Darlington and Surrounding Area’s Beautiful Places to Visit.
Take time to enjoy the fresh air and nature.
Darlington West Park Nature Reserve
The West Park Nature Reserve is the first new park to be created in Darlington for 100 years. Work on Westpark Nature Reserve commenced in 2001 and was inspired by developments like the Angel of the North in Gateshead and David Mach’s Brick Train.
This exciting project covers over 30 acres of tree plantations, wildflower meadows and wetlands.
And there’s more than just the beautiful surroundings, you’ll find commissioned stone artwork, poetry on every corner, play park and a cycle track, there’s something for everyone.
The Westpark Nature Reserve was formally opened in 2005 and is continuously growing, creating a lively park that welcomes both residents of the surrounding homes as well as visitors from other areas in Darlington, come along and explore!
The Park has held a Green Flag Award since 2015.
For more information about Friends of West Park, call 01325 406719 or 405796.
Address: West Park, Darlington DL2 2GG.
Thornton Hall Gardens, near Darlington.
An Oasis of Tranquillity, Thornton Hall was built around 1550 by Ralph Tailbois and is one of the oldest buildings in the Borough of Darlington, one of only 7 to be awarded the Grade 1 listing.
When you visit the gardens, you’ll find many rare and unusual perennials, imaginative shrubs including over 100 roses as well as a meadow and vegetable garden,
Secretive areas with quirky and unusual benches, seats, statuary and sculptures await you for a truly relaxing experience.
Although there is access for wheelchairs, please be aware that the majority of the garden is on grass with some steep banks. The area outside the Bowes Tea Room is covered with gravel.
Garden Provisional Open Days for 2024
Thornton Hall is a working farm and opens the gardens only a few days each year.
Please call 07713 508222 or email [email protected] before your visit for Open Day dates,
You’ll find Thornton Hall Gardens just 2 miles west of Darlington on the B6279.
Address:
Thornton Hall, Staindrop Road, Darlington, County Durham, DL2 2NB
The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle
The Bowes Museum is set in the breathtaking town of Barnard Castle, County Durham and was the pioneering vision of John Bowes and his wife Joséphine Benoîte Coffin-Chevallier, opening in 1892.
This magnificent Museum is home to some of the best examples of European fine and decorative arts in the UK. Galleries dedicated to paintings, furniture, fashion & textiles, ceramics, silver & metals and more, all these can be discovered inside this fabulous listed building which resembles a French chateau.
With a fascinating story, an acclaimed exhibition and events programme, celebrating the 250th birthday of the iconic Silver Swan automaton in 2023, a visit to The Bowes Museum makes a day out to remember.
And that’s not all. It’s surrounded by parkland, woodland walks and formal gardens, then after all that pop to Café Bowes where you will find well deserved delicious snacks.
There is dedicated blue badge parking spaces behind the building near the accessible entrance, which is on the east side of the Museum (opposite the bowling green).
Accessible toilets on the ground and first floors, a lift to all floors, wheelchair loan facilities, gallery stools, specialist tours and large print guides.
Bowes Museum also recognise that not all disabilities are visible and also welcome guide and assistance dogs.
Phone: 01833 690606
DL12 8NP
Address: Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8NP.
