Darlington is famed throughout the world as the site of the first steam railway constructed by George Stephenson and operating the iconic engine ‘The Rocket’ between the town and Stockton. Today, a fascinating museum stands on the site where the first trains ran and give an entertaining and informative presentation of rail travel in the early days.
If you’ve hired a car, a good day trip is to the part buried medieval village of Ulnaby, a couple of miles from the town. Finds from the village are displayed in the town’s museum.
Darlington Mini Guide
What do I Need to Know About Darlington?
It was an important Anglo-Saxon settlement called Dearthington which meant ‘where Deomoth’s people live’. During these times it developed as a regional market town, a tradition it upholds today. Up to two hundred years ago it was called Darnton, only changing to Darlington in the late 19th century. It was the home to some of the most important industries in the UK including bridge construction. Many of the world’s bridges were made there including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and bridges over the Nile and Amazon Rivers.
How do I get to Darlington?
Getting there is quite easy. Durham Tees Valley, a small regional airport, has flights from around the UK plus charter flights to overseas destinations. The airport is under fifteen minutes’ drive from the town and easily accessed by bus, taxi or hire car. An alternative way of getting here is to take the North East mainline rail service up from London which stops at Darlington.
What’s There to see in the Town?
Whilst you are in Darlington you have to visit the Darlington Railway Museum. One of the world’s most important transport systems began near here and helped empires to grow and wars to be won. The museum covers the history, development and effect of rail transport over the centuries in a fun and informative way illustrated with several examples of the early locomotives. Near the town is the medieval part-buried village of Ulnaby, thought to be the origins of the modern town. Walking around there you can see the form of the village and informative signs tell you what archaeologists thought the buildings were used for.
Where Should I go for a Night out?
The bars and clubs of the town, including the occasional working men’s club are located around the area of Skinnersgate, where parallel streets are intersected with narrow lanes. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming in all areas.
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