The large market town of Darlington has an attractive centre, with plenty of nooks and crannies to explore which often lead to quirky shops and independent restaurants and bars. The historic Victorian Market Place is a must-visit, and there are plentiful green spaces fringing the town too.
Here’s how we’d recommend spending a day in Darlington…
MORNING
Fortify yourself for the day’s explorations at the Star Wars-themed Echo 3 coffee shop, where you’ll find freshly hand-roasted beans, and homemade cakes and scones worthy of any Jedi Knight (11 Clark’s Yard, DL3 7QH). While you’re in the area, take a trip to the historic Victorian Market. It’s the heart of the town centre, and the home for local, independent businesses, with retailers including household staples, fresh produce, butchers and much more. It’s also a vibrant hub for fledgeling businesses, and there’s regular pop-up events too. (1 Tubwell Row, Darlington, DL1 5PN).
There’s even more quirky shopping peppered throughout the town; explore the charming Yards and Wynds which are occupied by independent businesses, unique shops, cafes and eateries. For all things comic books and geek culture, pay a visit to The Darl Knight, where you’ll find thousands of comics to browse along with card and board games, merchandise, clothing and more from popular comics, movies and TV shows (35 Bondgate, DL3 7JJ). For fashionistas, family-run boutique Leggs Fashion has brought the best of fashion to the men and women of Tees Valley for more than 100 years and stocks an international collection of designer names to suit all (21 Skinnergate, DL3 7NW). You’ll find alternative footwear and clothing, alongside skateboards and all manner of accessories at Legacy Skate Store (112 Victoria Road, DL1 5JW). If it’s sound and vision you’re after, Head Bookshop is a one-stop shop for books – with a vast array of fiction and non-fiction – plus vinyl, CDs, DVDs and musical instruments (22 Post House Wynd, DL3 7LP).
LUNCH
The town’s proliferation of small, quirky spaces means the town is ripe for independent eateries and bars to thrive. You’ll find plenty of hop-fuelled bottle shops and bars, intriguing ethnic eats and highly regarded innovators threaded through the yards, wynds and arcades. For a quick bite we love the Falafel Fella, owned and run by Syrian refugee Mouhyedin, whose street food stall has since burgeoned into a tasty and authentic Syrian takeaway where flavourful falafel, creamy hummus and Arabic sweets are highly recommended (1 Clark’s Yard, DL3 7QG). For a sit-down meal with style, at Saltfish @ Houndgate Townhouse there’s fine seafood, a superb wine list and opulent hotel rooms into the bargain (11 Houndgate, DL1 5RF).
AFTERNOON
If the weather is fine, make a stop at South Park, a beautiful Victorian park in the heart of Darlington. It was the first of its kind in the North East, and it now boasts 91 acres to enjoy. Recent restoration work has added a number of brilliant assets to the park, including new sensory, rose and rock gardens which are a wonderful addition to the award winning displays. There are beautiful walks around the park’s lake, which is home to a huge range of plants and animals. Not only can you enjoy the wonderful outdoor strolls, there are also free live music concerts, fabulous flower beds, multi-use games areas, and even an aviary with parrots! (Parkside, DL1 5TD)
EVENING
On the evening, why not take in a show at Darlington Hippodrome, an award-winning historic theatre perfectly placed in the heart of Darlington. The Hipp has played host to Broadway musicals, as well as plays, opera, comedy, music, dance, and pantomime (Parkgate, DL1 1RR, 01325405405). If something of a musical nature takes your fancy instead, The Forum Music Centre is a hub for film, comedy and live music lovers (Borough Road, DL1 1SG, 01325 363135)