Darlington Market

THE historical town of Darlington boasts an array of events and activities, old and new. Famous for one of the world's oldest railway lines, the 'Stockton and Darlington' and in particular for George Stephenson's invention of the 'Locomotion Number One,' the town attracts visitors from all over the country.

 With its exceptional shopping facilities you can choose from a variety of traditional shopping, including the famous markets. The market place in the town centre is one of the largest in the country and provides a host of goods as well as an ancestral atmosphere. The open market has been running in the town since as far back as 1003. Bishops controlled the rights of the market, which was known as one of the most important corn and cattle markets in the area.

Bailiffs, appointed by the bishop, controlled entry into the town so person's bringing in stock to sell on the markets could be charged according to prevailing rates. In 1854 the local authority purchased the rights of the market from the Bishop of Durham. The open market was originally held on the square and surrounding streets but a new covered market was erected in 1863 selling fruit and vegetables, meat and other food products. Officially opened in May 1864, the covered market stands beneath Darlington's famous clock tower and spire which was completed at the same time. The covered market has 73 stalls and runs six days a week, Monday to Saturday from 8am to 5pm. About 35 traders occupy the market with one trader having six stalls, two running four and others have two or three each.

There is ample coach stopping off in Darlington town centre (albeit the routes are determined by the recently introduced pedestrianisation scheme which allows vehicle free sightseeing/shopping). The covered market alone houses a number of quality cafe's & restaurants and on-site public toilets incl RADAR for the disabled. Close at hand is a facility for use of wheelchairs/scooters. All other amenities and shops are close by and customers will easily recognise our range/breadth of independent retailers offering a unique service. The covered market featured recently in The Independent  newspapers "essential guide" on the 50 best markets in Britain.