From "olden days" :
The Primrose Newcastle-Blackpool service was a road service licence throughout. Ran every day, in winter via Sedbergh and Kirkby Lonsdale, which was 20 min slower than the route via Tebay. Took 4hr 50min to Blackpool. Route included Morecambe (all year).

United had some long services radiating from Darlington, such as Newcastle 722/723 (1hr50 to Worswick St), and Sunderland 213 (1hr 56). The 268 Darlington- Saltburn was 1hr 50 too, but for some years wasn't it extended beyond Saltburn (to Moorsholm?). I guess must have been about 2hours 20 min.

The 722/3 and 213 were faster than current services, partly reflecting skipping stops in Darlington and Gateshead / Sunderland (as Andreos often advocates). Also benefitting from no 20mph limit in Birtley, and no diversion off the A167 via Durham Gate