Darlington Travel Guide

Find out everything you need to know about Darlington, including places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and how to get around in this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Darlington

Located in County Durham, in North East England, Darlington is a bustling market town that offers tourists a range of cultural and natural attractions. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, this charming English town has something to offer everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Darlington

Whether you’re interested in exploring the town’s rich history or hiking through its beautiful countryside, there’s plenty to see and do in Darlington. Here are some of the top places to visit in the area.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Head of Steam - Darlington Railway Museum: This interactive museum showcases the town’s rich railway history with exhibits and displays featuring locomotives, carriages, and railway memorabilia.
  • Darlington Civic Theatre: A beautiful Grade II-listed building that is a hub for cultural events and theatrical performances.
  • Raby Castle: A stunning medieval castle set in a scenic rural landscape. Visitors can take guided tours of the castle, explore the landscaped gardens, and enjoy the local countryside.

Natural Attractions of Darlington: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • South Park: This beautiful park offers visitors plenty of green space for relaxing walks and picnics, as well as a boating lake, Victorian bandstand, and children’s play area.
  • River Tees: A popular spot for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing, the River Tees offers visitors stunning views and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure.
  • Witton Castle Country Park: This sprawling park is perfect for family outings, with woodland walks, fishing lakes, and play areas for kids.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Darlington

Whether you’re an experienced outdoors enthusiast or just starting out on your hiking or biking journey, Darlington offers some great routes for exploring its beautiful countryside. Here are some of the top hiking and biking trails in the area:

  • Witton Castle Loop: A circular route that takes in the stunning Witton Castle Country Park.
  • Riverbank Walk: A pleasant walk along the River Tees, with plenty of opportunities for spotting wildlife and enjoying the scenery.
  • Castle Eden Walkway: A scenic five-mile route that takes in the tranquil countryside around Castle Eden Dene.

Best Things to Do in Darlington: Activities and Tours

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day out or an adventure-packed itinerary, Darlington has plenty to offer visitors. Here are some of the top things to do in the area:

  • Darlington Hippodrome: This historic theatre is the perfect place to catch a show or live performance.
  • Raby Castle Tours: Take a guided tour of this stunning medieval castle and learn about its rich history.
  • South Park Boating Lake: Relax and enjoy the scenery while paddling around this picturesque boating lake.

Week-Long Itinerary for Darlington

If you’re planning a longer stay in Darlington, here’s a week-long itinerary to help you make the most of your time in the area.

Day Activity
1 Visit Head of Steam - Darlington Railway Museum
2 Take a guided tour of Raby Castle
3 Explore the countryside on a hike or bike ride
4 Relax in South Park and enjoy the boating lake
5 Take in a show or performance at the Darlington Hippodrome
6 Enjoy a day out at Witton Castle Country Park
7 Head out to the River Tees for some outdoor adventure

Food and Drink Scene of Darlington

Darlington offers visitors a range of dining options, from traditional English pubs to trendy cafes and restaurants. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages to sample during your stay.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Stottie Cake: A traditional teacake that is the perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea.
  • Pease Pudding: A savory pudding made from split yellow peas and served with meats and vegetables.
  • Sausage and Mash: A classic English dish made with locally sourced sausages and mashed potatoes.

Local Beverages

  • Darlington Brown Ale: An amber ale that is brewed locally and has a rich, malty flavor.
  • Tea: England is famous for its tea, and Darlington is no exception. A cup of tea and a slice of cake is the perfect way to relax after a day of sightseeing.

Where to Stay in Darlington: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Whether you’re looking for a luxurious hotel or a budget-friendly guesthouse, Darlington has plenty of accommodation options to suit every budget and taste. Here are some of the top places to stay in the area:

  • Middleton Lodge: A luxurious hotel set in a beautiful Georgian mansion.
  • The King’s Head Hotel: A charming boutique hotel located in the heart of Darlington.
  • St. George Hotel: A budget-friendly option that is popular with backpackers and budget travelers.

What to Buy in Darlington: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for the perfect souvenir to take home from your trip to Darlington, here are some local products to consider:

  • Darlington Tea Towel: A practical and stylish souvenir that celebrates Darlington’s railway history.
  • Darlington Brown Ale: A bottle or two of locally brewed brown ale is the perfect gift for any beer lover.
  • Darlington Quaker Tapestry: A unique tapestry that tells the story of the Quaker movement in Darlington.

Local Culture and Customs of Darlington

Darlington has a rich cultural heritage, with a strong connection to its railway history. Visitors should be respectful of local customs and traditions, and dress appropriately when visiting places of worship or cultural sites.

Best Time to Visit Darlington

The best time to visit Darlington is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Winter can be quite cold and wet, but there are still plenty of indoor attractions and cultural events to enjoy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Darlington

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Dress appropriately when visiting places of worship or cultural sites.
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage public property.
  • Make loud or disruptive noise in public places.
  • Be disrespectful or offensive to locals or other visitors.

Safety and Health

Safety in Darlington

Darlington is generally a safe place for visitors, with low crime rates and a friendly local population. Visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take appropriate precautions to protect themselves and their valuables.

Health in Darlington

Darlington has a good healthcare system, with plenty of hospitals and clinics in the area. Visitors from outside of the UK should ensure that they have appropriate travel insurance and bring any necessary prescription medications with them.

Getting to Darlington: Transportation Options and Logistics

Darlington is well-connected to the rest of the UK, with several transportation options available for visitors. Here are some of the top ways to get to Darlington:

Airports Near Darlington

  • Durham Tees Valley Airport - A small airport located just a few miles from Darlington, with limited flights to European destinations.
  • Newcastle International Airport - A larger airport, located about 40 miles from Darlington, with flights to both domestic and international destinations.

Bus Stations Near Darlington

  • Darlington Bus Station - A central bus station that offers connections to other parts of the UK.
  • National Express - A popular coach service that offers routes to and from Darlington.

Other Options

  • Train - Darlington is well-connected to the national rail network, with regular services to London and other major UK cities.
  • Car - Darlington is easily accessible by car, with good road links to the rest of the UK.

How to Get Around in Darlington

While Darlington is a relatively small town, there are still plenty of transportation options available to visitors. Here are some of the top ways to get around in Darlington:

  • Bus: Darlington has a good local bus service that connects visitors to all parts of the town and surrounding areas.
  • Train: The local rail network offers convenient connections to other parts of the UK.
  • Taxi: Taxis are readily available in Darlington town center, and are a convenient way to get around if you don’t want to take public transportation.

Where to Go Next from Darlington: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to explore more of the UK, Darlington is a great base for exploring nearby destinations. Here are some nearby places to visit:

  • Durham: A beautiful cathedral city that offers visitors historic attractions and scenic countryside.
  • York: A picturesque city that boasts stunning medieval architecture and a rich cultural heritage.
  • North York Moors National Park: A vast expanse of rolling hills and rugged moorland that is perfect for outdoor adventures.

Conclusion

Darlington is a charming English town that offers visitors a range of cultural and natural attractions. Whether you’re interested in exploring the town’s rich history or hiking through its beautiful countryside, there’s plenty to see and do in Darlington. With this comprehensive travel guide, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your trip to this fascinating part of North East England.