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Darlington Railway Museum

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Butts

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Will be in Darlington next month - is this "Heads of Steam" establishment worth visiting, and is it easily accessible from The Railway Station ?

Is it like a mini-version of the NRM in York ?
 
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Darandio

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It's about a 20 minute walk from the main Bank Top station but you could get a Northern service around to North Road station which is adjacent to the museum.

It isn't really a "mini NRM", Shildon is more like that which incidentally you could also jump on the train to.
 

ainsworth74

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It's alright not that much to see really but it's a good place to spend and hour or so having a wander around (but you're going to be struggling to find more than an hours worth there). Shildon is more like a mini-NRM and is also worth a visit if you've got time.
 

Ploughman

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If you are into historical research then the Ken Hoole Centre is part of the museum building and houses the records of the North Eastern Railway Association. Viewing by appointment though.
 

Butts

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It's alright not that much to see really but it's a good place to spend and hour or so having a wander around (but you're going to be struggling to find more than an hours worth there). Shildon is more like a mini-NRM and is also worth a visit if you've got time.

Just as well I get in with my Historic Scotland Card as I understand it's an English Heritage run outfit.

Is there anything else to see in Darlington Town Centre - ie museums etc ?
 

beermaddavep

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Not much in the way of museums etc but for refreshments Taylors butchers/bakery on Skinnergate comes very highly recommended in particular their warm freshly baked pork pies- buy one to scoff on the train home but be aware they sell out quickly!

If you like a proper beer the Quakers in Mechanics yard is a good bet, has enthusiasts/ transport workers as regulars too. The Britannia Inn is canny for beer as well.

Sorry I can't think of anything more cultural ;)
 
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Darandio

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The Pork Pies are a good call though. They are rather famous and well sought after.
 

DaveNewcastle

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To be honest I'm not sure there is anything else cultural around Darlington :lol:
Oh, that's not very kind!
I'm a great supporter of the Darlington Arts Centre and its Memorial Hospital.
But with rail interest, we have the magnificent constuction of a full sized civic statue of streamlined A4 steam locomotive at Lingfield (north-east). It is constructed entirely of bricks - including its billowing clouds of steam!

I've passed Shildon a few times, bt never been in, though have continued past it to Bishop Auckland in the Wear Valley where the community railway / heritage railway takes over up to Stanhope.
 

ainsworth74

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Oh, that's not very kind!

Perhaps a little ;)

But with rail interest, we have the magnificent constuction of a full sized civic statue of streamlined A4 steam locomotive at Lingfield (north-east). It is constructed entirely of bricks - including its billowing clouds of steam!

I'd forgotten about that! But now you mention it it's fairly impressive (then again I was about seven the last time I saw it) and worth a quick visit.
 

Butts

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Oh, that's not very kind!
I'm a great supporter of the Darlington Arts Centre and its Memorial Hospital.
But with rail interest, we have the magnificent constuction of a full sized civic statue of streamlined A4 steam locomotive at Lingfield (north-east). It is constructed entirely of bricks - including its billowing clouds of steam!

I've passed Shildon a few times, bt never been in, though have continued past it to Bishop Auckland in the Wear Valley where the community railway / heritage railway takes over up to Stanhope.

Thanks for all your comments everyone - is The Arts Centre and Hospital in the Town Centre itself - ie fairly near the RS.
 

tony_mac

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As far as I know, the Arts Centre is a venue, so it wouldn't really be worth visiting unless you are going to see something. It's also closing down next month.

The brick train is not easy walking distance from the town centre (5 miles round trip?).
If the train times are suitable, Shildon probably is worth a visit, there isn't really a lot to see in Darlington. The Quaker burial ground and St Cuthbert's church are probably the most interesting sites in the town centre.
http://www.hidden-teesside.co.uk/category/darlington/

There is a real ale tapas bar, if you like tapas and real ale ;)
 

Butts

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As far as I know, the Arts Centre is a venue, so it wouldn't really be worth visiting unless you are going to see something. It's also closing down next month.

The brick train is not easy walking distance from the town centre (5 miles round trip?).
If the train times are suitable, Shildon probably is worth a visit, there isn't really a lot to see in Darlington. The Quaker burial ground and St Cuthbert's church are probably the most interesting sites in the town centre.
http://www.hidden-teesside.co.uk/category/darlington/

There is a real ale tapas bar, if you like tapas and real ale ;)

Thanks :p
 
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