- 13 June 2022
Whether it’s eating and drinking, getting creative or keeping the kids entertained, there is so much to get up to in Darlington this summer! We’ve rounded up a big list of our top places to visit and days out to keep you busy all summer long.
1. Piercebridge Organic Farmshop and Café
Piercebridge Organic Farmshop is a 300-acre farm, farmed completely organically. They produce their own beef from Aberdeen Angus cattle, pork from a Landrace Duroc pig, lamb from their flock of mixed sheep, as well as organic eggs from their hens.
All their butchery is done on site, where they create their own burgers, sausages, ham, bacon, and cooked meats, as well as classic cuts of meat.
Everything is available to buy through their Farmshop, including dairy products, fruit and veg, pastas, jams and fish. Why not pick yourself up a lovely basket of fresh produce and go for a walk around their beautiful surrounding countryside!
Monday to Saturday: 9:00am – 3:30am
Sunday: 9:30am – 1:00pm
Piercebridge Farmshop
2. Hash Bar and Kitchen
A family-owned café and bar in the heart of Darlington. Serving delicious breakfasts, cakes, and ethically sourced, locally roasted coffee by day in their Hatch Luncheonette, and mouth-watering burgers and cocktails by night. With a gorgeous and unique outdoor seating area, it’s the perfect place for a summer morning coffee or evening drink.
Hatch Luncheonette
Wednesday to Sunday: 9:00 am – 2:00pm
Hash Bar and Kitchen
Thursday to Monday: 11:00pm - Late
Hash bar and kitchen
3. Head of Steam Railway Museum
The Head of Steam Railway Museum is based in the atmospheric North Road Station and Piercebridge Roman Fort, and it includes several historic buildings.
There are lots of things to do at the Museum over the summer, including Station Scamps workshops for kids under five on Friday mornings between 10:00 and 12:00, where they can take part in painting, crafts, and play. There are also several coffee mornings, and a meet and greet with Paddington Bear on the 17th of July! Learn more here.
4. Create and Paint Darlington
A family-run creative studio situated in Darlington’s busy town centre, offering a huge range of activities including:
- Ceramic Painting
- Decopatch
- Foam Clay
- Build your own Bear
- Keepsakes in Clay
Not only do they offer lots of activities and parties for kids, but they also hold a Paint, Pizza & Prosecco evening every second and fourth Thursday evening of the month from 7pm! Get creative and have fun.
Monday to Saturday: 10:00am to 5:00pm
5. Darlington Pride Weekender
The Darlington Pride Weekender is a huge annual event. It will begin on Monday the 8th of August with MonGay Pride at Blackwellgate and town centre venues. The long-established Pride night will take place across local bars and pubs and will include special guests and Drag performances from 5:00pm til late.
The Pride Festival will then take place on Saturday the 13th of August at Market Square from 12:00pm to 6:00pm. There will be live music, a main stage, screen, stalls, speeches, dance performances, kids’ activities, and a street theatre. Certainly not one to miss!
Finally, the Pride Picnic will be held on Sunday 14th August at South Park from 12:00pm to 3:00pm. This will include a Picnic and Rainbow Trail for families, with relaxed entertainment.
It’s certainly going to be a fantastic weekend to celebrate Pride in Darlington!
6. Darlington Community Carnival
The Darlington Community Carnival is an annual event held in Stanhope Park that has been in existence since 1983! It has a fantastic carnival parade, stalls, and other entertainment – certainly a great day out!
Saturday 25th June, 10:00am – 5:00pm
7. Sip and Paint
Artist and tutor Jo Pickering is holding another Sip and Paint event, this time at the Dolphin Centre. A totally different kind of night out, Sip and Paint involves producing a step by step painting whilst enjoying a few drinks!
The event costs £35, and your first drink is free!
Monday 27th June, 6:00pm – 9:00pm
8. Mish Mash Festival
A real Mish Mash of events for the whole family! With everything from gypsy folk to flamenco, and music from afrobeat to ska, there’s something for everyone.
‘Take a trip around the world with food and drinks stalls, interactive workshops and a main stage featuring amazing artists throughout the day and a global palette of genres.’
Market Square, Saturday 27th August – Sunday 28th August, 11:00am til 6:00pm
9. Dr.inks Darlington
Describing itself as a ‘beautifully restored townhouse with a twist’, Dr.inks offers the finest in sophisticated cocktails, craft gins, beer and coffee. Located on Coniscliffe Road, this quirky cocktail bar offers afternoon tea, drinks, and entertainment with an amazing hidden sun garden! What better way to spend the weekend?!
Thursday: 4:00pm to 10:00 pm
Friday: 1:00pm to Late
Saturday: 12:00pm to Late
Sunday: 12:00pm to Late
Dr!nks
10. SORTIE Charctuterie and Bar
Another of Darlington’s unique dining experiences, SORTIE offers British Charcuterie, cheeses and antipasti alongside delicious drinks and cocktails in a cosy, tranquil setting. Perfect for a chilled-out summer weekend.
Thursday to Saturday: 4:00pm to 11:00pm
Sunday: 2:00pm – 8:00pm