Darlington is a town in the County Durham region of England. It is a market town located near the River Skerne, a tributary of the River Tees. It is a picturesque area with many places to visit and enjoy. It is also home to Thornton Halls Gardens.
South Park
The town of Darrington is home to many parks and recreation areas. Harold Engles City Park offers a shady picnic area and horseshoe pit, as well as a Frisbee golf course. Further north, Nels Bruseth Memorial Garden, a part of the Forest Service, contains historical dugout canoes and a large picnic shelter.
Thornton Halls Gardens
If you want to see some fantastic gardens, you should visit Thornton Halls Gardens in Darlington. Its Grade I listed building was built in the 1550s by Ralph Tailbois. The gardens contain fabulous flowerbeds and have some secret areas to explore. The grounds also contain sculptures and unusual seating. They are a great venue for photo shoots and are a must-see attraction in Darlington.
The gardens of Thornton Hall were designed by Sue Manners and are full of colorful flowers. They also feature a wildlife pond, vegetable garden, and many quirky corners. There is also a micropub on site called the Orb, which has a reputation for craft beer. There is also Thornton Hall, an historic manor house from the 1550s with beautifully restored gardens.
Drinkfield Marsh Nature Reserve
If you are looking for a place to visit near Darlington, try Drinkfield Marsh Nature Reserve, a local nature reserve. Located north of the town, this 8-hectare (20-acre) site is a peaceful haven for wildlife. It features a living willow pier that allows visitors to enjoy a duck’s eye view of the lake. The surrounding reeds provide a habitat for the Great Crested Newt and other birds and mammals.
The reserve contains numerous walking trails that take you through scrub, woodland, and wildflower meadows. Interpretive boards also provide insight into the marsh’s wildlife. It is also a great place for a picnic and to view the beautiful natural surroundings.
For a more challenging walk, try the North Fork Sauk Falls trail. This trail will take you down 200 feet to the base of the waterfall. You can also take the Harold Engles Grove Trail. If you’re looking for other hiking trails near Darrington, try the Mt. Loop Highway or Forest Service Road 49.
Darlington Hippodrome
When you are in the area, it is worth checking out the town’s Hippodrome, which was built in 1907. This historic building features a two-floor auditorium with red chairs. The venue also has a café. During the day, you can enjoy the theatre’s shows and events. The theatre has hosted many cultural plays and continues to entertain the community.
The town is also home to the Darlington Theater Center. Theater-goers can catch a show or visit the local art gallery. Visitors will find great coffee at local cafes. They can also find plenty of places to eat in Darlington. Kaspa’s Desserts is one popular chain in the city. Located near the theater, the cafe offers both small tables and booths. You can also enjoy a dessert at the city’s Viraj Restaurant.
The Darlington Hippodrome is well known for its festive pantomimes. This theatre has been a venue for shows for over 150 years. The renowned performances aren’t your typical cheesy fare, though – the team at the Hippodrome work with Crossroad Pantomimes, the world’s largest panto producer, to bring the audience jaw-dropping sets and special effects.
The town is also home to several other attractions. A visit to Darlington Castle can be worthwhile. The city’s rich history is evident in its castle and gardens, as well as in the ruins of ancient castles. In addition to the castle, the town is also home to a significant collection of ancient art, including Roman, Medieval and Iron Age structures. A visit to the National Railway Museum can also provide visitors with an opportunity to view the country’s railway past, including the Stockton and Darlington Railway.