Holiday Inn Darlington Scotch Corner

Scotch Corner is an iconic and memorable name on the A1(M) that you will surely have seen if you have headed North from southern England or when heading South from Scotland, the North East or from Cumbria. The name originated from being the junction where the north–south Roman road known as “Dere Street”, which crossed the River Tees at Piercebridge, met the Roman road which went west through Bowes and Brough.  It was a major staging post on ‘The Great North Road’ in the coaching era. Scotch Corner Hotel has been on this site since 1939, just a year before Alf Wight (James Herriot) arrived in Thirsk in 1940 to join the veterinary practice. It was requisitioned by the Royal Air Force almost as soon as it had opened to become a place for convalescing airmen.

Built on an original site of the 16th century Three Tuns coaching inn, it is now the Holiday Inn Darlington A1 Scotch Corner, which has seen major upgrading in recent years and offers all the modern comforts of a quality hotel. Bedrooms have mini fridges for storing snacks, air conditioning and flat-screen TV and you can check your mail with free WiFi. Family rooms have extra space for Z-Beds and cots, which are free of charge.

Fratello’s Italian Restaurant offers a stylish Tuscan experience serves classic pizza and pasta and the Columbus Bar and Lounge is a relaxing place for cocktails or coffee. There is also 24-hour room service.  For even more relaxation enjoy the steam room, sauna and indoor swimming pool.

Under 20 minutes’ drive from central Darlington and Durham Tees Valley Airport (MME), there’s a direct link to Darlington Railway Station from the bus stop outside. Original Richmond, five miles away, is the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales in Herriot Country and locations for All Creatures Great and Small. Holiday Inn Darlington A1 Scotch Corner Hotel is only a half an hour from the World of James Herriot in Thirsk and is ideal as a base for visiting the whole of Herriot Country.