Our History

Boldon Park, the dedicated events destination at Holiday Inn Newcastle – South, has a rich and welcoming history that stretches back several decades and through several well-known identities across the North East. Originally known as The Friendly Hotel, the venue built its reputation on warm hospitality and community gatherings before evolving into the Quality Hotel Sunderland (often referred to as Quality Hotel Boldon) as the region and Boldon Business Park began to grow. With each transformation came modern upgrades, refreshed interiors and an increasing focus on weddings, celebrations and corporate events. Later rebranded as Clarion Hotel Newcastle South, the hotel continued to expand its leisure facilities, event spaces and regional appeal, becoming a favourite for everything from family breaks to business conferences. Today, as Holiday Inn Newcastle – South, the property’s event, dining and leisure offering proudly operates under the name Boldon Park, bringing together the hotel’s heritage with a contemporary, four-star experience. Though the names have changed over the years—The Friendly Hotel, Quality Hotel Sunderland, Quality Hotel Boldon, Clarion Hotel Newcastle South and now Holiday Inn Newcastle – South—the spirit of genuine North East hospitality, effortless celebrations and memorable events has remained at the heart of Boldon Park.