As better weather arrives, people are looking for amazing places to eat and drink which have a brilliant view. 

Especially in the social media age, people love to grab photos of their surroundings - and this list of five certainly won't disappoint. 

The five best pubs in and around Darlington with a stunning view:

The Emerson Arms

32 Church Row, Darlington, DL2 2AQ

We start off the list with a pub that backs on to a stunning riverside view. While it might not appeal if there were grey clouds above, as soon as that sun hits, it's the perfect sun-trap for a drink or a meal.

On TripAdvisor, many people have been pictured and complimented the outside area and the views - and it seems like a perfect place to start the list. 

One impressed customer who loved the pub said: "This is a great bar with an excellent selection of gins. The young girl behind the bar was very polite, friendly and welcoming. We sat out the back while the sun was out in their fantastic beer garden/terrace with great views of the river."

Fox and Hounds

24 Teesway, Neasham, Darlington, DL2 1QP

Another pub that is very close to the river - with the Fox and Hounds very close to the River Tees. The back of the pub almost backs onto the waterway - and provides great views from the outside area at the venue. 

This is another venue that provides a sun trap for sunny days and the perfect spot for a beer garden.

One customer who rated it as 'excellent' on TripAdvisor said: "Fabulous food and service and ambience. The chips and the vegetables were delicious. Loved the layout of the dining area. We will be back."

The Clubhouse Kitchen & Bar

Inside Rockliffe Hall, Hurworth-on-Tees, Darlington, DL2 2DU

From river views to an amazing country grounds view - this place is housed in Rockliffe Hall - next to a backdrop of plenty of greenery and the Hall's 18-hole golf course. 

The Clubhouse Kitchen & Bar is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and you can enjoy all of them while taking in the stunning view. 

One person who has tried the venue said: "Went to the Clubhouse for dinner for the first time but it definitely won't be our last - fantastic service and fabulous food - would highly recommend."

The Fox Hole

Piercebridge, Darlington, DL2 3SJ

Yet another pub that is next to the River Tees - and this time it's in Piercebridge. 

This venue has a large outdoor area and is only a stone's throw from the river. It has stunning views of the village and there are stunning views right nearby too.

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One satisfied diner said on TripAdvisor: "Amazing venue, food and importantly Service. Local produce. A very memorable evening for all the right reasons."

The Coach House at Middleton Lodge

Kneeton Lane, Middleton Tyas Middleton Tyas, Richmond, DL10 6NJ

This list isn't just about venues in Darlington or Darlington villages, it's also about great places around the area - which includes Middleton Lodge, in Middleton Tyas.

Between Darlington and Richmond, Middleton Lodge is an amazing place in itself - but at the Coach House, the views of the grounds are simply stunning. 

One diner said on TripAdvisor: "Visited for the first time on Easter Sunday. Fabulous menu choice and high-quality food. We agreed it was the nicest Sunday lunch we’ve had in a long time. Very good service made it overall a highly enjoyable experience."