Summary
The market town of Darlington has its origins in Medieval times but was significantly developed in the 19th century by two affluent Quaker families, the Peases and Backhouses.
These families initiated transformative projects such as the Stockton and Darlington Railway (1825), recognized as the first public line globally to employ steam locomotives, and funded notable structures like the clock tower and market hall, which continue to serve as focal points in the town.
Additionally, the verdant South Park in Darlington is a product of the Victorian era and is recognized as the first urban park specifically planned in the North East of England.
There are plentiful attractions within the borough, such as the magnificent Raby Castle, distinguished by its impressive art collection, and the surrounding countryside, which is rich with Iron Age, Roman, and Medieval historical sites.
Let us examine the premier activities in Darlington:
1. Raby Castle
Situated ten miles northwest, Raby Castle is a must-visit for those with access to transportation.
This castle stands as one of the North East’s remarkable Medieval structures, established by the notable Neville family in the 14th century.
In the early 15th century, Raby Castle was the birthplace of Cecily Neville, mother to kings Edward IV and Richard III. Although it remains a private residence, owned by the Vane family, it opens to the public from Wednesday to Sunday during summer months.
The castle’s interiors provide a chronological exploration, spanning from Medieval to Victorian styles.
The Vane family’s extensive art collection features works by Old Masters, including van Dyck, Luca Giordano, and Sir Joshua Reynolds.
The castle grounds boast charming walled gardens, a 200-acre deer park, and a remarkable collection of horse-drawn carriages housed in its coach house.
2. Head of Steam
Darlington’s rich railway history is presented in this museum located at North Road station, along the Stockton and Darlington Railway.
The museum offers an in-depth look at the North Eastern Railway, the predecessor to the modern East Coast Main Line, detailing the rail industry in Darlington alongside the history of the Stockton and Darlington Railway.
A key highlight is George Stephenson’s Locomotion No. 1, which operated the first train on the line on 27 September 1825. Among the exhibits, visitors can view four locomotives, with the latest dating back to 1919, a detailed model of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, interactive displays, and beautifully restored period architecture in the entrance hall and ticket office.
3. South Park
Darlington is proud of its municipal park, situated along the River Skerne just south of the town center.
Developed in 1853, South Park received funding from the Backhouse family, akin to several other projects in Darlington during this period.
Upon completion, South Park became the first Victorian Park in South East England and has recently undergone a multimillion-pound renovation funded by the Heritage Lottery.
The park features an aviary with exotic birds, a bandstand hosting summer performances, a serene lake, a café, renovated play areas, and a skate park.
Expanded formal flowerbeds now include new rose, rock, and sensory gardens.
The impressive Park Lodge resembles a castle, and nearby stands a cannon from the Siege of Sebastopol (1854-55) during the Crimean War.
4. Market Hall
Designed by Alfred Waterhouse, the architect behind London’s Natural History Museum and Manchester Town Hall, Darlington’s Town Hall was inaugurated for business in 1863. The market operates daily except Sunday, providing an array of fresh produce, flowers, locally sourced meats, cheeses, pastries, jewelry, vinyl records, fabrics, and hardware.
Many of the market stalls have been family-run for over fifty years, and there is a welcoming café located in the square.
Wi-Fi access is complimentary, with a scheduled refurbishment planned for 2018 to enhance the market’s amenities for 21st-century consumers.
5. Clock Tower
Dominating the market hall, the neo-Gothic Clock Tower serves as Darlington’s most prominent landmark.
Commissioned in 1864 by Joseph Pease as a gift to the town, the tower’s design draws inspiration from Italian Gothic architecture, featuring alternating bands of brick and stone, four turrets, and pointed arcading below the clock.
The clock face was crafted by York-based firm T. Cooke & Sons, while the tower’s original bells were produced at the foundry of John Warner & Sons in Stockton, renowned for casting Big Ben for Elizabeth’s Tower at the Houses of Parliament in London.
6. St Cuthbert’s Church
St Cuthbert’s Church is among the most significant Medieval churches in Northern England, with construction commencing in 1180 and largely concluding around 1240. Visitors are welcome to explore the church from 11:00 to 13:00 daily between Easter and September.
The interior is filled with remarkable historic detail.
The font, made of Frosterley marble, dates to 1375 and rests on a base from 1200. The oak cover is the tallest of any font in the nation and was intricately carved in 1662. The nave roof features the oldest beams in County Durham, originating from the 13th century, along with a stone representation of Henry III, who visited Darlington in 1260. The choir’s misericords date back to the 15th century and include an unusual depiction of a bearded man asleep, clad only in his boots.
7. Piercebridge
Located within the borough, Piercebridge is a village situated approximately six miles upstream from the center of Darlington.
In addition to its scenic rural charm, Piercebridge boasts a rich historical background as the site of a Roman fort and bridge.
The excavated remains of the fort are accessible on the village green for visitors to explore.
Across the River Tees, on the southern bank, the remnants of the Roman bridge can be examined, protected by English Heritage.
