Premier Inn Darlington

Take a look at our hotels in Newcastle, Stockton-on-Tees, Middlesbrough and Durham. Newcastle is ideal if you’re after vibrant nightlife, big-city shopping and iconic landmarks like the Tyne Bridge and Angel of the North. Stockton-on-Tees and Middlesbrough both sit close to the Tees Valley and are good picks if you like a mix of riverside walks, arts venues and shopping, with quick routes out into the countryside or to the coast. Durham is perfect if you’re into history – think cobbled streets and a stunning cathedral. 

Yes, Darlington is well worth a visit, especially if you're looking for a mix of green spaces, history and local culture. With scenic riverside and countryside walks, top shopping spots and plenty of family-friendly places, it’s a great base for a Northeast break. The town blends old and new, and there's always something going on whether you're after museums, castles or live music. 

Definitely. Families will find lots to do, from outdoor spaces like South Park and the Dolphin Centre – packed with soft play, swimming pools and gym facilities – to nearby attractions like Raby Castle or the railway museum. Whether you’re into history, nature or just want to let the kids burn off some energy, there’s something for everyone. 

Darlington is most famous for its role in railway history. It was the site of the world’s first public passenger railway to use steam locomotives – the Stockton and Darlington Railway, which opened in 1825. This groundbreaking moment in transport history put Darlington on the map, and the town still celebrates its railway heritage today with attractions like the Head of Steam museum. Beyond the railways, Darlington is also known for its lively market town atmosphere, historic architecture and surrounding countryside. 

There’s loads to do in and around Darlington. You can explore South Park or the peaceful Drinkfield Marsh Nature Reserve, enjoy riverside walks along the Skerne, or take a day trip to the nearby Raby Castle – a huge 14th-century fortress with stunning art collections. History fans will enjoy the Darlington Railway Centre and Museum, while shoppers can browse Queen Street Shopping Centre or Darlington Market for fashion and unique finds. Evenings are great for catching a show at Darlington Hippodrome or live music at The Forum. 

Queen Street Shopping Centre is the place to go for high street fashion and big-name brands. For something more local and unique, Darlington Market is just the ticket – great for independent gifts, handmade items and speciality events like vegan and vinyl markets. 

Yes – Darlington has a rich railway heritage, with the Railway Centre and Museum being a key attraction. Not far from the town, you’ll also find the ancient remains of the Piercebridge Roman Bridge. And if you’re happy to venture a little further out, Raby Castle is only a 30-minute drive away. 

No, Darlington doesn’t have a beach – it’s an inland town. But if you’re keen on some sea and sand, you're not too far from the North East coast. Seaside spots like Seaton Carew, Redcar and Saltburn-by-the-Sea are all around 40–50 minutes away by car, making them easy day trips if you fancy a bit of beach time during your stay. 

Flex – Pay now or on arrival, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Our most flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 1pm on the day of arrival. You can also amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Semi-Flex – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to three full days before arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to three full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Advance – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 28 full days before arrival, free to amend thereafter until the day of arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 28 full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Standard – Pay now, non-refundable. Free to amend booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Slightly flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel and get a full refund, but you can amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Non-Flex – Pay now. No amends or refunds. Our least flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel or amend your stay after booking.

Our standard check-in time is 3pm. For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

Checkout is by 12 noon on your departure date. If luggage storage is available, our teams will be happy to store any bags for you if you’d like to check out before 12pm.

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

In 2020 we launched Premier Inn CleanProtect™, our rigorous, daily cleaning method that’s used throughout our UK & Ireland hotels. Developed in partnership with Diversey, a global leader in cleaning and hygiene products for the healthcare and hospitality industries, our promise seeks to give you extra peace of mind so you can always book and stay with confidence.

Check-in - minimising contact at reception and providing hand sanitiser in most public areas for peace of mind. 

Bed linen and towels - laundering all our linen and towels at over 60°C to thermally disinfect them, so you can enjoy a great night’s sleep. We’ve also placed spare pillows in a zip-up bag, for extra peace of mind.

Equipping our teams - providing our team members with all the equipment and sanitisers they need, as well as always operating in the safest way possible for our teams and guests.

A generous serving of safety - you can relax knowing that enhanced cleaning measures are in place throughout our restaurants. Tables are cleaned between visits and contactless payment is in place too, so you can dine safely and comfortably with us every time.

Clean on request - if you'd like your room cleaned during your stay with us, just let us know at reception and use the handy door hanger on the back of your door by 12pm each day.

Most Premier Inns have specially-adapted rooms allowing easier access for customers with disabilities. If there is no specially-adapted room available at the hotel of your choice, we will be happy to offer you alternative accommodation at a nearby Premier Inn. If you have difficulty walking, but do not need a specially-adapted room, please feel free to request a room near reception on the ground floor for easy access. 

If you'd like get in touch, you can reach out to our specialist team via email at pi.accessible@whitbread.com or call us on 0333 0919 817 between 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday (calls charged at local rate).

Unfortunately, with the exception of trained assistance dogs, we don't allow pets to stay at our hotels.