mood including anxiety and depression
- In certain types of dementia, personality and behaviour changes may be present alongside or instead of issues with memory or concentration.
Moderate Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "moderate dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Worsened memory problems. Not always recognising own family members and friends. Repeating the same questions over and over again
- Worsened language and communication issues, forgetting what they are saying mid-sentence. Not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- More frequent confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Advanced Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "severe dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Severe memory problems. Not recognising family members and friends. Not being able to recall their own name
- Severe language and communication issues, not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- Severe confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Verbally or physically aggressive behaviour
If your loved one displays this type of behaviour you may need a care home that has specially trained staff. Verbal/physical aggression is often defined:
- Consistent shouting and screaming
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
How we define Dementia Care Types
- Mild Dementia
- Moderate Dementia
Other Care Provided
- Parkinson's Disease
- Stroke
- Palliative / End of Life Care
- COPD/Pulmonary Disease
- Convalescent Care
Facilities
- Own Furniture if required
- Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
- Smoking not permitted
- Close to Local shops
- Near Public Transport
- Lift
- Wheelchair Access
- Gardens
- Bar/Café
- Residents Kitchenette
- Phone Point in own room
- Television point in own room
- Residents Internet Access
Funding & Fees
Weekly Charges per Person
care and support required by each individual. Premium rooms normally require an additional charge.
• All care and support including a monthly review of care plans
• All meals, snacks and drinks freshly prepared every day by our chef
• In-house café with homemade cakes, and a variety of speciality teas and coffees
• Use of in-house cinema
• Access to landscaped gardens
• Activities and lifestyle programme
• All utilities and other accommodation costs
• Housekeeping and laundry services
• WiFi internet access
appointments not covered by the NHS, toiletries, newspapers or magazines, any over the counter
medications that a GP wouldn’t normally prescribe such as paracetamol and indigestion relief, and any
other privately arranged healthcare. Should you require an escort to hospital appointments, we may apply
an agreed hourly charge for this service.
The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact The DurhamGate for full pricing details and T&Cs.
Contact The DurhamGate to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:
Funding Types Accepted
- Self-Funding (Private)
- Local Authority with Top-up
- Local Authority
- NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)
Good to Know
Group / Owner
- Care UK
- Private Owned
Person in charge
- Andrew Long(Owner)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Ages 65+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: Yes
- Year Purpose Built: 2023
- Number of floors: 3
Room Information
- Single Rooms (66)
- Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (66)
Parking
- Full parking on site and 2 electric car charging points.
The DurhamGate Reviews (35)
The DurhamGate has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.736) out of 10, based on 14 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time The DurhamGate has 35 reviews.
Everything isn't perfect , what is in life ! Always room for improvement .
This home has a lovely atmosphere .
The carers are so kind . All the staff from reception to cleaners , to Lisa the current care manager are friendly and will help the best they can .
My mam loves Elaine the hair dresser and her weekly hair visit . Today has been a pamper day with Rachel getting her nails done .
I always feel my mam is safe and well cared for .
From someone who has worked in care homes previously , this is most certainly the best one I have been in .
I would recommend this place to anyone who is looking for care for a loved one .
Keep smiling everyone .
Obviously, my opinion is based on my healthcare knowledge, and personal interest in the welfare of my aged mother who is resident at DurhamGate care home. I cannot emphasise enough the impact of staff shortages which have a detrimental effect on residents' wellbeing on a day to day basis. The carers themselves are not able to spend quality time with individuals in the home. In my opinion when there are staff shortages, mistakes will be made and staff will get despondent at the amount of pressure they are under. I am aware that the recruitment side of the business of carers is very demanding, however DurhamGate has some fantastic caring staff on board... it would be shame to lose them
We are sorry to read that you have concerns regarding the staff levels and retention within the home.
We are pleased to confirm that employment of new staff members has recently taken place, and staff levels are...
My mum was made to feel welcome at Durham Gate. The whole team were excellent in every way. We were reassured at the start that they would be able to manage her end of life care in the home . This was demonstrated perfectly when the time came and my mum was cared for with dignity and respect right to the end. I would have no hesitation in recommending Durham Gate.
