Is Darlington nice for a weekend away?

[Cheeseandlobster]

We are looking for somewhere to go for a long weekend and fancy a nice town rather than a large city. It will just be dp and I and we were thinking about staying in a travel lodge type place in the centre. We fancy strolling through nice streets, having drinks in a bar or two with a nice view and a meal out

So does Darlington fit the bill and if not are there any other suggestions? We will be coming from the South Yorkshire area and don't want a mammoth journey if possible

So is

Bump!

Darlington is lovely but I'm not sure there is enough here for a whole weekend.

Yarm is just down the road and has a lot of nice pubs and restaurants and a very unique high street.

I don’t know about Darlington, sorry, but Lincoln is probably only an hour or so from you. The old part of the city (Uphill/the Bail) is beautiful, with plenty of food/drink options. I wouldn’t recommend the Premier Inn, it’s not in a great position, but the Holiday Inn at Brayford Wharf would be a good budget option, or there are several places around the Bail.

I agree Yarm is nice, or dare I suggest it...Barnard Castle. Both more picturesque than Darlington.

It's a No from me.

Darlington is not lovely! How about Durham or Lincoln both cities but with more of a big town feel. Or Buxton or Ludlow or Harrogate if you really want a town.

It's a no from me (I live close enough to know it well) agree with others Yarm/Barnard Castle have much more atmosphere!
You are still close enough to visit Beamish/locomotive museum. Depending on the month you could also visit Kynren during one evening.

I love Lincoln but we have been a few times and also Barnard Castle too. Yarm could be a goer though maybe? Tell me more! Or how about Durham?

Darlington is nice, if a bit dull, would suggest somewhere with a bit more life, like York.

Yes to Lincoln, Durham is nice too.

Oh just seen someone has suggested Durham. I was thinking about Harrogate too or Knaresborough maybe as well

No, definitely go to Durham, 100%

Or actually yes Harrogate too

No it's not
Durham, York, Harrogate, Northallerton, yarm are all far better

Yes hadn't thought of Harrogate either, it's beautiful there!

Durham isn't much further if you're going there from South Yorkshire and is a lot nicer, IMO.

I used to live in Yarm, I'd avoid.

@WarmSausageTea

I don’t know about Darlington, sorry, but Lincoln is probably only an hour or so from you. The old part of the city (Uphill/the Bail) is beautiful, with plenty of food/drink options. I wouldn’t recommend the Premier Inn, it’s not in a great position, but the Holiday Inn at Brayford Wharf would be a good budget option, or there are several places around the Bail.

Drat, I’ve booked the PI in Lincoln

No to Darlington, try Durham or Newcastle

Definitely not! As others have said many much nicer places to go!

If you are thinking Yarm , there is a Premier Inn at Preston Farm. Not really walkable into Yarm but not that far. It is also near to Preston Park which is a nice park.

www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/england/county-durham/stockton-on-tees/stockton-on-tees-preston-farm.html

A couple of hours waiting for a train was more than enough time for me in Darlington! Agree that Durham or Barney would be much nicer.

Northallerton or Richmond would be better than Darlington.

Not Darlington!
Durham or Newcastle!

If you haven’t been to Durham, definitely go. Great place for a weekend. Plenty of hotels and compact city centre.

(Obscure reference for Durham grads/Bill Bryson fans of a certain age... if you haven’t been to Durham, go now. Take my car!)

Richmond is lovely - also some gorgeous countryside on the doorstep. I'd say there was more to do in Durham though for a weekend. Whilst it is a city, the centre is very compact and truly beautiful.