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

Darlington No!! Richmond…. The Dales- reeth / gunnerside?
Harrogate , York, Durham.

But honestly I went to school in Darlo and it’s a big fat no!!!!

Absolutely not! Laughing at Darlington being considered as a 'weekend away' 😂 sorry OP.

Yarm is so lovely but it's really only one street so might get a bit old.

Another vote for Durham - lovely little streets, shopping, cafes, beautiful walk alongside the river.

I always love a stay in York as well but obviously that does have more of a city vibe.

I have spent many hours in the brick wind tunnel that is Darlington station. It’s a no from me too.

What about a little b&b in Runswick Bay or Whitby?

I’d go for Durham over Darlington.

Durham isn’t much further, while it’s technically a city it’s more of a large town size, and it’s very picturesque.
I don’t know about all of Darlington, but the town centre isn’t anything special.

Yarm is nice, lovely old looking high street, with plenty of restaurants, but there’s more to look at and do in Durham.

Thank you OP for giving me my first of the day. A weekend in Darlington? Surely you can do better?!

Durham is sounding fab! I remember reading somewhere on here about Darlington being a hidden gem. I am so glad I asked before booking now

I also just thought of Skipton too maybe

Not really fair to judge Darlington based on sitting in the train station…

There’s probably not enough here for a full weekend but it’s got some nice independent shops, lots of good places to eat and drink, a museum and a great Victorian park. It’s also well placed to get to lots of other places such as Barnard Castle, the Durham Dales, Yarm (which definitely doesn’t have enough for a full weekend either)

There are some street music and theatre festivals coming up too, and there’s a great theatre (the Hippodrome). All you miserable nay-sayers can bugger off

Durham is lovely. Darlington is not ...

Not as nice as Hull.

Durham, Harrogate, York, Thirsk

Durham is gorgeous. If it's not too far for you, choose Durham. Beautiful river walks and cobbled streets. Lovely cathedral.

I hear that Wigan is nice this time of year.

Darlington

Durham is lovely, loads of pubs and places to eat, nice river walks, and only 15mins on the train to Newcastle if you want a big city.

Darlington NO.
Harrogate is lovely, along with York and Durham.
Have a great time.

Darlington is an odd choice for a holiday, I must say. It's okay. Not as run down as some northern towns/cities but there isn't much there. It's just a normal town with nothing to do or see.

It is, however, surrounded by beautiful countryside and little towns like Staindrop (Raby Castle is lovely), Barnard Castle (lovely and now famous) and Yarm.

@otterbaby

Absolutely not! Laughing at Darlington being considered as a 'weekend away' 😂 sorry OP.

Yarm is so lovely but it's really only one street so might get a bit old.

Another vote for Durham - lovely little streets, shopping, cafes, beautiful walk alongside the river.

I always love a stay in York as well but obviously that does have more of a city vibe.

I have to say I did laugh too. If you know, you know!

Also agree with Harrogate, Ripon and of course Durham, which is my town and very beautiful.

Harrogate: YES, Durham: YES, York: YES

Darlington: NO

I'm speaking as someone who lives there. You are welcome 😉

Ops! Yarm: another NO

Some bars are decent and I've met a few (very) famous people there but it depends on the night and the bar.

Skipton is nice but really small.
But with a car you could fill a weekend.

Another Darlington resident here and whilst it's home, it's not where I would choose for a weekend away Completely agree with suggestions above such as Richmond, Northallerton, Durham (the Radisson Blu always seems to have offers on Wowcher) snd would add Stokesley to the list.

@Abracadabra12345 you’ll be fine, it’s just that for me, there are better located hotels. It fronts a road that runs through the city, which can be very busy, but it should be quiet at night. You’re just across the road from the newly gussied up Cornhill Quarter and main shops, and Brayford Pool is nearby; for Uphill and the Bail, you need to go up Steep Hill - and they’re not kidding - but there’s a Walk And Ride, if you prefer, or there’s parking a brief walk from the Bail.

Feel free to message me if you’d like any ideas of things to do/not do and places to eat/drink.

Just mentioned this thread to DP and he laughed at the idea. Way to back me up, there, DP. Hmph.

Northallerton is dull as ditchwater. Half a day, max. Go north, young OP, go north!