Thornton Hall, Staindrop Road, Darlington, County Durham, DL2 2NB
Thornton Hall near Darlington is a popular place to go to visit gardens independently and it is not unusual to see 20-25 of our u3a members there on an open day. The gardens are only open on 8 days in the year and so you can plan in advance. Below are the dates of the open days in 2024.
- Monday May 27th 10am - 4pm including Plant Fair
- Wednesday 5th June 10am - 4pm for NGS
- Wednesday 12th June 10am - 4pm
- Wednesday 19th June 10am - 4pm
- Sunday 23rd June 10am - 4pm
- Wednesday 26th June 10am - 4pm
- Wednesday 3rd July 10am - 4pm
- Wednesday 10th July 10am - 4pm
The May Bank Holiday opening usually has a stall with potted up tubs and hanging baskets for sale.
There is usually a refreshment area with seating both outdoors and under cover on all open days plus two single toilets in the external farmyard
Information from Thornton Hall's website:-
There is ample parking. There are no picnic facilities.
Whilst we welcome and do have access for wheelchairs please be aware that the majority of the garden is on grass with some steep banks. The area outside the Bowes Tea Room is covered with gravel, and we do not have dedicated disabled facilities.
Our annual Plant Fair features specialist local nurseries selling many rare and unusual plants.
Admission
Admission prices are £10.00 per person, no concessions. (Note that this was 2023 price and believed to be the same for 2024)
Children under 8 can enter free of charge. For children over 8, the cost is £2.
No Need to Book
It is NOT necessary to pre book tickets - when you arrive at Thornton Hall Gardens you can pay at the gate, payment by cash only, please. No dogs allowed.’
Jean H