Pictures of Darlington

About Darlington

Whatever the pre-history of Darlington the town will forever be recalled as the place from which George Stephenson's locomotive, Locomotion Nr.I, pulled the carriage on the world's first public passenger railway. The date was September 27, 1825 - the train travelled from Shildon to Darlington. The romantic age of steam rail travel, and the engine used on this momentous occasion is celebrated in the Darlington Railway Centre and Museum - this makes a lively and interesting visit for everyone.

Darlington, bustling though it is today was once a small Saxon settlement, this flourished as evidenced by the beautiful building of the church dedicated to Saint Cuthbert which lies at the heart of the town. A church has stood on this spot for over a thousand years, but the church as we see it today is a building from around 1180. With its soaring spire, the church serves as a landmark viewed from all around the town. Darlington's other noteworthy church does not have such historic interest, never-the-less, like Saint Cuthbert's, the Church of the Holy Trinity built during the Victorian era, is well worth seeing. Interestingly, there has been a Carmelite Convent in Darlington since around 1830.

As you would expect the centre of Darlington is crammed with all the usual stores to be found in most large places, it has a few independent retail outlets, and shops selling antiques and curio's. There is an abundance of pubs and restaurants, plenty of cafe's and much to interest night owl's.

Darlington offers visitors an interesting time, at the edge of the town you can see the brick train sculpture by David Mach, and for those seeking leisure facilities there is a near-by golf club. In the pretty countryside surrounding Darlington there are picturesque northern villages, rivers and richly wooded areas. For fishing there is the Fighting Cocks Reservoir and the Jubilee Trout Lakes. There is also a theatre, cinema and an art gallery.

Should you wish to venture a little further you can see Roman remains at Piercebridge, and Raby Castle can be found at Staindrop which stands on the lovely Langley Beck.