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, BW Signature Collection
Hall Garth Hotel, BW Signature Collection
3 out of 5
Coatham Mundeville, Darlington, England
The price is £55 per night from 1 Jun to 2 Jun
£55
1 Jun - 2 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star golf hotel in Darlington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (574 reviews)
"Lovely staff ,fab breakfast our bathroom was a bit sad,value for money"

Reviewed on 10 May 2025

Hall Garth Hotel, BW Signature Collection
Best Western Walworth Castle Hotel
Best Western Walworth Castle Hotel
3 out of 5
Walworth, Darlington, England
The price is £69 per night from 26 May to 27 May
£69
26 May - 27 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Darlington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (386 reviews)
"lovely setting , quiet laid back. Easy parkig good food bedroom tv tea coffee good shower plenty hot water. enjoyable stay."

Reviewed on 14 May 2025

Best Western Walworth Castle Hotel
Mercure Darlington Kings Hotel
Mercure Darlington Kings Hotel
4 out of 5
9-12 Priestgate, Darlington, England
The price is £62 per night from 26 May to 27 May
£62
26 May - 27 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Darlington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (852 reviews)
Nice hotel but don't get front room.
"1 night stay. Get together with friends. Good location, easy check in and room was nice and clean. Had room the front of hotel and it was very hot overnight so didn't sleep very well. Early morning road sweeper and delivery trucks meant very early morning wake up call. Later found out there was a ..."

Reviewed on 12 May 2025

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.
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
2 Railway Terrace
2 Railway Terrace
Hurworth Place, England
Stay at this family-friendly cottage in Darlington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi. Popular attractions Rockliffe Hotel Spa and Blackwell Grange Golf Club are located ...
Great Location for attending event at Hurworth Grange
"Comfortable and Good value with useful parking space."

Reviewed on 18 May 2024

2 Railway Terrace
3 bedroom home in Peaceful Village
3 bedroom home in Peaceful Village
Middleton Saint George, England
Stay at this holiday home in Darlington. Popular attractions Adventure Point and High Cross House are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Very functional and comfortable
"This is exactly as is portrayed. Well equipped. Great host."

Reviewed on 5 Feb 2025

3 bedroom home in Peaceful Village
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