With the weather getting a little colder, people are looking for warmer activities - but it is always the weather for exploring different villages. 

We have pieced together five of the best villages near Darlington to explore, whether it's looking into the history, enjoying a walk or having a nice meal or drink at one of the pubs, these places are the ones to visit.

Five of the prettiest Darlington villages:

High Coniscliffe

High Coniscliffe is the definition of a small and quaint village - with only around 400 people calling it home.

Situated on the A67, between Darlington and Barnard Castle, this place is easy to get to and is worth a visit. 

Whether it's walking through the village or taking a walk along the River Tees, which stretches just along it, it's a perfect place to go. 

Walks and sights include the Teesdale Way, which includes High Coniscliffe.

And with the weather turning more wintry (and the potential to have rain and snow), there is The Spotted Dog at High Coniscliffe, which is very highly rated. 

If history is your thing - this village has plenty of it, with the village itself dating back to Anglo-Saxon times and St Oswald's church, the earliest part of which is Norman, is notable here.

Hurworth-on-Tees

This next village is always worth a visit. 

Another Darlington village that is near the River Tees, this place is perfect for walks all year round. 

In the heart of the village, you'll find the All Saints church, likely first established in the 12th century, undergoing major rebuilding in the 1830s and 1871.

After having a walk, people can enjoy a meal or a drink in The Otter and Fish, or The Bay Horse.

Sadberge

Sadberge, a charming, village of around 300 houses, is quaintly nestled on a hill north of A66, between Darlington and Teesside.

This place has historic roots, with the name Sadberge originating from the Viking term Setberg, pointing towards its earlier meaning ‘flat-topped hill’. Historically, Sadberge marked the capital of Wapentake, a Viking-settled area above the Tees.

These days, it's a small village next to the A66 - with two pubs (The Tuns and The Buck Inn), with people using the village for a little walk, or to take in the history of St Andrew's Church. 

Redworth

Redworth is part of Heighington parish, located near Darlington, Newton Aycliffe, and Shildon.

Redworth was integrated with Heighington and a portion became part of Shildon in 1937.

The name's origins trace back to the words 'Reed Worth', referencing its large marsh landscape.

Most notably, the 4-star Barcelo Redworth Hall has hosted various prominent figures, including England's football team when they used the venue in the mid-2000s.

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Boasting stunning views of the countryside, people can choose to visit Redworth Wood, housing protected trees and a photographed Stone Age fort.

Piercebridge

While a lot of places in this list so far have an emphasis on history, this place might be able to stake its claim as having some of the most interesting history of Darlington villages.

Located a few miles west of Darlington, it was established on a Roman fort from AD 260–270 where Dere Street crossed the River Tees.

This fort is partly under the village green, with people able to access the excavated Roman fort and the remains of Piercebridge Roman Bridge.

Alongside taking in the history - the Fox Hole pub and farm shop in Piercebridge are also worth a visit.