Quick stop on way from London to Edinburgh

Most will say York but I think Durham is quite wonderful.

York is a guaranteed good stop, plenty of time to see what u wish.
A great idea to break up a long journey.

Thanks for the responses thus far. Anyone have strong opinions favoring one city over the other? I'm intrigued by Durham because of what Bill Bryson has written about it...

Just remember that 4/16 is Easter Sunday and check out the Cathedral schedule for that day, which may not have as many visiting hours for tourists on the year's holiest day.

On Easter Sunday, just about everything is closed. York Minster will not be open for tourists due to services. You might want to visit on another day - perhaps when going south. If you are using the trains, I presume you have booked an advance ticket as turn up & go fares can be expensive. With Advance single tickets, you can’t break the journey - so you would need split tickets.
www.nationalrail.co.uk

https://yorkminster.org/home.html

For north east England :>http://www.visitnorthumberland.com

That's a fantastic point, thanks. I checked the calendar and it doesn't show anything about a closure, but who knows? I emailed them...

I actually haven't booked a ticket yet...I'm doing an open jaw, so into London and out of Edinburgh. I may just take an extra day in Edinburgh, then. Shame, have always wanted to see York Minster.

In England, by law, all shops will be closed on Easter Sunday and often, the rail companies take advantage of the 4 day weekend to undertake major engineering projects, so check before you book that you aren't going to have a lengthy bus replacement service for part of your journey if travelling by train. The roads will be busy, particularly if the weather is decent.

Appreciate the tips. I contacted the York Tourist Board, who confirmed that the two main museums will be open, and York Minster, who confirmed they are open for sightseeing that day. Thanks, all!

I like Durham a lot but given your timetable I'd agree York. I think the Minster and a museum and the Shambles area would be quite doable in 6-8 hours, also walkable from the station. My favorite museum there is the Yorkshire Museum, with Roman and Saxon exhibits, and in the nearby park are the St. Mary's Abbey ruins.