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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.
Darlington
is currently being refurbished and with the majority of the
town centre being pedestrianised.
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 new 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.
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Darlington
Paddock Farm Water Gardens, Darlington DL2 2PT
