Things to Do Around Darlington

Ideal for a stroll with a bit of added interest, visit Darlington's largest Victorian cemetery and learn the history behind some of the more famous occupants including a circus performer, playwright and the brother of Charles Dickens.

		Darlington Railway Museum
		Darlington was the birth place of passenger railways. The Darlington Railway Museum (Head of Steam) has a number of steam trains on display, including Stephenson's Locomotion.

		Darlington Art's Centre & Civic Theatre
		A full programme of shows and events are available all year round, including drama, comedy, art exhibitions and music.

Shopping in Darlington

Darlington town centre has a good range of independent specialist shops including the Health Food Warehouse in Posthouse Wynd, the Cheese and Wine Shop in Clarks Yard, Leggs fashion clothing in Skinnergate. Grange Road in particular has a good selection of clothing shops for men and women, Drum furnishings and Cooks & Kitchens for high quality kitchen accessories.

Croft Circuit
Croft Circuit, just to the south of Darlington offers a year round programme of car and bike racing. The highlight of the season is the British Touring car weekend in July.

Raby Castle
One of the largest and most impressive of English medieval castles, set in magnificent grounds and gardens, around 15 minutes drive from Darlington. Raby Castle hosts numerous events over the summer months including a variety of classic car and commercial vehicle shows.

Kiplin Hall

Very attractive house and gardens, once the country seat of the founder of Maryland, USA. Regular events throughout the year including Torchlight Ghost Tours and Christmas celebrations. Near Scorton, 15 miles south of Darlington.

Richmond

A beautiful North Yorkshire market town centred around a Norman castle. The Georgian Theatre hosts regular shows throughout the year. Richmond lies 12 miles south west of Darlington.

Durham Cathedral

More than 900 years old, the cathedral holds the remains of St Cuthbert and the Venerable Bede. Bill Bryson called it 'the best Cathedral on planet earth'. In recent years the Hogwarts scenes from the Harry Potter movies have been filmed here.

Bowes Museum

A French chateaux in the heart of Teesdale, packed with priceless treasures and works of art. The galleries created by John and Josephine Bowes are unmissable for art lovers. The town of Barnard Castle in which the museum is situated also makes for an excellent day out, with its antique shops, cafes and historic buildings.

York

Just half an hour away by train, the historic city of York has something for everyone. The National Railway Museum is here (and it's free!). Jorvik Viking Centre and Dick Turpin's Cell at the Castle Museum are also favourites with visitors.

		Yorkshire Dales
		The beautiful Yorkshire Dales are within easy reach. Visitors enjoy the James Herriot and lead mining heritage of the area.

		North York Moors
		Ideal for walking, cycling or just enjoying the scenery. The North York Moors are home to ruined abbeys, a steam railway and the picturesque seaside town of Whitby.