#OfftheBeatenTrack is NationalRail.com’s tribute to the tracks less travelled – finding hidden gems amongst towns and stations that don’t regularly attract the headlines or the limelight.
Today, we’re pulling up at Darlington train station which is only a short walk from the town centre. The station is well known because most trains between Edinburgh and London stop there – and it’s also used as an interchange for Northern services to Middlesbrough. However, few people notice how grand Darlington really is.
Town/city: Darlington
Population: 105,367
By train: Darlington train station is famous for being the final stop on the world’s first passenger train. The station is so impressive that it is a Grade II listed Victorian structure.
Things to do: In Darlington, music lovers have the chance to visit The Forum Music Centre and enjoy a refreshing beverage while listening to up-and-coming talent. The small and intimate venue caters to a range of musical tastes, having seen a variety of performers from solo, acoustic artists to full rock bands. It has even seen the likes of tribute bands for The Beatles, Bon Jovi, Nirvana and Madness!
Popular/famous tourist spots: Darlington is well-loved by rail enthusiasts, who flock to the Darlington Railway Centre & Museum to see Stephenson’s “Locomotion”.
Ever-popular with locals, St Cuthbert’s Church is known for its relaxing atmosphere. The church is a pleasant destination to end up and enjoy a walk through its beautifully maintained church yard and admire the stained glass windows.
Did you know? Teesside Airport train station is only a short distance from Darlington. With only two services per week – both on Sunday – the station has never experienced an annual passenger usage over 100. Durham Tees Valley Airport is only a 15-minute walk from this train station. Due to its low passenger use, it was featured on the BBC for being the second least used train station in the UK, behind Shippea Hill.
Stepping off the train here seems rather underwhelming – until you find out that you have the opportunity to free fall from 14,000 feet in the air! Skydiving St George is a mere two-minute walk from the train station and is open on Saturday and Sunday from 8am – 8pm.
If you’d like to purchase cheap train tickets to Darlington or Teesside Airport Train Station (may be written as ‘Tees-side’ Airport) head to www.nationalrail.com.
