Things to See and Do in Darlington

This is Darlington > Things to See & Do


Darlington has a wealth of things to do, no matter what your interest.

Enjoy the exciting town centre, with large scale student works of art; a water sculpture; interactive light pulse artwork and a life size Train sculpture on the edge of town Or, get out into our parks and countryside for walking and more sculpture – we’re passionate about both in Darlington!

Find sports galore for the spectator and the enthusiast, with indoor and outdoor facilities for all weathers.

When the lights come up experience theatre, live music, comedy, bars and clubs to dance the night away.

None of that your thing? What about Ice Cream parlours? Roman Forts? Shopping? Cinema? Theatre? – There really is something for eveyone!

Things to See & Do


Archers Jersey Dairy Ice Cream

Open all year round 10.00





Barney Big Bash

After the success of it’s first event Barney Big Bash will return to Rugby Fields, Barnard Castle in County Durham for another three-day extravaganza. The August Bank Holiday weekender features ska, blues and tribute acts across its two stages. On Saturday we begin at noon, a great day of Rock and R&B. Sunday has a […]





Darlington’s Brick Train

To celebrate the rich railway heritage of Darlington, this sculpture was commissioned and created in 1997 by David Mach. Visitors can park at the Morrisons Morton Park shopping area and walk along special footpaths to reach the sculpture. Once there, the adventurous can climb to the platform overlooking the train from above. The sculpture is […]





Dolphin Centre

Darlington’s award-winning Dolphin Leisure Centre, conveniently located right in the heart of Darlington, has the perfect facilities for all your leisure needs. Recently refurbished throughout with upgrades to the swim changing facilities, new ‘Under the Sea’ themed soft play area and state-of-the-art dedicated fitness Pulse Suite, it’s second to none. Choose from activities to suit […]





Eastbourne Sports Complex

Eastbourne Sports Complex, Darlington’s premier outdoor sporting facility.





Head of Steam – Darlington Railway Centre and Museum

Experience the atmosphere of the steam railway age and see Stephenson’s Locomotion No 1. Step back in time as you enter the historic North Road passenger station, dating from 1842. Head of Steam – Darlington RailwayMuseum is a symbol of Darlington’s history as the ‘birthplace of the railways’. The museum itself is on the original […]





Houndgate Gallery

Houndgate Gallery offers the ultimate in collectable contemporary art and sculpture from the country’s most talented artists. Please do come in and experience our comfortable and welcoming gallery environment. 1 Houndgate Darlington DL1 5RL 01325 468707





Market Cascade

Darlington’s town centre water feature, Market Cascade, located on West Row, was joint winner of the Fountain Society’s 2009 ‘Best New Fountain or Water Feature’ in the UK in the last 5 years. Designed by artist Michael Pinksy as part of the regeneration of Darlington Town Centre, the fountain provides a new heartbeat to the […]





Myles Meehan Gallery

The renowned Myles Meehan Gallery, is located in the popular and thriving Darlington Arts Centre. The gallery shows an innovative and diverse range of exhibitions of both regional and national importance.





Paddock Farm Nursery & Water Gardens

Paddock Farm Water Gardens is renowned as one of the finest water garden outlets in the North-East offering both pond and tropical fish. We are located just south of Darlington and offer a large selection of pumps, filters, liners and water features etc. When you visit us you will see our choice selection of garden […]





Piercebridge Roman Fort

Piercebridge Roman Fort features interpreted remains of a fort site known as Morbium, which dates back to around AD270. Some of the finds from this historic site are on display at the nearby Bowes Museum. The fort itself was built around 260-270AD and was maintained from c.290-350AD, with some later development. The fort appears to […]





Ruff ‘N’ Tumble Adventure World

Ruff ‘N’ Tumble Adventure World is the North-East’s finest indoor play centre. Located in Newton Aycliffe, close to junction 59 of the A1(M), we are ideally placed to meet your children’s play and party needs in County Durham. Both children and parents are offered a friendly welcome to our new purpose built indoor play centre. […]





South Park

South Park is a great place for today’s generation, after its multi-million pound Heritage Lottery Funded restoration project. It was the first Victorian Park in the North East of England and was opened to the public in 1853 as Belasses Park. Its size has increased to its present 91 acres and the superb restoration work […]





Stressholme Golf Centre

Stressholme has been home to great golf for a good number of years, attracting over 30,000 customers, annually, region wide.





Tees Cottage Pumping Station

Tees Cottage Pumping Station is a Victorian waterworks in Darlington