Darlington Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
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.

The George, Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western
The George, Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western
3 out of 5
B6275, Darlington, England
The price is £42 per night from 21 Aug to 22 Aug
£42
per night
21 Aug - 22 Aug
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Darlington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Walworth Castle Birds of Prey and Raby ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (170 reviews)
"Very quiet room with a good size room"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2024

The George, Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western
Hall Garth Hotel, BW Signature Collection
Hall Garth Hotel, BW Signature Collection
3 out of 5
Coatham Mundeville, Darlington, England
The price is £53 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
£53
per night
4 Aug - 5 Aug
Stay at this 3-star golf hotel in Darlington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Planet Leisure and Darlington Railway Centre ...
8/10 Very Good! (505 reviews)
"Nice, cozy, friendly staff, the TV is old style flat TV but I don't think it's a big negative"

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2024

Hall Garth Hotel, BW Signature Collection
Mercure Darlington Kings Hotel
Mercure Darlington Kings Hotel
4 out of 5
9-12 Priestgate, Darlington, England
The price is £54 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
£54
per night
11 Aug - 12 Aug
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Darlington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Popular attractions St Cuthbert Church and Darlington ...
8/10 Very Good! (688 reviews)
"I would suggest anyone coming to Darlington, stay here. It will save your time to travel the shopping as well as night life. Staff is friendly and helpful. Rooms are spacious, only thing is a but confusing in lifts if you get rooms in 3rd floor."

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2024

Mercure Darlington Kings Hotel
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.
The Old Colliery Stables
The Old Colliery Stables
2 out of 5
1 commercial street, Cornsay colliery, Durham, England
Stay at this chalet in Durham. Enjoy free parking, daily housekeeping and a garden. Popular attractions Diggerland and Hall Hill Farm are located nearby.
9/10 Wonderful! (15 reviews)
"Excellent facilities in room"

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2024

The Old Colliery Stables
Durham City Cottages
Durham City Cottages
Brandon Lane, Durham, ENG
Stay at this cottage in Durham. Enjoy free parking, a garden and housekeeping. Popular attractions Brancepeth Castle Golf Club and Oriental Museum are located ...
7.8/10 Good! (352 reviews)
Tranquil
"Great motel conveniently on site with lovely pub, clean, management lovely, and at a great price, peaceful and tranquil."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2024

Durham City Cottages
Listed Stone Built Folly with original gothic features
Listed Stone Built Folly with original gothic features
Seaham
Stay at this cottage in Seaham. Enjoy a garden. Popular attractions Blast Beach and Hawthorn Hive Beach are located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (148 reviews)
Absolutley amazing 👏
"Wow! What a beautiful accommodation! Pictures dont do it justice. So clean and comfortable. Me and my husband stayed here for a weekend celebrating our 10 year wedding anniversary. Would highly recommend anyone to stay if you are looking for a picturesque, peaceful break away. We would love to stay ..."

Reviewed on 9 Jun 2024

Listed Stone Built Folly with original gothic features
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 33.84615384615385%
4 - Good
30
" "4 - Good 46.15384615384615%
3 - Okay
9
" "3 - Okay 13.846153846153847%
2 - Disappointing
4
" "2 - Disappointing 6.153846153846154%
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