Darlington Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo by Ian  Hall
Photo by Ian  Hall
Photo by Ian  Hall
Photo by Ian  Hall
Photo by Ian  Hall

Darlington is a historic market town in the Tees Valley, with the town centre newly pedestrianised allowing you to stroll around at your own leisure. 

With so many things to see and do in Darlington, and indeed the wider Durham area, Darlington is a great base to explore what this English county has to offer. From townhouse hotels to cosy country bed & breakfasts and guesthouses, there is a range of accommodation choices to suit all tastes and budgets.

Darlington has become a smart choice for shoppers with a lot independent and boutique designer shops for a town of this size, making it easy to find something different. For a night out, enjoy the relaxed friendly atmosphere of Darlington town centre, with an abundance of restaurants and stylish bars, which offer that friendly north east welcome.

Discover the Famous Railway Heritage

The people of Darlington are immensely proud of the town’s world famous rail heritage, so a visit to the Railway Centre and Museum is a must. The museum explains the history of the railways and the impact they had on the people of Darlington. There are also plenty of interactive exhibits that children will enjoy.

Raby Castle in Darlington is fantastic. Take a tour and learn more about its previous inhabitants. The large gardens are lovely with deer roaming freely, providing a wonderful setting. Take the kids along to witness these animals close up.

Just south of Darlington town is the Croft Circuit, which has a year round programme of car and bike racing. If you are a fan of high speed competition, the highlight of the season is the annual British Touring Car Championship weekend in Darlington.

Get to Know Durham

Venture further into Durham and stop of at Durham Cathedral, a world heritage site. The cathedral is a well preserved with plenty to see and admire throughout. Climb its never-ending spiral staircase and be rewarded with fantastic views over Durham at the top.

Bowes Museum should not be missed either a popular attraction for fashion designers. Each room has lots of outfits, furniture and decorations on show and is well worth a visit.

Hardwick Park in Sedgefield is great for a day trip with the whole family. With a mini assault course, ducks to be fed and a variety of walks to choose from, there is plenty to keep the whole family entertained.

Hall Garth Hotel Darlington, Sure Hotel Collection by BW
Hall Garth Hotel Darlington, Sure Hotel Collection by BW
3 out of 5
Coatham Mundeville, Darlington, England
The price is ฿2,019 per night from 22 Jun to 23 Jun
฿2,019
฿2,423 total
22 Jun - 23 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Darlington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (578 reviews)
"Plenty of parking, great welcome. Was out in the accommodation above the pub but very reasonably quiet. Needs some TLC as it’s showing its age. Fire door outside my room needed the closer repairing as banged shut every time it was used!"

Reviewed on 31 May 2025

Hall Garth Hotel Darlington, Sure Hotel Collection by BW
Walworth Castle Hotel, BW Signature Collection
Walworth Castle Hotel, BW Signature Collection
3 out of 5
Walworth, Darlington, England
The price is ฿2,457 per night from 22 Jun to 23 Jun
฿2,457
฿2,949 total
22 Jun - 23 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Darlington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (391 reviews)
"Off the charts great stay. Loved the old building. Modern facilities. All in good condition. Wonderful staff, lovely meal, pleasant outdoors."

Reviewed on 3 Jun 2025

Walworth Castle Hotel, BW Signature Collection
The George Of Piercebridge
The George Of Piercebridge
3 out of 5
B6275, Darlington, England
The price is ฿2,259 per night from 16 Jun to 17 Jun
฿2,259
฿2,711 total
16 Jun - 17 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Darlington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (339 reviews)
"Place was nice and quiet with rolling hills all round, dinner was great breakfast not so great but on the whole lovely few days with very pleasant staff we had fun and locals"

Reviewed on 4 Jun 2025

The George Of Piercebridge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Spacious 3-bed House in Darlington
Spacious 3-bed House in Darlington
3.5 out of 5
Darlington, England
Stay at this 3.5-star holiday home in Darlington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions The Northern Echo Arena and Darlington Civic ...
Spacious 3-bed House in Darlington
White House Cottages
White House Cottages
3.5 out of 5
The White House, Brandon Village, Durham, England
Stay at this 3.5-star property in Durham. Enjoy free parking and a computer station. Popular attractions Brancepeth Castle Golf Club and Oriental Museum are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (36 reviews)
Great location
"John was very helpful. Location of the property is great."

Reviewed on 18 Apr 2025

White House Cottages
Students Only Chic Studio Accommodation in Durham
Students Only Chic Studio Accommodation in Durham
2 out of 5
Chapel Heights, Durham, England
Stay at this apartment in Durham. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and concierge services. Popular attractions Gala Theatre Durham and Crook Hall and Gardens ...
"Great affordable student accommodation. The space was exactly as advertised. The kitchen worked well, and i was able to prepare my own meals. Excellent wifi and plenty of outlets in the space. One of the best accommodations I've stayed in, and far better than even my own university housing."

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2025

Students Only Chic Studio Accommodation in Durham
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Darlington

4.1
Top destination
5 - Excellent
22
5 - Excellent 34%
4 - Good
30
4 - Good 46%
3 - Okay
9
3 - Okay 14%
2 - Disappointing
4
2 - Disappointing 6%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A good town for shopping.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Darlington is a very vibrant and friendly town.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Area quiet and peaceful.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great leisure facilities! Loads of bars, restaurants, shops and cinema close by. I went to meet friends and know immediate area well. Hadn't realised the hotel was so close to centre!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great place to live in and visit.

3/5 - Okay

Mr

This Q. is not relevant. The property is in a rural village miles away from Darlington, a busy large town!

Cities near Darlington