Due to significant changes in the river’s course since Roman times, the bridge now stands approximately 90 meters away from the water’s edge.
8. Darlington Hippodrome
For evening entertainment, visitors can enjoy the lavish Darlington Hippodrome.
This theatre, originally constructed for music hall performances reminiscent of vaudeville, received partial funding from the Italian impresario Rino Pepi, a leading figure in live entertainment in Northern England during that period.
The building features a brick and limestone facade topped with a distinctive saddle roof, similar to a chateau, and underwent comprehensive restoration in 2016-17. The programming at Darlington Hippodrome is diverse, including ballet, opera, theater productions, musicals, live broadcasts from events such as the Last Night of the Proms, comedy acts, tribute performances, and traditional Christmas pantomimes.
9. Tees Cottage Pumping Station
When operational in 1849, the Tees Cottage Pumping Station revolutionized water supply in Darlington.
Prior to this, the town relied on harvested rainwater and wells; the new engines supplied clean, abundant water through pipes drawn from the River Tees.
The impressive neo-Gothic hall houses a beam engine (1904), a gas engine (1914), Lancashire boilers from 1902, a miniature railway, and a blacksmith’s workshop.
The Tees Cottage Pumping Station exemplifies industrial-age marvels; however, its opening hours vary, so it is advisable to verify their schedule before planning a visit.
10. Thornton Hall Gardens
Similar to the Tees Cottage Pumping Station, these beautiful gardens open only on specified dates during the spring and summer.
However, visitors can call ahead to arrange tours throughout June and July.
Once there, the stunning Thornton Hall, a splendid 16th-century manor house, will undoubtedly impress.
Both walled gardens are preserved in an Elizabethan style, showcasing rare perennials and an array of intriguing trees and shrubs within mixed herbaceous borders.
The gardens feature auriculas, roses, clematis, and tulips, alongside a kitchen garden and ornamental wildlife ponds.
11. Ulnaby
Close to Piercebridge, Ulnaby encompasses a farm located on the remnants of an abandoned Medieval village.
During the 1200s to 1500s, Ulnaby functioned as a toft village, comprised of small, closely-knit farms (tofts). The dilapidated streets and houses still manifest their historical impressions on the landscape.
Ulnaby was ultimately abandoned when the land was converted for pasture rather than arable use, replaced by the hall, which now forms part of Ulnaby Hall Farm.
The farm offers guided tours of the village’s grounds, and for families, there are tractor rides on weekends, along with a “kiddies’ corner” featuring a play area and a paddock with ponies, donkeys, and guanacos.
12. Walworth Castle Birds of Prey
The Grade I-listed Walworth Castle, constructed in the 16th century, is a magnificent Renaissance mansion that mimics the appearance of a Medieval castle.
Over the last century, it has served as a prisoner of war camp during WWII and later as a boarding school, and it now operates as a hotel.
The estate features a nature reserve dedicated to birds of prey, available for visitors from Friday to Monday.
Visitors may explore the visitor center, tour the aviaries housing falcons, hawks, and owls, and observe daily flying demonstrations (two scheduled each day). Various bird of prey experiences, including owl interactions, falconry courses, and hawk walks, are also offered.
13. Paddock Farm Water Gardens
Paddock Farm serves as both a garden center and a beautiful visitor attraction featuring six meticulously crafted water gardens.
Filled with streams, ponds, waterfalls, fountains, and other aquatic features, each tranquil garden exhibits its own unique character, designed to inspire gardening enthusiasts.
Noteworthy highlights include the Mediterranean and Japanese gardens, featuring herbs and terracotta pots in the former and sturgeon, koi, and a Buddha in the latter.
Additionally, there exists a walled Gothic garden adorned with gargoyles and a nature pond populated by ducks.
For younger visitors, a playground is available, as well as tea rooms offering a selection of light meals and treats.
14. Stanwick Iron Age Fortifications
Situated in the North Yorkshire countryside, just west of Darlington, visitors can discover the earthwork remains of a historically significant fort.
This site served as the power base and trading center for the Brigantes tribe, who wielded significant influence in Northern Britain prior to the Roman conquest.
Managed by English Heritage, the site largely preserves its grandeur, enabling visitors to visualize the fort’s former ramparts from over 2,000 years ago.
The earthworks currently rise up to five meters tall and encompass over 700 acres, entirely enclosing the village of Stanwick St John.
15. Drinkfield Marsh Nature Reserve
Nestled between residential and industrial zones lies an eight-hectare wildlife sanctuary surrounding a lake that attracts wildfowl during the winter months.
As spring approaches, various bird species migrate to the banks of the lake to breed and nest, including little grebes and reed warblers.
A willow pier extends through the reed beds and onto the water, providing a comprehensive “duck’s eye” perspective of the habitat.
Furthermore, visitors can explore a maze of walking trails winding through the reserve’s scrub, woodlands, and blooming wildflower meadows, with informative interpretation boards offering insights into the area’s wildlife.
