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Darlington: What to do in 8 hours in February?

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E759

E759

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Arriving Darlington 10:22 (from Kings Cross) and departing 19:01 (for Kings Cross) 14/02/2019 [care of LNER £15 Advances from their pre-Christmas seat sale]. What delights can be savoured?

Currently planning (1) Head of Steam (Shildon), (2) Locomotion (north Road) and perhaps (3) a spin down to Bishop Auckland for a brief glimpse of the Hitachi plant.

That would give 1 hr 20 mins at Darlington waiting for the return train. Have I missed anything else that could be worth seeing? Is there a craft beer pub near Darlington station?

Thanks.
 
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E759

E759

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Kite159 said:
Buy a day return to Newcastle and escape? :lol:
Click to expand...
:)
Going to Newcastle the following week 21/02/2019, on expensive Advance Singles, for the North Tyneside if that is running otherwise Wallsend Fort.

When I was last in Darlington, Class 31 Gala Weardale 2018, I found it all rather charming. Especially the Donkey Train down the branch to Bishop'. Alas after a few too many pints at the Black Bull Inn Frosterley I never discovered the delights of any Town pubs :) I did notice on the Head of Steam website that "shirts must be worn"... :) :)

[I see the 2019 Diesel Gala Weardale doesn't coincide with the BBI Beer Festival this time :( ]
 
Darandio

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E759 said:
Currently planning (1) Head of Steam (Shildon), (2) Locomotion (north Road) and perhaps (3) a spin down to Bishop Auckland for a brief glimpse of the Hitachi plant.
Click to expand...

You would get your brief glimpse travelling to number 1.
 
xotGD

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Don't visit any of the pubs near to Darlo station - head into the town centre. Top recommendation: Number 22
 
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geml90

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It's the other way around :) Head of Steam is next to North Road station in Darlington and Locomotion is in Shildon.

Whilst you're at Locomotion you could walk up the track to the Welcome Building, Hackworth House, Soho Shed, etc if they are open.

From North Road towards Shildon you can see the Hitachi test track on the left hand side, which sweeps away to Hitachi. Unfortunately when viewing from the train there are trees on one side of the gate and a mound on the other, but you can normally spot a few things outside. The Hitachi plant is actually between North Road and Heighington. The overhead line for the test track starts shortly after you cross the A1.

Number 22 is good in Darlington. Caps Off is in the same building as Bishop Auckland station. If you go to Bishop you'll go through the tunnel which is about 175 years old. You'll also see the Shildon and Heighington signal boxes on the right side.
 
Zamracene749

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The only pub nearby is Hogans. Right outside the station, has a bit of a reputation as a fighty, druggy, stolen goodsy type place. However, the last few times I cautiously called in it was ok, Camerons beers were decent and the staff/locals were friendly enough! Maybe I was lucky. It definitely isn't a CAMRA/craft pub though. If you head into town, as well as the nice Number 22 the Orb micropub and the Quaker House are worth a visit.
 
Bevan Price

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E759 said:
Arriving Darlington 10:22 (from Kings Cross) and departing 19:01 (for Kings Cross) 14/02/2019 [care of LNER £15 Advances from their pre-Christmas seat sale]. What delights can be savoured?

Currently planning (1) Head of Steam (Shildon), (2) Locomotion (north Road) and perhaps (3) a spin down to Bishop Auckland for a brief glimpse of the Hitachi plant.

That would give 1 hr 20 mins at Darlington waiting for the return train. Have I missed anything else that could be worth seeing? Is there a craft beer pub near Darlington station?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

On 14 February, Sunset at Darlington is only at about 17:10, so you will only see what is visible by street lighting in that final 1h 20m.
See
http://suncalc.net/#/54.5491,-1.6796,8/2019.02.23/17:27
 
Basher

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There's a public footpath along the side of Hitachi plant.
At Heighington station from the Bishop Auckland platform walk across the level crossing pass the now closed pub. Turn right just after the pub and walk about 100 too 200 yards. There is a public path on your right, just follow the path it leads to an embankment where you will get a great view of the plant. Total walk time about 10 too 15 mins.
 
E759

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Thanks for the further recommendations! As noted sightseeing limited at this time of year and with Tornado now visiting Wensleydale a change of plan so will head down to Northallerton for an overnight stay after closing time at Locomotion.
 
bearhugger

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beermaddavep said:
The only pub nearby is Hogans. Right outside the station, has a bit of a reputation as a fighty, druggy, stolen goodsy type place. However, the last few times I cautiously called in it was ok, Camerons beers were decent and the staff/locals were friendly enough! Maybe I was lucky. It definitely isn't a CAMRA/craft pub though. If you head into town, as well as the nice Number 22 the Orb micropub and the Quaker House are worth a visit.
Click to expand...
I've called in at Hogans about 3 or 4 times now, just for 1 pint before the train home. It's certainly not the most high class establishment, but like @beermaddavep says, I've found the locals to be ok / friendly enough although it's not the place I would spend too much time in.
 
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