History and heritage itinerary

Darlington is rich in history, from the first steam passenger railway and Stockton & Darlington Railway, to Roman forts and Quaker heritage. Take a look at our recommendations below for a history and heritage-filled day in Darlington.

Hopetown Darlington

Hopetown Darlington is the North East's newest railway heritage attraction. The site and museum are free entry, and there's also the Wagon Woods playground, Experiment! ride, exhibition hall, live works, and shop and cafe. Find out more about Hopetown Darlington.

Skerne Bridge

Skerne Bridge is the world's oldest railway bridge in continuous use. It was built in 1825 for the Stockton & Darlington Railway. You will find it next to the Hopetown Darlington car park with a photo opportunity. You may even see a train going over it!

Piercebridge Roman Fort

This fort was built in 260AD and some of the remains can be seen above ground, most of which were part of a large bridge that carried a Roman road across the River Tees. The site is now part of English Heritage. (Photo credit: Peter Giroux)

Tees Cottage Pumping Station

Tees Cottage Pumping Station was built in 1849 to provide drinking water for Darlington and the surrounding area. It played a big part in the Victorian years of the borough and runs open days for people to explore. Find out more about the pumping station.

St. Cuthbert's Church

St. Cuthbert's Church dates from the early 12th century. Following a lightning strike on the spire on 17 July 1750, the crossing tower was rebuilt in 1752, and a major restoration also took place in 1864-65. Find out more about St. Cuthbert's Church.

Quaker Burial Ground

The Quaker Burial Ground is behind the Friends Meeting House on Skinnergate. It's a peaceful area used by Quakers for burials since the 17th century and contains the graves of some of the most prominent Quakers in Darlington, including Edward Pease, the Father of the Railways. You can access it via the archway next to the Friends Community Hub.

Darlington Library

The library on Crown Street originally opened in 1885, thanks to Quaker benefactor Sir Edward Pease who left £10,000 in his will to build a free public library. It still operates as a free library to this day and also holds regular events, is home to the Centre for Local Studies, and has exhibition spaces. Find out more about Darlington Library.

Darlington Hippodrome

This Edwardian theatre opened in 1907 with a classic music hall bill, topped by "the Greatest of all Comediennes”, Miss Marie Loftus. It now provides a stage for touring shows, comedy, music and so much more. Find out more about the Darlington Hippodrome.

Other places of interest