6 Mar 2011
This delightful town was founded in the Saxon times on the banks of the river Skerne. Since then it has enjoyed and celebrated many historical revolutions and discoveries, which are reflected in the colourful character of the town. Darlington is full of sight from its historical heritage to its floral displays, for which it has won numerous awards for Britain and Northumbria in Bloom competitions. There are many sight in Darlington to capture the eye, perhaps one of the most stunning is the parish church of St Cuthbert founded in 1183, today the church is affectionately know as the ‘Lady of the North’ and is one of the finest examples of an early English church.
During the Industrial Revolution Darlington took its unmistakable place in the age of the railway. It was in Darlington that George Stephenson and his famous passenger locomotive the ‘Rocket’ began. In fact if you look at the back of a 5-pound note you will find Darlington in its important statues of the railway. Today you can view Stephenson’s world famous ‘Locomotive’ at the Darlington Railway Center and Museum which is housed in the historical 1842 North Road Station.
It is a great town to do some serious shopping, there is an essential all weather indoor shopping center ‘The Cornmill’, plus high street names, fashion and unique boutiques. There are also many unusual shops were you can find everything from fine food and wine to gifts and crafts. If all this shopping takes its toll there are plenty of restaurants, bars and cafes to rest in, or why not just take a stroll around the center along the Wynds through the Yards and discover the great architecture and historical buildings. Darlington also has one of the largest market places in England, which is situated just in front of the ‘Lady of the North’. Market day is held on Monday and Saturday and there is always a colorful collection of stalls selling a variety of goods.
The surrounding town and villages are also visually stunning all of which can boast an eventful historical past. The world famous author Lewis Carroll, the creature of “Alice in Wonderland” and many other novels lived and created many of his works in the nearby village of Croft. The surrounding countryside is beautiful and gives plenty of opportunities to explore, walk, cycle, picnic or drive.
