48 Hours In: North East England

Touch down

Darlington is a town of contrasts: originally a Saxon settlement, it later played an important role in England's industrial history and is now a flourishing market town with plenty to offer visitors. The Tourist Information Centre, Darlington (1), at 13 Horsemarket (01325 388 666; www.visitdarlington.com), has details of attractions and events.

Check-in

In the Darlington area, you can stay in a castle, a caravan and everything in between, from town-centre B&Bs to self-catering accommodation. A full list is available at www.visitnortheastengland.com. For a really luxurious stay, try Walworth Castle Hotel (2) (01325 485 470; www.walworthcastle.co.uk), a 12th century castle set in the lovely surroundings of Walworth, a village in the Tees Valley. All the rooms have a touch of grandeur, but for something out of the ordinary, book the King James Suite, with its tented double Jacuzzi bath. Or try The Blackwell Grange Hotel (3) (0870 609 6121; www.corushotels.com/blackwellgrange). Set in 15 acres of woodland, this converted 17th century mansion has excellent facilities, including an indoor pool and gym. For something more central, stay at Harewood Lodge (4) (01325 358 152), a pretty town house that's a family-run B&B, which is at 40 Grange Road. Close by, at 63 Woodland Road, the Balmoral Guest House (5) (01325 461 908; www.aeiou.co.uk/north-east-accommodation/) has individually decorated rooms and a kitchen for guests to use.

Window shopping

Head to the Imperial Quarter (6) if you're looking for designer boutiques – names to look out for include Chestnut, Joseph M, and Geoffrey Gillow. For high street regulars, shop till you drop at the Cornmill and Queen Street Centres. Darlington has one of the largest marketplaces in England and on the third Friday of each month, it hosts a flourishing farmers' market (7). This is an excellent opportunity to try some of the delicious local produce from this part of the country.

Take some exercise

The Dolphin Centre (8) (01325 388 406; www.darlington.gov.uk/leisure) is a good place to get fit while having fun. Recently reopened after a major refurbishment, it now has a pool complex that includes a 25m pool and water slides, sports hall with badminton and squash courts, fitness centre, café and bistro.

Lunch on the run

For coffee or a snack, try Hash (9) at 14 Coniscliffe Road (01325 365 585), which serves a selection of sandwiches, burgers and light meals. In the Imperial Quarter, head to the Imperial Express (10) at 2 Northumberland Street (01325 383 297), whose Continental-style menu is ideal if you want a refuelling stop.

Historical afternoon

As one end of the world's first passenger-carrying railway, Darlington is naturally proud of its railway heritage. The Darlington Railway Centre and Museum (11) (01325 460 532; www.drcm.org.uk) is just out of the town centre on North Road Station. Exhibits include Stephenson's Locomotion, the engine that pulled the Stockton-Darlington Railway's very first train, as well as other locomotives, models and railway memorabilia. Whether you're a train spotter, culture vulture or just curious, you'll also want to check out the Brick Train. Created out of 185,000 red bricks, this modern sculpture is modelled on the record-breaking Mallard locomotive and has been the subject of much discussion since it opened next to Morrisons in Morton Park 10 years ago.

Dining with the locals

There's no shortage of good places to eat in town, no matter what your tastes. If you're looking for locally sourced food, try Crombies (12) (01325 464 475; www.crombies.com ), which was recently voted Restaurant of the Year by the people of Darlington. Traditional Italian food is served at La Sorrentina (13), at 77 Parkgate (01325 467 991; www.lasorrentina.co.uk), while Northgate is a good place to find food from almost anywhere in the world. You'll find Turkish cuisine at Istanbul (14) (01325 463 000; www.istanbulrestaurant.co.uk), Indian at Shapla (15) (01325 468 920) and Chinese at Soho (16) (01325 486 896).

A night on the town

Whatever your idea of entertainment, there's plenty to choose from here. Darlington Arts Centre (17) & Civic Theatre (18) (01325 486 555; www.darlingtonarts.co.uk) have a varied programme of film, music and theatre. Future events include a turn by the State Ballet of Siberia and To Kill a Mockingbird, performed by the Birmingham Repertory Theatre Company. If you'd rather explore one of the local bars and clubs, try Stadia (19), a sports bar at 26 Duke Street (01325 381 914), or trendy Bar Size (20) (01325 367 575), which is at 81 Skinnergate.

A walk in the park

A recent renovation project has restored South Park (21) to its former glory, including features such as the rose garden and terracotta fountain. The park occupies a 93-acre site, with the River Skerne running through it, and is the oldest public park in the North East. Some 1,400 trees were planted during the restoration, and several new features have been added, including a sensory garden and skate park.

Write a postcard

There's plenty to explore in the area if you have time to get out of town. The latest attraction is the recently opened mima (left), otherwise known as the Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art (01642 729 288; www.visitmima.co.uk). The first of its regularly changing exhibitions includes works by Picasso and Matisse. If you prefer to be taken back in time, pay a visit to Hartlepool's Maritime Experience (01429 860 077; www.hartlepoolsmaritimeexperience.com) at Jackson Dock in Hartlepool, a lively reconstruction of an 18th century seaport, with everything from fighting ships to harbour-side shops. The area's coastline is worth exploring, too, including Seaton-on-Tees, with its breeding colony of common seals, and Boulby Cliffs, the highest cliffs on the East Coast.

To order a copy of the Tees Valley Visitor Guide, call 0870 225 0046 or go to www.visitteesvalley.co.uk.

GNER trains link Darlington with London, the East Midlands, Yorkshire, Newcastle and Scotland. Fares purchased in advance (booked online) for London to Darlington start from £19.60, standard class, or £65, first class. Visit www.gner.co.uk for our lowest fares.

To win a luxury break for two in the North East or two first class GNER tickets to Darlington, click here.