Getting to the festival

VENUES

Darlington Hippodrome
Parkgate
Darlington
DL1 1RR

Eat and Drink

The Hippodrome is host to two cafés available for you to grab a bite to eat throughout the weekend. But Darlington offers many gorgeously great independent places! All within walking distance from the venue, Some of our favourites include: 

1. Bakerman – Website | Facebook
   A community-focused sourdough haven where traditional baking meets seriously tasty bread.

2. Number Eight Bakehouse – Website | Facebook
   A cosy little bakery whipping up irresistible pastries, breads, and sweet treats that’ll make your morning.

3. Manna Organic – Website | Facebook
   Juices, bowls, and organic goodness that make you feel as good as they taste.

4. Black Olive Deli – Facebook
   Your go-to spot for gourmet deli delights, perfect for grabbing something tasty on the go.

5. Maggie’s Café – Facebook
   A charming little café in the lovely Duke Street area

6. Hatch Luncheonette – Facebook
   Hip spot for breakfast, brunch, and coffee that hits the sweet spot every time. [Our team favourite!!!]

7. T.A.O Street Food & Noodle Bar – Website | Facebook
   Fast, fresh Asian street food that packs a punch and keeps you coming back for more.

8. Taipan Asian – Facebook
   A tasty dive into Asian flavours with dishes that are bold, spicy, and totally addictive.

9. Stable Hearth – Facebook
   Rustic, cosy vibes with hearty meals that feel like a warm hug on a plate.

10. Banrai Thai – Facebook
    Authentic Thai food bursting with flavour – sweet, spicy, and everything nice and opposite our venue!!

11. Number 22 Pub – Facebook
    A classic pub with a relaxed vibe.

12. Dr. Inks – Facebook
    Fun vibes and great cocktails! Please note this venue is not wheelchair accessible.

Transport

Train: Our main venue is only a 3 minute walk from Darlington station! Direct train routes are available to Darlington from London King’s Cross (2h20m), Manchester, York, Leeds, Newcastle, and Edinburgh Waverly and more.

Bus: National Express also operate direct services to Darlington from London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle, Leeds, Doncaster, Sheffield, Birmingham (Tamworth Services), Nottingham (Trowell Services) and Milton Keynes. The Darlington stop is only a 5 minute walk from our venue. For more information visit https://www.nationalexpress.com/en. 

Car: If travelling by car, Darlington offers a range of short and long-stay car parks. The nearest to the venue are St Hilda’s (Tannery Yard, DL1 1RR), Park Place East (DL1 5LW) and Park Place West (DL1 1AA) car parks, there is also the new Train Station multi-storey car park on Neasham Road.

Please do check up to date signage for full parking costs. For more information visit https://www.darlington.gov.uk/transport-and-streets/car-parking/car-parks-and-charges/. 

Airport: If you’re flying into Leeds Bradford it’s just an hour drive to Darlington, or if you’re flying into Newcastle it’s just a 40 minute journey. There is Teesside Airport which is only a 10 minute drive from our main venues, but there are limited flights so always check!

Accommodation:

Darlington offers a range of accommodation to suit different tastes and budgets. There are many apartment and room offers on Booking.com and Airbnb, always research thoroughly privately advertised options and feel free to pop us a message to if you want guidance on best suited locations/

Here are some hotel recommendations which are within walking distance of the venue:

Mercure Darlington King’s Hotel
0.3 miles from the venue (5 minute walk)
Address: 9-12 Priestgate, Darlington DL1 1NW
Contact: 01325 380222
www.kingsdarlington.com

Premier Inn Darlington Town Centre
0.4 miles from venue (5 minute walk)
Address: Saint Cuthbert’s Way, Feethams, Darlington DL1 5RD
Contact: 0333 234 6606
https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/england/county-durham/darlington/darlington-town-centre

Houndgate Town House

0.4 miles from venue (5 minute walk)

Address: 11 Houndgate, Darlington DL1 5RF

Contact: 01325 486011

https://www.houndgatetownhouse.co.uk/

Bannatyne Hotel
0.6 miles from venue (15 minute walk) 
Address: Southend Avenue, Darlington DL3 7HZ
Contact: 01325 365858 or enquiries.darlingtonhotel@bannatyne.co.uk
https://www.bannatyne.co.uk/hotel/darlington

A little further away (If you’re bringing a car, or don’t mind a bus/taxi)

Premier Inn Darlington East (Morton Park) Hotel
2.1 miles from venue (6 minute drive, or 17 minute journey via 6/6A bus from Morton Park Morrisons to Darlington Hippodrome) 
Address: Morton Park Way, Morton Park, Darlington DL1 4PJ
Contact: 0333 777 4637
https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/england/county-durham/darlington/darlington-east-morton-park.html

Travelodge Darlington
1.6 miles from venue (5 minute drive, or 15 minute journey via 6/6A bus from Lingfield,  Cummins to Darlington Hippodrome) 
Address: Yarm Road, Darlington DL1 4WF
Contact: 08715 591853 https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/562/Darlington-hotel

Blackwell Grange
1.6 miles from venue (5 min drive) 
Address: Grange Road, Darlington, DL3 8QH
Contact: 01325 509955 or reservations.blackwell@bruhennyhotels.co.uk
https://www.blackwellgrangehotel.com/

ACCESSIBILITY

Our main festival venue, Darlington Hippodrome and Hullabaloo Theatre, is fully accessible.

• Wheelchair spaces on all levels with two lifts to provide access

• Dropped counter available in Hippodrome box office and bar

• There is a designated drop off point located on Tannery Yard

• Accessible toilets are located on every level

• Guide, hearing and other assistance dogs are welcome

Please contact the Hippodrome box office directly for more information on accessibility.

Vue Darlington is fully wheelchair accessible with level access, lifts, and accessible toilets. Every screen features designated wheelchair spaces.

The Forum Music Centre features step-free access, ramps with handrails.

Darlington Library has step-free access, automatic doors, and a dedicated lift.