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This sizable northeastern English town lies in southern Durham. The town began as a Saxon settlement on the River Skerne. The rivers Skerne and Tees currently run through Darlington. The city was first documented in the 11th century as the estate of Deaornoth. During the Middle Ages, the town belonged to the Bishop of Durham who allowed part of the area to become a market centre, as a means of collecting tolls. Agriculture supported the economy, though wool, leather and textiles later became local industries. A devastating fire in 1585 destroyed hundreds of the wooden thatched homes and rendered numerous homeless. The town quickly rebuilt.
The Plague struck the community three times from the middle of the 16th century to the beginning of the 17th century. During the 1700s, the town began manufacturing linen, started a newspaper and established a bank. Darlington also boasts being the birthplace of the railway, having a passenger service as early as 1825. Eventually the city became the centre for railway manufacturing. During this time turnpike roads came into existence. In the 1800s, Darlington constructed a hospital, street cleaning services and street lighting, along with an early police department in the form of night watchmen. The city developed a sewer system and a means of supplying fresh water. The city population grew along with the city boundaries.
Activities and Attractions
Visitors have plenty of opportunity for physical exercise, whether strolling around the town, through the parks or the local countryside. There are over a dozen local paths extending from 0.8 km to 16.9 km (0.5 to 10.5 miles) in length. The heart of the town is pedestrianised and contains indoor and outdoor markets along with artistic presentations and live entertainment.
St. Cuthbert's Church also lies in the middle of the city. Originally constructed in the late 12th century, the building and grounds additionally had renovations in the 14th, 15, and 19th centuries.
The city also hosts a number of galleries housing collectables and works of many local artists. The city is proud of its railway heritage and the Head of Steam is Darlington's Railway Centre and Museum. Visitors explore railway history from the first steam engines to numerous railway artefacts. Local Morton Park contains a unique brick sculpture depicting the Mallard locomotive.
The Arts Centre, Civic Centre and the Forum Music Centre provide the opportunity to relax and enjoy live stage performances and a variety of musical entertainment.
Lodging and Dining
When looking for a special weekend getaway, look no further than one of the area's luxury hotels. Guests enjoy regal splendour from luxurious decors to the finishing touches that include chocolates and a fruit bowl, along with robes and modern electronic amenities. All facilities provide modern conveniences, but some lie within walking distance of local shopping areas and entertaining nightlife venues.
Joe Rigatoni's serves traditional Italian cuisine with a hint of Spanish flair. The menu includes everything from grilled fish or steaks to pasta and a la carte specialties. Embark on a quick trip to the tropics when stepping through the door of Ochi's. The interior exudes an island decor while serving Carribean and Mediteranean cuisine that includes many sea food specialties.
Accommodation in Darlington
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