Set on the River Skerne to the south of the City of Durham, Darlington dates back to Saxon times.
Darlington developed as a market town and at the heart of the modern town is an attractive and historic Market Square. An open air market is held here on Saturdays and Bank Holidays.
There is also an impressive Victorian Market Hall, designed by the Quaker architect Alfred Wainhouse. The indoor market, in operation since 1863, is open Monday - Saturday.
One of Darlington's best-known landmarks is the magnificent Market Square Clock Tower, completed in 1864.
Nearby is St Cuthbert's church, known fondly as 'Our Lady of the North'. Dating from 1183, this is one of the most impressive Early English churches in the north of England.
Surrounding the town is the beautiful countryside of the Tees Valley.
Darlington played a significant role in the birth of the railways. In 1825 the world's first passenger rail journey took place on the Stockton and Darlington Railway.
Later Darlington developed as an important railway town, with three large locomotive works. Darlington's railway history is commemorated by David Mack's impressive brick sculpture, 'Train'. Set alongside the A66 (near the route of the original Stockton and Darlington Railway) this outstanding artwork, created from 185,000 bricks, represents a life-size locomotive in full steam emerging from a tunnel.
The Great North Road (A1) once ran through the centre of Darlington but this has now been re-routed to the west of the town.
The 91 acre South Park provides a haven of tranquility in the heart of the town to visitors and residents and is presently been restored to its Victorian glory.
Darlington's popular Civic Theatre presents a mix of drama, musicals and pantomimes, while the smaller Arts Centre hosts more intimate events and film performances. The Forum Music Centre offers live music events and a comedy club.
The local football team, Darlington FC, are known as 'The Quakers', reflecting the contribution made to the town by members of the Religious Sociey of Friends.
Paddock Farm Water Gardens, Darlington DL2 2PT
At this garden centre stroll around a collection of 9 individual water gardens inspired by the Orient and Mediterranean. Experienced staff are on hand to offer purchasers advice on plants, ponds, water features and both pond and tropical fish. Tea room. Paddock Farm Water Gardens information
Darlington Railway Centre and Museum North Road Station, Darlington DL3 6ST
The buildings include the North Road Passenger Station, Goods Shed and Hopetown Carriage Works. The historic buildings, from the 1830s to 1850s, once belonged to the Stockton and Darlington Railway.Restored entrance hall and ticket office,a highlight is Darlington Railway Centre and Museum information
Tees Cottage Pumping Station Coniscliffe Road, Darlington DL3 8TF
The impressive Tees Cottage Pumping Station began supplying fresh drinking water from the River Tees to Darlington in 1849.The Victorian building has 2 original pumping engines in full working order. Tees Cottage Pumping Station information
Piercebridge Roman Fort Piercebridge, A67 west near, Darlington DL2 3SG
Piercebridge is set on the banks of the River Tees six miles west of Darlington. Archaeological evidence dates the Roman presence to around 70AD, the Roman fort was built in around 260-270AD. Piercebridge Roman Fort information
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Hurworth-On-Tees Darlington DL2 2DU MAP The impressive Rockliffe Hall is a luxury hotel with a championship golf course, a large spa, gym and elegant rooms. Darlington, the A1(M) and Teesside Airport are all within 15 minutes’ drive. The luxury spa has a range of thermal bathing treatments a... More Information and Book ... |
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Croft On Tees Darlington DL2 2ST MAP Originally built in 1835, The Croft is situated in the historic village of Croft On Tees, overlooking the River Tees. It has a leisure centre, a bar/lounge and a restaurant. The Croft hotel is in a quiet area, only 10 minutes from the centre of Darlingto... More Information and Book ... |
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Harrowgate Hill Darlington DL1 3AD MAP This good-value hotel has easy access by bus to Darlington town centre, 2 miles (3.2 km) away. Junction 59 of the A1(M) is also 2 miles away. The hotel has free parking and en suite rooms. The Harrowgate Hill Lodge is on the A167 - North Road. The Durham... More Information and Book ... |
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11 Rymers Court Darlington DL1 2GB MAP These spacious and stylish apartments are 2 miles from Darlington town centre and offer free parking. Each has an open-plan, fully equipped kitchen and a modern lounge area. Darlington Apartments come with designer leather sofas and a flat-screen TV, mos... More Information and Book ... |
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Alliance Street Darlington Darlington DL30BE MAP The comfort, space and privacy of your own home, with the services of a hotel, these modern apartments offer the ideal alternative to B&B and hotel stays in Darlington. With great value accommodation for both the leisure and business guests, Railway Hou... More Information and Book ... |
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Piercebridge near Darlington DL2 3SE MAP This detached character cottage is situated in a quiet corner of the village green in Piercebridge. Sleeps up to 5 in 3 bedrooms. Pets allowed. Changeover Day: Sat Price Guide: 197.00-407.00... More Information and Book ... |
Towns Near Darlington To Visit - straight line distance:
Shildon Tourist Information (8.33 miles) Stockton-on-Tees Tourist Information (10.07 miles) Bishop Auckland Tourist Information (10.21 miles) Ferryhill Tourist Information (10.88 miles)