As the dark nights roll in and temperatures plummet in the run-up to Christmas, a warm fish supper has never been more appealing - here are the best places to grab fish and chips in County Durham.

Whether you're after perfectly cooked cod, home-style haddock or succulent servings of scampi, there are plenty of options to choose from in and around Durham for your fish fix each day of the week.

We've looked on TripAdvisor to see where the best-rated restaurants are to get a chippy tea across the county in terms of food quality, customer service and overall experience.

1. Bells Fish Restaurant

Ranking: 4.5/5

Where is it?: Market Square, County Durham.

Chain fish restaurant Bells is well known across the region for their giant portions of fish and chips with locations in Durham, Washington and Sunderland.

Happy customers have remarked that their fish was "cooked to perfection" and that the takeaway section of the restaurant was also hugely popular.

2. Cross Keys Inn

Ranking: 4.5/5

Where is it?: Front Street Esh, County Durham.

Satisfied diners at the Cross Keys Inn hotel and restaurant have remarked upon the "surprising" size of the fish when it was served, as well as the "excellent" quality of the homemade chips.

3. The Three Horse Shoes

Ranking: 4.5/5

Where is it?: Running Waters, County Durham.

Visitors to the Three Horse Shoes have remarked upon the fish and chips present on the "traditional menu", and rated their stay at the pub hotel as five stars. 

4. The Three Horseshoes

Ranking: 4.5/5

Where is it?: Pit House Lane, Leamside, County Durham.

The Three Horseshoes "just does not fail" according to one reviewer, with others stating that the fish and chips was "excellent", and "crunchy". Clearly a popular choice for fish and chips!

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5. Travellers Rest

Ranking: 4/5

Where is it?: Front Street, Witton Gilbert, County Durham.

"Fish Friday at the Travs" is a special occasion for one reviewer who has recommended the restaurant for its "beautifully cooked" white fish.