When Mum came out of hospital we needed a stop gap to get her stronger and ready for home and Durham Gate were able to provide that. She had a beautiful room, with home comforts, lovely food, and the space to be her. The nursing staff were discreet with her medical needs, her appointments were arranged and attended with staff when I wasn't available, and she felt comfortable during her last couple of months. Thank you all for the dignity and friendship you afforded her. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Durham Gate to anyone else in the same situation. It's a home from home.
Hello and many thanks indeed for your kind words in relation to the description of care of your Mum. We appreciate that she was sadly only with us a short time but we enjoyed being able to help both your Mum and the family during this time. Thank you very much for taking the time to write with your...
My father spent two periods of respite care here and subsequently moved in permanently at the beginning of April 2025. Durham Gate is a wonderful care home. The facilities are bright and contemporary, the atmosphere is welcoming, inclusive and engaging but most importantly the staff are all wonderful. Nothing seems too much trouble for them. They are kind and caring and take the time to get to know residents individually and respond to their needs on a personalised basis. The staff make a wonderful team and everyone from the manager and the receptionist to the housekeeper and the handyman and including all the lovely care staff, everyone is welcoming and makes you feel included and at home. Inevitably Dad had concerns and reservations about moving permanently into a care home, and feared the loss of his independence, but staff were truly understanding of this and showed him great respect including respect for his privacy. We couldn't have wished for a better place for Dad.
Hello A; Thank you very much indeed for taking the time to write this review and provide feedback to our home and the staffing team. We were privileged to look after your father at this crucial time for you and your family and are most grateful that you have written so positively about all in our...
DurhamGate is the best care home I have come across. My partner is safe, well cared for and any issues such as a new medical condition are promptly dealt with. The staff are caring and efficient. The atmosphere is lively - unlike any other care home I have visited. Food tasty and diets catered for. The social events organised are top rate. It does not smell. Laundry and cleaning all excellent. A real home from home.
Hello R. We thoroughly enjoy having your partner with us at The DurhamGate. He is a most pleasant gentleman and frequently adds to the ambience of the home with his intelligent curiosity and interesting conversation. Your review is of value to us in all aspects and the commentary always enables the team to evaluate and reflect on any elements that can be improved.
Made to feel part of a welcoming and caring family. Dignity and empathy shown at all times to myself and other residents. Feeling of loneliness and worry of ongoing life massively reduced.
Hello H. It was an absolute pleasure to look after you recently, and we are delighted to see you returning so soon as a permanent resident adding to our wonderful and growing community.. The staff thoroughly enjoy having you and will be suitably encouraged by your review, to continue to provide exceptional care in our outstanding facilities.
I have been very impressed with Durham Gate care home. The facilities are excellent but most impressive is how helpful and friendly the staff are.
Stephen, thank you very much for that review. We are pleased to have the privilege to look after your your step mother at this time of her life. We agree with you that your step mother's ability to participate with activities is restricted by her condition but having discussed this with you,...
- not totally better - I'd a long way to go to be fighting fit - but I was revived, equipped to continue the healing process at home, with the help of my family and my own doctor. I shall always be grateful to the kind staff for their loving and caring support. A big THANK YOU to you all.
Olive, it was an absolute pleasure to be of help. Your most caring and concerned husband called on the weekend between Christmas and New Year and there was no doubt in our minds that the urgency and sincerity of his request needed our quick response. Having welcomed you into the DurhamGate on the...
Dad moved to Durhamgate for residential dementia care in September 2024 from another care home and I couldn't be more impressed with the care and comfort he receives. The staff are great, the atmosphere is so welcoming for residents and their friends and family... all Dad's friends have commented on how much they feel welcome when they visit. Dad settled here much quicker than his previous home and is clearly well cared for. The calendar of events is brilliant. One of the main reasons for choosing DurhamGate was the promise of a stimulating programme for residents and they do not disappoint.
