The County Durham town of Darlington is as inextricably linked with the birth of the railways as George Stephenson himself. In 1825, the world's first passenger rail journey took place on the Stockton and Darlington Railway, and the town continued to be a centre for pioneering engineering well into the 20th century. Today it's a modern market town, proud of its remarkable past and investing in a bright future, with a diverse cultural scene and beautiful countryside all around.

Visiting Darlington

Start your visit to Darlington at Head of Steam, the Darlington Railway Museum. It's right next to North Road station to the north of the town centre and gives you the inside track on the area's role in railway history. The collection includes material on the development of the railways in North East England, but the star of the show is Stephenson's Locomotion No. 1, the very engine that made that world-changing journey almost 200 years ago.

This isn't just for rail buffs anyone with an interest in British history will love it. The town centre is fully pedestrianised and compact, making it a pleasure for big spenders and window shoppers alike. High Row and the surrounding streets are lined with high street names and a particularly good range of independent retailers, and there's a buzzing covered market too. Find it beneath the iconic clock tower, which dates back to 1863.

For live entertainment, check out the Edwardian Civic Theatre and the Forum Music Centre. They're both on Borough Road, on the other side of the river from the town centre. For some exercise and fresh air, try out the Dolphin Centre for swimming and sports, and the green open spaces of South Park and West Park Nature Reserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main train station in Darlington?

The main train station in Darlington is Darlington railway station. Check out live arrivals and station facilities for Darlington railway station.

Which train companies run trains to Darlington?

The primary operator of trains to Darlington is LNER. You can also catch Northern services to Darlington.

How do I find cheap tickets to Darlington?

It's easy to bag cheap train tickets to Darlington. We'd recommend using a Railcard, buying your ticket in advance or travelling during Off-Peak hours if you can. Read our cheap train tickets guide to find out more.

Are trains to Darlington running?

There are frequent daily services to Darlington, although there may be fewer services on weekends and bank holidays. Check our live train times for up-to-date information on trains to Darlington.

Average savings on advance fares booked at least one week before day of travel vs Anytime fares purchased on day of travel. Subject to availability. Excludes coach.

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