Darlington Train Station

Darlington is a historic market town in County Durham and is about 16 miles east of Middlesborough. Modern-day Darlington was founded as a small Anglo-Saxon village, but by the 12th century it was established as a market town by the Bishop of Durham. It was around this time that the two ancient churches were constructed. St. Andrews Church was built around 1100, followed by St. Cuthberts Church in 1183. Both churches are still standing today and are Grade I listed buildings.

Darlington railway station was first opened in 1841, and quickly became an important stop on journeys between the north and south. Today this Grade II listed building serves over two million passengers a year.

Popular routes to the town include Edinburgh to Darlington which takes a little over two hours and York to Darlington which is only 30-minutes away. If you live in the south and want to explore further north the Bristol to Darlington route will get you there in about four hours. But you don’t need to live far to explore Darlington; Durham to Darlington is only 20-minutes away.

Things to do in Darlington

When Daniel Defoe visited Darlington in the 1700s he commented that the town had ‘nothing remarkable but dirt’. Thankfully those times have changed, and today Darlington can be proud of its rich history. From its thousand-year-old churches to its important contributions to the modern industrial and railway age.

Did you know that George Stephenson’s famous Locomotion No. 1 travelled through Darlington in 1825? This event was pivotal in ushering in the modern era of railways. The town was also home to railway manufacturing for over a century. Darlington Works opened in 1863 and closed in 1966; for several decades it operated alongside other manufacturers such as Faverdale Wagon Works which was, in itself, a pioneer in mass production.

Darlington continues to be a pioneer in recent years too. In 2001, it became the first town in England to allow same-sex civil ceremonies, and it hosts an annual Pride festival throughout the town.

If live shows and music appeals to you, there’s the Darlington Hippodrome on Parkgate, and on Borough Road, the Forum Music Centre offers a more intimate musical environment. You can even host children’s recording parties here!

If you’re in town because of Darlington’s railway heritage then the Darlington Railway Museum should be your first stop. Don’t overlook Darlington Station itself – it’s now a Grade II listed building. For those who prefer their history a little older, there is Raby Castle, only a twenty-five-minute drive out of town.

Perhaps the reason for your trip to Darlington is to get back to nature? In that case, you are spoiled for choice. As well as the County Durham countryside, Darlington is also home to Thornton Hall Gardens and Paddock Farm Nursery, which boasts nine themed water gardens. Keep your little ones entertained at the Roarsome Play Centre. Alternatively, if you all need a break, there’s a Vue Cinema and an Odeon Cinema in town to keep you occupied.

There are lots of fun activities to do in Darlington, whether that means resting your body or stretching your mind. The Cluedini Live Escape Rooms on Crown Street will give you a mental workout without taxing your body too hard.

If you need somewhere to stay in Darlington there’s a range of popular hotel chains to choose from. But if you prefer the personal touch why not look at some of the independent options Darlington has to offer? The Balmoral Guest House on Woodland Road is only a mile away from Darlington Train Station, as is the Greenbank Hotel on Greenbank Road.