Darlington Local Information: 10 top things to know... more

  • 1. History of Darlington

    Darlington is a historic market town and begun as an Anglo-Saxon settlement. The name Darlington originates from the Anglo-Saxon word ‘Dearthington' which means ‘the settlement of Deonoths people'. The name had then changed to Derlinton by Norman times, and changed again to Darnton in the 17th and 18th century. Darlington is home to the Grade 1 listed St Cuthbert's Church b...Read moreuilt in 1180 and the sight has been the focus for Christian Worship and Witness for over a thousand years.Darlington is famous for its association with the birth of railways as the world's first passenger rail journey passed through Darlington (Shildon to Stockton-on-Tees via Darlington). Read less

  • 2. Now in Darlington

    Darlington is popular for its unique shopping experience as the town centre focuses on independent shopping and verges away from the national high street stores. Darlington is home to the football team Darlington FC, known as The Quakers. Their stadium, The Darlington Arena has a 25,000 person capacity.

  • 3. Events in Darlington

    Darlington holds the music and real ale festival called Rhythm'n'Blues which takes place in early Autumn. There is also a cycling festival in summer and another popular event is ‘Darlington By the Sea' which is fun family day out with lots of sand and face painters.

  • 4. Attractions in Darlington

    The Darlington railway centre and museum celebrates Darlington's history of rail; this museum uses a hands on approach and is a multi-million re development for all ages. There is also Darlington's Arts centre on the edge of the city centre and a little further away there in West Park there's a nature reserve containing sculptures. The 91-acre South Park is also a tranquil heav...Read moreen located in the centre of the town, which contains award winning flower displays and a lake with play areas for children. Read less

  • 5. Things To Do in Darlington

    ‘Arts in the Yards' is a management programme closely linked to the Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College. The artwork on show is that of the students from the college and is shown in a free open air gallery located in the town centre. The heritage trail is a great way to discover more about the town, by following the pavement coin markers and colour-coded map. The Heighington V...Read moreillage is a beautiful Village which has won ‘Britain's Best Village'. Read less

  • 6. Business in Darlington

    Darlington is a historic market town with the outdoor market taking place every week. The main retail area in Darlington is the Cornmill Shopping Centre plus the market square is one of the biggest in the country. The Cornmill Shopping Centre is also planning to expand its retail space.

  • 7. Transport in Darlington

    The Great North Road has now been diverted to the west of the town. There is also Darlington railway station on the East Coast Main Line located just outside the city centre. Darlington has been chosen as one of three National Sustainable Travel Destination Towns in 2004 by the Department for Travel. It has also been chosen as one of six cycling demonstration towns in October 2...Read more005, receiving £3million worth of funding which has been spent on improving cycling facilities and routes also in linking the town to the national cycle route network. There is also the Durham Tees Valley airport 5 miles from the town centre. Read less

  • 8. Entertainment in Darlington

    Darlington is popular for its friendly pubs, comedy and live music. Darlington's Civic Theatre is great for live music and performances. Darlington Arts Theatre is a lovely Victorian building hosting events for all ages. It hosts children workshops, dance and music.

  • 9. Famous Landmarks in Darlington

    The Clock Tower is Darlington's most famous landmark. It was a gift from Joseph Pease the industrialist in 1864; the bells were produced by John Warner & Sons and the face from T.Cooke & Sons of York. Quaker families were also eminent employers, the Blackhouse family gave financial backing towards the development of the 91 acre South Park in 1983 into its current form.

  • 10. Interesting Facts about Darlington

    Darlington's Heighington village has been the location for the filming of ‘Time Team' which has been filmed at Piercebridge and Medieval Ulnaby.

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