Seven of the best things to do in Darlington

1. Darlington has a rich railway heritage 

Make a stop at the Head of Steam Railway Museum in Darlington located on the 1825 route of the Stockton & Darlington Railway and journey through the history of the world’s first steam-worked public railway. 

With big plans to make the Darlington museum a world-class visitor attraction and with exciting celebrations full steam ahead to celebrate the 200th anniversary in 2025, it’s the perfect time to get on board with Darlington.  

Discover more Darlington attractions and museums across the Tees Valley here. 

2. Enjoy five-star treatment  

Just on the outskirts of Darlington in the pretty village of Hurworth-on-Tees you will find fine dining and luxury experiences aplenty courtesy of one of the best places to stay in Darlington – the five-star resort of Rockliffe Hall.  

Enjoy a short break or while away a day off in this hidden North East gem with an award-winning spa, one of the most challenging golf courses in Europe and three luxury restaurants. While you are here you can discover the resort’s links to Lewis Carroll with his childhood hometown in the neighbouring village of Croft and explore the magical Alice in Wonderland themed MischMasch area in the resort grounds.  

For the best places to stay in Darlington and across the Tees Valley go here.

3. Catch a show, or two  

A west-end experience can be recreated up north when catching a show in the magnificent surroundings of the Edwardian theatre – the Darlington Hippodrome. In this theatre in Darlington, you can delight in the plays, opera, comedy, music, dance and pantomime from both local and touring production companies that grace its stage in a spectacular auditorium.  

Just next door is The Hullaballoo, the only dedicated children’s theatre north of London which provides lots of things to do for families in Darlington. Theatre Hullabaloo which calls The Hullabaloo its home is a pioneering organisation that makes, tours and promotes theatre for young audiences, aged 0 – 16 years old, which means the little ones will be always be entertained too.  

Discover more theatres in the Tees Valley here and things to do in Darlington with the kids here.

4. Independent eateries to indulge in  

The Tees Valley is home to a host of amazing independent restaurants and bars, all ready with a warm, friendly welcome to make you feel right at home.  

The Imperial Quarter has some of the best places to eat in Darlington filled with the perfect spots for brunch at Hatch Luncheonette, and the Wandering Duck, cool cocktail bars the Juniper Tree and Sortie, and a street food restaurant, Salt that is impossible to resist. Explore a little further and you will find Tapas, posh pizza places and plenty of spots to enjoy a pint – meaning you can make the most of the nightlife in Darlington.  

For something a little special you can enjoy fine dining in Darlington with the only two Michelin star restaurant in the North East – The Raby Hunt restaurant in Summerhouses or dine in the traditional charm of The Bay Horse in Hurworth-on-Tees.  

For more places to eat and drink in Darlington and the best restaurants in the Tees Valley go enjoyteesvalley.com/food-and-drink. 

5. River and countryside walks on the doorstep 

You are never far away from stunning countryside and wide-open spaces in the Tees Valley – perfect for getting away from it all.  

The River Tees which flows through the Tees Valley provides the perfect location for riverside walks. For outdoor activities in Darlington you will find many trails along the Teesdale Way, taking in beautiful countryside and winding through pretty villages such as Piercebridge, Croft-on-Tees and Hurworth.  

Explore a little further and you can take on sections of the Cleveland Way, a National Trail which skirts the breath–taking heather moorland of the North York Moors National Park, before reaching the coast at the pretty Victorian seaside town of Saltburn-by-the-Sea. 

For more outdoor activities in the Tees Valley or to check out walking and cycling routes in Darlington and beyond go here. 

6. A great base to explore the rest of the Tees Valley 

Darlington is perfectly positioned to explore the rest of the Tees Valley which includes Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees and Redcar & Cleveland, and the wider North East of England.  

With lots of transport links by rail and road, Darlington is within easy access of cities such as Durham, Newcastle, York and Leeds, and with international and UK routes including London Heathrow at the local airport Teesside International – Darlington is a great place to live and visit.  

Explore the rest of the Tees Valley and you will find a beautiful coastline, dotted with seaside towns Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Redcar and Seaton Carew. Adventure sports a plenty can be found in Hartlepool and Stockton-on-Tees with water sports on the river and at sea, with some of the best surfing spots off the North East Coast. 

7. A vibrant festival season 

In normal times, the Tees Valley is home to an exciting programme of amazing events and festivals. From big ticket concerts to hosting major sporting events such as the Rugby League World 2021 – coming to Middlesbrough in November, to a jam-packed calendar of homegrown arts festivals including the region’s biggest free outdoor art and street theatre event – SIRF and the national festival of sustainability – Festival of Thrift. 

For more events in Darlington and across the Tees Valley go here.

To discover more things to do in Darlington and in the Tees Valley, you can find inspiration across this website.