Things to Do in Darlington

In September 1825, The Stockton and Darlington Railway, which was originally intended to transport coal and flour, began its inaugural journey. Among the freight, a peopled carriage called ‘The Experiment’ travelled the route to Stockton. This made Darlington famous as it was the first steam-powered passenger journey ever! Since then, the town has been a favourite for its railway heritage. However, there are plenty more historical and cultural activities to do in Darlington, even if your only interest in trains is using them, hop aboard with CrossCountry as we explore the very best. 

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The Bowes Museum

The Bowes Museum is a go-to destination for all things art and history. The stunning chateau was established in the nineteenth century by John and Joséphine Bowes and now houses a large collection of European fine art. Each year, the museum hosts plenty of family-friendly events, like their summer market which showcases the best of local food and handmade products. Plus, kids can also drop into a variety of events across the week, including Artist Makers to get creative and learn about different artist techniques.  

The museum sits within acres of beautiful green grounds that visitors can enjoy strolling through. Tours are conducted regularly and include general insights into the exhibits, led by volunteers and curators and more specialised and exclusive tours, like the tour of the collection vaults. This is a member’s event that brings rarely seen ceramics, furniture, and textiles to the fore.  

Darlington Covered Market

Visitors can find the ​Darlington Covered Market beside the town’s famous clock tower. Within the charming Victorian iron and glasswork, there are rows and rows of delicious street food stalls and independent businesses. The market has been undergoing a series of developments in the past years to help the site better suit a modern high street. As a result, the market has been able to introduce a revamped street food hall, new cafes, restaurants and more artisanal stalls. From Cypriot to Mexican to toasted sandwiches dipped in gravy, there’s plenty to satisfy your taste buds at the Covered Market. 

The Covered Market is a fifteen-minute walk from Darlington station. On the way, you’ll pass the Darlington Hippodrome, a stunning Edwardian building that’s worth stopping and appreciating. 

The Darlington Hippodrome

Darlington is home to one of the grandest theatres in the region, the ​Darlington Hippodrome. Originally known as the New Hippodrome and Palace Theatre of Varieties, this incredible turn-of-the-century building started its successful career with a music hall set topped by Miss Marie Loftus, a comedian at the time. The Hippodrome are incredibly proud of their history and work hard to preserve the building's features and treasures. In 2017, a massive renovation took place to bring the building into the 21st century, increasing the seating capacity and transforming the lounge, bar and public areas whilst retaining the features that make the grade II listed building so special and beloved in the community. 

There’s something for everyone at the Hippodrome, from live kids shows to comedy shows to tribute acts. ​​Darlington Hippodrome is a ten-minute walk away from the train station, ideal for catching a CrossCountry train home after a thrilling evening show. 

High Street Shopping in Darlington

Indulging in some retail therapy? Darlington is the ideal destination for a shopping spree due to being such a walkable town. Whether browsing high street favourites, searching for tasty, local produce or exploring bespoke boutiques for retro and vintage styles - there’s something for everyone in Darlington.  

Despite its small size, Darlington is home to two shopping malls: Cornmill Shopping Centre and Queen’s Street Shopping Centre. Both centres are indoors, so shoppers can browse to their heart’s content whatever the weather. They are also within easy reach of each other, providing shoppers with hours of uninterrupted browsing. Many of the shops in the town cannot be found elsewhere and there are plenty that sell beautiful hand-crafted items. Darlington is also a great place to find pre-loved items, with a wide range of excellent quality second-hand and charity shops. Plus, some amazing establishments that specialise in retro, vintage and antique items.  

Hopetown Darlington

Hopetown Darlington is a great place to spend a day out as a family or as a railway history enthusiast. If you’re not a ferroequinologist (the name given to train experts), there’s a fair chance you’ll become one with over 30,000 fascinating archives, vehicles and ephemera to learn about at the North Road Station Museum. People of all ages will enjoy looking around the fascinating vintage trains and learning about the history of the area. We recommend making time for the Hopetown Model Railway which showcases the original Locomotive No.1 and the Class 37 Diesel Locomotive. 

But Hopetown is not just a museum. There’s the Wagon Works, a railway-themed adventure playground that will amuse kids for hours. There’s the Darlington Locomotive Works, where visitors have the chance to look down into the workshop and see engineers build a real steam engine, the P2 class No.2007 Prince of Wales. And plenty more! To finish the day off nicely, head to The Goods Shed for a bite to eat at the Clocktower Café. 

Rockwell Nature Reserve

Located just outside Darlington town centre, the Rockwell Nature Reserve is a wonderful place to visit to take in some fresh air. This tranquil park found along a stretch of the River Skerne is the ideal spot to see some of the wildlife that calls the area home. The park is a peaceful oasis on the outskirts of town and lucky visitors might catch a glimpse of the park’s elusive residents, including kingfishers and otters. 

How to get to Darlington by Train

Darlington features along the CrossCountry network, making it accessible from across the UK. If a day trip is preferred, there are multiple services available from close by Durham station and Newcastle station or from more southerly York station and Leeds station.  

Darlington is also ideal for a weekend trip with plenty of nice plays to stay. CrossCountry runs direct services from key locations like Derby station and Sheffield station. 

If you’re planning a visit to Darlington, don’t forget to book an Advance ticket via our website or the CrossCountry app. If you need more information, you can contact us here.