We’ve looked at the best places to eat and drink in Darlington, however, we haven’t yet looked at the best things to do in and around the North East town.
Full of history, the town has a lot of great places to visit when you’ve got a bit of time on the weekend.
We’ve pulled together a list of the 10 best things to do in Darlington according to TripAdvisor.
While some places on this list offer great entertainment for a number of hours, other places are a bit questionable as to whether they should be on the list at all.
If we’ve missed any things to do in Darlington that you think are great, then please add them in the comments below the story.
Check out the top 10 things to do in Darlington according to TripAdvisor below (listed from worst to best):
10. Market Hall and Clock Tower, West Row, Darlington
Coming in last place is Darlington’s historical town clock and market hall which has fairly recently undergone a refurbishment.
Although controversial, the works done to the Market Hall have been mostly praised on TripAdvisor with one person calling it a “fresh approach to a fading market.”
We’ve covered the ups and downs of the recent renovation works which you can read more about below.
Read more: Darlington Market's 15 traders that have either closed or relocated
The suggested time for the market hall and town clock on TripAdvisor is one to two hours.
The site has received 25 five-star reviews and 29 four-star reviews out of 80 reviews altogether.
One person said: “Having seen the market decline over the years, the recent renovations and new approach is exciting.
“Food stalls offering something a bit different is the way to go.
“Enjoying Gyros from one stand and Halloumi Fries from another with a cocktail from the bar while listening to a local singer couldn't have been more enjoyable.”
9. Tees Cottage Pumping Station, Coniscliffe Road, Darlington
Praised for its fascinating and historical interest, Tees Cottage Pumping station ranks second from the bottom in our list.
The attraction is one of the best-reviewed places on this list, but only has eight reviews on TripAdvisor.
It offers a brief trip back in time for guests showing them what the Tees Cottage Pumping Station looked like and the role that it played back in 1849.
Tees Cottage Pumping Station has received seven five-star reviews and one four-star review out of eight reviews altogether.
One person said: “History, industry, architecture. If you enjoy these things, Tees Cottage is an absolutely fascinating and beautiful example.
“I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the site and its function - lots of different Victorian/Edwardian machinery to see.
Read more: County Durham, Darlington and Teesside streets win postcode lottery
“The beam pump is actually beautiful. The building it's housed in is very church-like; the machinery itself mesmerising and surprisingly peaceful.
“I could've sat watching it all day!
“The site's biggest asset is the volunteers. Extremely knowledgeable and, quite rightly, very proud.
“Everyone we met was very friendly and eager to impart their knowledge of both the site and the machines.
“Well done everyone - I imagine we'd have lost Tees Cottage without all your efforts.”
8. Darlington Train Station
Now, many will debate whether Darlington Train Station should be on a list of things to do in Darlington, however, the station is well-reviewed on TripAdvisor.
People have praised it as a “lovely old station” with a “good selection of food places.”
It has received 65 five-star reviews and 71 four-star reviews out of 180 reviews altogether.
One person said: “Railway staff and cafe staff were extremely friendly. Both clean and colourful premises. Our train was on time too. Always a bonus.”
7. Paddock Farm Nursery and Water Gardens, West Lane, Darlington
Described as a “wonderful day out for all the family” on TripAdvisor, the venue offers “unique” Water Gardens for people to browse around at their leisure.
The site also offers visitors a Tea room serving homemade treats and a Koi and Pond.
The venue has received 29 five-star reviews out of 42 reviews altogether.
One person said: “Visited this place for Sunday lunch after everywhere else was fully booked what a hidden gem wish I’d found this place before definitely will be going again for Sunday lunch, huge portions and pipping hot."
6. South Park, Grange Road, Darlington
Darlington’s ever-popular South Park comes in at number five on our list.
Reviewers have praised the site as a great place for “family fun” with a play area for kids and ducks and swans to feed.
The venue has secured 82 five-star reviews and 42 four-star reviews out of 136 reviews altogether.
One person said: “Surprisingly great park. From a nice lake, bowls club, bandstands, cafes, football/ basketball courts and play parks to animal exhibits and historic Russian cannons from the Crimean war.