Good afternoon Ann. Thank you so much for tendering this review. The feedback is excellent for the manager and the rest of the team; particularly how welcome your Dad's friends feel and the activities program. All that said, your Dad is a bright, cheerful and pleasant man, who brings a smile to all who stop and have a natter with him. Thank you once again. Kind regards.
My mum moved into The DurhamGate five weeks ago and the experience couldn't have been better for her as a new resident and family members when visiting. I would have no hesitation in recommend The DurhamGate.
Hi Trina, Many thanks for your testimonial. Your Mum is a pleasure to look after and has settled in well. She is always smartly dressed, enjoys her food and we are trying to keep up with a steady supply of Kit Kats! The staff team will be very pleased to hear of your support. It is always a welcome boost. Kind regards
My mother has been here for 7 months after initially coming in for respite, and is now a permanent resident. DurhamGate has met all of her needs and she is very happy there. Everything is excellent from the decor, comfort, care, food and facilities etc. Staff are very quick to attend and reply to buzzers within seconds. They have a fantastic attitude towards all residents and are very caring. She feels very cared for, very happy, and very safe here.
We are absolutely delighted to receive your review and we really enjoy looking after your Mum. She is a real character, brightens the place wherever she is in the home and loves exchanging banter with our general manager, as you know! Your review will mean a lot to the whole team at DurhamGate and thank you once again for taking the time to do this. Best wishes.
This has been my second stay for respite care. I can only say The DurhamGate Care Home is as good on this occasion as it was on my first stay and I will be happy to spend further visits for respite care. The care home fulfils the description in its advertising.
Hello, lovely to hear from you again after your second stay at The DurhamGate. All the feedback is hugely valuable to the team and we look forward to having you back to stay with us again in October.
The DurhamGate is an outstanding facility that meets the individual needs of its clients. All staff showed professionalism, care and compassion of the highest standards. All care facilities should aim to meet DurhamGate standards. I would highly recommend this care home to prospective clients.
Hello A; Thank you so very much for taking the time to compile and send this review. We were delighted to be able to look after you for your short-term respite recently and knowing your views and comments is always a huge boost to the whole care team. We would love to see you again! Best wishes.
Since arriving at DurhamGate my experience has been extremely positive. The quality of care from everyone is exceptional and is consistently maintained. I am thoroughly enjoying the companionship, activities and events. My independence is promoted and respected. Always a helping hand if I need it.
Dear Sir, you are indeed a Gentleman! Thank you so much for taking the time to write this and send it off. The manager and the whole of the staff team will be so pleased to receive this from you. Lively conversation and witty banter abound and we are so pleased that you are enjoying the lived experience as one of the founder members of The DurhamGate Care Home community.
What a wonderful care home, every member of staff cares about the residents, lovely food, modern but very comfortable, lots of activities for the residents. All aspects of care taken care of; hairdressers, dentists, eye exam, all done in what is home to the residents and familiar for those with dementia. Happily recommend DurhamGate.
Hello and thank you! Straight to the point and wholeheartedly accurate! As endorsed by your Dad, in his humorous resident survey submission! The staff team will be over the moon with your review, they thoroughly enjoy looking after your Dad and we are very happy to be able to make a difference in his and indeed your lives. Thank you for taking the time to submit this review.
This review is on behalf of our relative, he passed away March 20th after being a resident in this beautiful care home for 8 weeks. It was every staff member that fulfilled his dying wishes. He was given 3/4 weeks to live and lasted 8 weeks due to all these marvellous people. We would all like to say a huge thank you as his family and friends for allowing us all to bid him farewell in your beautiful home. The food was superb, as was everything else. He would of been so proud, he loved them all very much. Thank you so much.
Hi and thank you so very much for taking the time to write and submit this review. Looking after your cousin was a real privilege and I can genuinely say that he was a warm, stoic gentleman who retained his sense of humour to the end. It was an honour to host the wake at The DurhamGate. We are...
On entering DurhamGate, you are presented with a very calm, well designed and professional service. The surroundings are carefully decorated and well maintained to a high standard. Apart from the superb setting, the care my mam received was second to none. She was treated with respect, dignity and love. Her respite went smoothly and I felt she was safe and being cared for well. All the staff are professional, caring and approachable. Buzzers were answered quickly and issues dealt with promptly. You have restored my faith in the care system.
