Every summer, Darlington does something that no other town in the North East does quite like it — it brings the seaside to the Market Square.
Darlington by the Sea returns for 2026, running from Saturday July 18 to Sunday July 27, transforming the heart of the town centre into a free family event for nine days.
Here is everything you need to know.
What is Darlington by the Sea?
Darlington by the Sea is an annual event organised by Darlington Borough Council that takes over the Market Square with a full beach theme — sand, seaside activities and free family entertainment.
The centrepiece is a giant sandpit in the market square, where families can build sandcastles throughout the day. Face painting, balloon modelling and free games and activities run alongside it from 11am to 5pm each day.
Entry is entirely free.
When and where
Dates: Saturday July 18 to Sunday July 27
Times: 11am to 5pm daily
Location: Darlington Market Square, DL1 5PX
Cost: Free
Toilets and facilities
Public toilets are available at the Dolphin Centre, including accessible facilities, the Market Hall and the Cornmill Shopping Centre, all within a short walk of the Market Square.
Darlington by the Sea is one of the most popular free family events in the Tees Valley calendar and regularly draws large crowds on weekend days.
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An earlier arrival is recommended if visiting on a Saturday or Sunday, particularly for families with young children wanting space in the sandpit.
The event runs across two full weekends — July 18 to 20 and July 25 to 27 — as well as the five weekdays between them.
Weekday visits are typically quieter.
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