“This park was surprisingly lovely and had 3x to do what other parks would offer. highly recommend for a walkout.”
5. The Hullabaloo, Borough Road, Darlington
Described as a “flagship venue for children and families” The Hullabaloo offers shows, play installations and more.
It also offers creative spaces and a family-friendly café.
The venue has scored five five-star reviews and one one-star review out of a total of six reviews altogether.
Read more: Peterlee house one of the cheapest in North East at just £35k
One person said: “We visited the theatre to see the Wow Said The Owl experience. It was so well done. We spent a lovely couple of hours there. Plenty for our two-year-old grandson to enjoy.
“The staff were lovely and we look forward to visiting again in the future.”
4. Thornton Hall Gardens, Staindrop Road, Darlington
Reviewers have praised the venue for its “amazing variety of gardens” as well as its food options.
The place has received 63 five-star reviews and four four-star reviews out of a total of 69 reviews altogether.
One person said: “We visited yesterday June 29th and were wowed by the colour and scent.
“These are the most beautiful I have ever visited and I'll be going again before they close for the season.
“The food served is gorgeous. Beautiful quality sandwiches, cakes and scones.”
3. Head of Steam – Darlington Railway Museum, Station Road, Darlington
Visitors to this place can see where railways were born and travel back in time to an 1840s railway station.
The venue has a shop for souvenirs and a varied events programme.
The museum has secured a TripAdvisor 2022 Travellers’ Choice award, 180 five-star reviews and 105 four-star reviews out of 333 reviews altogether.
One person said: “I thought this was a lovely, if smaller, museum. Super friendly and especially kind staff, good range of interactive exhibits big and small - my 9 and 11-year-old liked them (even the less trainy one). Great stuff for younger kids too.
“Unlike others, we stayed for 1.5 hrs and had a packed lunch in the fab warm picnic area too. Spot on raining day activity.
“Great to combine this with locomotion 15 mins to the north as a full day out full of trains. Defo would recommend if you love history or railways.
“Sure not as high tech as Jorvic but also way cheaper at £10 for a family and far more chilled out.
“They are making more of the place in next 3 years and will defo revisit again then, if not before.”
2. Darlington Hippodrome, Parkgate, Darlington
Am historic theatre that has recently undergone a huge £13.7 million restoration.
Visitors can see a range of great plays, and shows as well as enjoy a bite to eat at The Hippo Lounge café and bar.
The venue has scored itself 267 five-star reviews and 88 four-star reviews out of 390 reviews altogether.
One person said: “Panto visit with my family to see Peter Pan. A super show with something for everyone.
“ An excellent cast with some very talented young performers in the principal roles and a brilliant villain in Captain Hook.
“Loads of audience participation and some lovely sets and effects. The flying sequences were magical.
“The pirates were wonderful in their routines and the supporting cast delightful. A friendly, welcoming theatre.”
Read next:
- Woodham Country Club in County Durham announces closure
- Darlington v Scarborough suspended after abuse towards referee
- Thor the walrus spotted in Blyth, Northumberland
If you want to read more great stories, why not subscribe to your Northern Echo for as little as £1.25 a week. Click here
1. Raby Castle, Raby Park, Darlington
Coming at number one as the best thing to do in Darlington is Raby Castle.
Offering a look around the castle, the deer park or gardens visitors will not be short of things to do at this attraction.
The venue also offers food and drink at their new Yurt Café along with the Stables Shop with a range of items from hand-thrown pottery to scented soap.
The castle has scored itself a 2022 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award along with 643 five-star reviews and 256 four-star reviews out of 1,026 reviews altogether.
One person said: “Visited recently for a pre-booked festive afternoon tea. It was absolutely perfect.
“Everyone was so friendly and attentive food was excellent. Held in the big carriage hall, the beautifully laid tables are surrounded by decorated Christmas trees and steeped in history.
“Highly recommended - be conscious there is a little walk up the path to get to the castle, but when you get there it’s well worth it.
“This is the second time we have been and will definitely be going again.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel