Explore Darlington
Known for
The birthplace of the railway (the Stockton and Darlington Railway of 1825 was the world's first public steam railway), the Head of Steam museum, the covered market, and a County Durham market town of global industrial significance
A little history
The Stockton and Darlington Railway — the world's first public railway to use steam traction — opened on 27 September 1825. George Stephenson's Locomotion No. 1 pulled the first train. This single event transformed the world. Darlington's Head of Steam museum preserves Locomotion No. 1 and tells the story.
The Head of Steam museum is free and genuinely extraordinary — Locomotion No. 1 is there. The covered market is excellent. The town's Quaker heritage (the railway's backers were Quakers) is told throughout the town.
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Food & drink in Darlington
Darlington has good independent restaurants and cafes. The covered market has excellent food stalls. Local County Durham produce throughout.
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For businesses in Darlington
Darlington is a significant County Durham commercial hub. Strong independent retail alongside the Cornmill Centre. The railway heritage brings significant tourism.
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Frequently asked questions
Darlington is a place in County Durham known for the birthplace of the railway (the Stockton and Darlington Railway of 1825 was the world's first public steam railway), the Head of Steam museum, the covered market, and a County Durham market town of global industrial significance. The Stockton and Darlington Railway — the world's first public railway to use steam traction — opened on 27 September 1825. The population is around 106,000.
Darlington has good independent restaurants and cafes. The covered market has excellent food stalls. Local County Durham produce throughout.
Yes. Roam is a free local discovery app live in Darlington and across County Durham. It is available on iOS and Android.
Local Darlington businesses can list on Roam for free in around 90 seconds. Add your business name, address, opening hours and a few photos via the Roam website, and your listing goes live in Roam's discovery feed for users browsing Darlington and the wider County Durham area. There is no subscription fee.
Roam covers Darlington and the surrounding area in County Durham, including Cockerton, Haughton, Hurworth, Middleton St George, Sadberge, Neasham, Heighington and Piercebridge.
