About Darlington

Darlington is a large market town in North East England. There's plenty to see and do so please explore our website to find out more about what to do, where to eat and where to stay in Darlington.

Our history has shaped us as a town

The town owes much of its development to the influence of local Quaker families in the Georgian and Victorian era, and who provided much of the finance and vision in creating the Stockton and Darlington Railway, the world's first steam locomotive powered, permanent passenger railway.

Their influence can most clearly be seen in the architecture in our town centre, which includes Darlington's historic Victorian Market. Built in 1183, the Grade I listed St Cuthbert's Church is one of the most important early English churches in the north of England.

Download our Town centre Tourist Map and Guide [pdf document] for more information on key sites in the town. 

Home to the world's steam-powered passenger railway

As home to the world’s first steam-powered passenger railway we are justifiably proud of Darlington's world-famous rail heritage.

You can find out more about the town’s roots with a visit to the Head of Steam Railway Museum, situated alongside the famous Skerne Railway Bridge – familiar to many as the bridge on the old £5 note.

Exciting plans will see the Darlington Railway Heritage Quarter (DRHQ) developed into a new internationally significant major visitor attraction and museum for 2024. 

Welcome back to Darlington - take a closer look at some of our independent retailers

Mercure Darlington King's Hotel, Bannatyne Hotel and the Premier Inn offer a warm welcome in the town centre.

Darlington is full of hidden gems. Download our map of Darlington, take a walk around the town and visit our Victorian market and hidden yards off High Row