Thank you for this lovely review. The whole staff team at The DurhamGate will appreciate the feedback and will be very heartened that we have restored your faith in the care system. Long may that continue. Your mum settled well and responded to the attention and hospitality. We were glad to be of help and of course, would love to see your Mum again in the future.
I am thoroughly impressed with the exceptional standards maintained by the DurhamGate Care Home. The environment is warm and inviting, creating a homely atmosphere that is both comfortable and secure for all residents. The quality of care provided by the staff is outstanding. Each member of the team demonstrates remarkable dedication, professionalism, and compassion, ensuring everyone's needs are catered for with empathy and respect. The care home is beautifully decorated and furnished. Everywhere is clean and well-maintained, reflecting a commitment to providing a safe and hygienic living space. The facilities available are top-notch, offering a wide range of activities and amenities that promote both physical and mental well-being. The bedrooms and ensuite facilities are superb. The gardens and common areas are beautifully kept, providing an ideal environment for relaxation and socialization. Overall, The DurhamGate excels in creating a nurturing and supportive atmosphere.
Hello Marion, Thank you very much indeed for this review; the whole team at DurhamGate will be thrilled with this glowing response and I am sure will spur them on to continue to provide the highest standards of care at the home for your Mum and all of our other residents. Your mum is a delight to...
I would like to provide some very positive feedback on behalf of my parents who reside at Adore Care Home, DurhamGate, Spennymoor.
My parents have received exceptional care from all staff who work within this care facility.
The management style from all staff, creates a positive caring culture, that clearly has an impact on the quality of care provided, giving residents a feeling of self-worth, dignity and respect, that can clearly be seen.
My parents are experiencing, inclusion, socialisation, and have made many friends through meal times, activities and events that are offered each day.
I would highly recommend this care facility and believe this should be the standard and benchmark for other care homes to learn and implement good practices in those that are failing so badly.
My parents are thriving and regard DurhamGate as their forever home. Thank you all so much.
Many thanks indeed for taking the time to provide this review and the content which our team will find uplifting and helpful. Your Mother and Father have quickly fitted in as popular new residents to The DurhamGate community bringing great conversation, charm and wit to an already convivial...
Bed Vacancies
Please contact us for latest vacancies.
News (43) & Events (0)
- 29 May 2026
Care UK’s commitment to supporting residents has been nationally recognised, as the organisation took home the large care provider of the year accolade at the 2026 Care Home Awards. At...
- 29 May 2026
Residents in Care UK homes love getting out and about in nature where they can and, for one Dorset-based home, they’re celebrating World Bee Day with a buzz! Wimborne-based home,...
- 29 May 2026
Colleagues across Care UK are celebrating after being shortlisted in eleven categories at the Stars of Social Care Awards, the most the company has ever been shortlisted in at the...
There are no upcoming events for The DurhamGate.
Meet the Team (1)

I have over 30 years of experience working within the care industry. Starting as a care assistant, I was promoted to gain my first care home manager's role at the young age of 23. After relocating to Australia for three years, I have returned to the care management role and have successfully commissioned four care homes. Within the same organisation, I then worked as an Operations Manager supporting the group homes. Due to the sale of the business, I have returned to the management role and upheld an Outstanding rating by the Care Quality Commission. I am committed to providing the residents with the best possible person-centred care.
Frequently Asked Questions about The DurhamGate
What types of Care is The DurhamGate registered for?
Older Person Care, Dementia, Physical Disability, Visual / Hearing Impairment are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.
How many Rooms does The DurhamGate have?
There are 66 Single Rooms.
What are the Facilities & Services at The DurhamGate?
Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Smoking not permitted, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Bar/Café, Residents Kitchenette, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room, Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.
How far is The DurhamGate to the centre of Spennymoor?
1.6 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.
Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of carehome.co.uk. Please contact The DurhamGate to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. The DurhamGate has an Enhanced Service -more info.
