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Darlington

Blackwell Meadows

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Capacity: 3,281 (Seats 588)
Club Nickname: Darlo or the Quakers
Year Opened: 1994
Pitch Size: 120 x 80 yards
Address: Grange Road, Darlington, DL1 5NR
Pitch Type: Grass
Undersoil Heating: No
Home Kit: White and Black
Last Update: March 6, 2026

Darlington FC returned to their home town in late 2016 after reaching a groundsharing agreement with Darlington Rugby Club to share their Blackwell Meadows ground. Although opened in 1994, Blackwell Meadows has undergone several improvements and upgrades to bring the stadium up to Football Association standards so that football matches can be played there.

The ground is overlooked on the north side by a large pavilion-style building, which is two storeys high and features an old-fashioned clock above it. This building, along with the one next to it, houses several facilities including the team changing rooms. To one side there is a block of covered seating that is normally unused, with the team dugouts positioned in front of this section. On the south side is a covered seated stand that runs for around half the length of the pitch and sits slightly off centre in relation to the halfway line. In early 2018, it was extended to increase its capacity from 294 to 588 seats. Flat standing areas are located on either side of this stand.

At the one end of the ground is a sizeable covered terrace, which is eight steps high and is affectionately called the ‘Tin Shed’ named after a similar structure that was in place at the former Feethams Ground. In fact, some of the steel framework for this stand was rescued from the old ground and incorporated into this new structure. Having a capacity of 1,000, the new Tin Shed runs the full width of the pitch. Opposite is the open West Terrace, which when segregation is in force, is given to away fans. The ground is completed with a set of eight modern looking floodlights, four of which run down each side of the stadium.

It is also likely at some point that the Club will seek permission to install a terrace or a temporary seating area at the West End of the ground.

For most games at Blackwell Meadows, then fans are not segregated. However on the occasions that they are, then visiting supporters are allocated the West End of the ground, where around 600 fans can accommodated. When approaching the stadium, then the visitor turnstiles are located to the right of the main buildings. The West End has no cover and is mostly comprised of flat standing areas, so not the greatest. However as Darlington are well supported, then the atmosphere within the stadium is normally good, with a fair amount of noise being generated from the home end. With such good attendances then the facilities do seem to creak a bit with the large numbers and even when segregation is not in force then the seating areas are off limits to visiting fans, as they are sold out to home season ticket holders.

There is a clubhouse at the ground itself which is normally open to supporters of both clubs (unless segregation is enforced).  It is situated inside the ground and access is limited, so sometimes you need to wait until someone leaves. Usually there is Doom Bar and Theakston’s Lightfoot on handpumps, and the usual draft selection too. There is a lack of other pubs near to Blackwell Meadows. In fact the nearest bars and pubs are located one mile away in Darlington town centre, which is around a twenty minute walk away (There are buses every 15 minutes which stop near the ground). Some of the picks of these are some of those that are listed in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide, such as the Number Twenty 2 on Coniscliffe Road (on the ground side of the town centre), the Old Vic on Victoria Road (near to the railway station), the Quakerhouse on Mechanics Yard and the Tanners Hall on Skinnergate, the latter being a Wetherspoons outlet.

From the South (A1) Leave the A1 at Junction 57 and take the A66(M) towards Darlington/Teesside. At the end of the motorway continue onto the A66. At the next roundabout take the second exit onto the A167 towards Darlington. The entrance road to Blackwell Meadows is a quarter of a mile down this road on the right.

Car Parking There is some parking available at the ground which costs £5 per car. However it tends to fill up fast, so you will need to get there early. If you continue past the stadium entrance towards Darlington, then if you turn right at the next mini roundabout then there is street parking available alongside the park. It is then around a ten minute walk to Blackwell Meadows.

Darlington Railway Station is located one and a half miles away from Blackwell Meadows. Either grab a taxi from the station, or embark on the 30 minute walk to the ground. As you come out of the main railway entrance, you will see Hogans Bar on one corner. Keeping the bar on your left and proceed straight along Victoria Road. Go straight across at the next roundabout continuing along Victoria Road. At the next larger roundabout take the first exit by Sainsburys onto the A167 (Grange Road) towards Northallerton. Follow this road for around one mile. After passing a park on your left you will reach the ground entrance further down on the same side.

Booking train tickets in advance will normally save you money! Find train times, prices and book tickets with Trainline. Visit the website below to see how much you can save on the price of your tickets:

Seating* Adults £16 Concessions £12 Under 16’s £7  Under 11’s Free of charge

Terrace* Adults £14 Concessions £10  Under 16’s £5  Under 11’s Free of charge

Concessions apply to Over 60’s, Students, the Disabled and serving members of the Armed Forces. ID may be required to be shown to prove current status.

* The club offer a £1 discount if tickets are bought online.

Official Matchday Programme £2.50.

Spennymoor Town and Hartlepool United.

The Darlington vs Spennymoor Town rivalry began on 28 August 2017, when the two teams collided in a very interesting National League clash at Blackwell Meadows. The result on the scoreboard after 90 minutes of play was 1-1, as the result really couldn’t have been any different because the 22 on the pitch produced almost the same number of shots at target.

In the following 14 Darlington vs Spennymoor Town meetings, we saw five draws, four Darlington wins, and five triumphs for the Moors. With a fragile head-to-head advantage behind them, the Moors will likely try to widen the gap versus Darlington. And the chances of that happening are looking quite good, as Darlington’s coach doesn’t have a very solid track record against the Moors. In seven official games, he won three times, while on four occasions, his team lost the game.

Record Attendance

At Feethams: 21,023 v Bolton Wanderers League Cup 3rd Round, November 14th, 1960

At Blackwell Meadows: 3,000 v FC Halifax Town National League North, December 26th, 2016

Average Attendance 2018-2019: 1,394 (National League North) 2017-2018: 1,456 (National League North) 2016-2017: 1,739 (National League North)

If you require hotel accommodation in Darlington then first try a hotel booking service provided by Booking.com. They offer all types of accommodation to suit all tastes and pockets from; Budget Hotels, Traditional Bed & Breakfast establishments to Five Star Hotels and Serviced Apartments. Plus their booking system is straightforward and easy to use. Yes this site will earn a small commission if you book through them, but it will help towards the running costs of keeping this Guide going.

Official website: www.darlingtonfootballclub.co.uk

Unofficial website: Darlo Uncovered

Official Social Media Twitter: @Official_Darlo Facebook: www.facebook.com/darlingtonfc YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/OfficialDarlingtonFC

Thanks to Simon Brodie and Peter Holdridge for providing the photos of Blackwell Meadows.

If anything is incorrect or you have something to add, then please e-mail me at: [email protected] and I’ll update the guide.

Ground Layout

Ground Layout of Darlington

Reviews

Avatar of Jeremy Gold (Neutral) Jeremy Gold (Neutral)

Darlington v Southport
National League North
Saturday 16th February 2019, 3pm
Jeremy Gold (Neutral)

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the Blackwell Meadows Ground?
 
A first visit to Blackwell Meadows to tick it off the list on the quest to do all the National League North Grounds. The last time I went to Darlington was a long time ago to see them play at their old Feethams ground.
 
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
 
I took the train across from Burnley via York and walked down to the ground by the river which was actually very pleasant. The walk was quicker than I thought it would be.
 
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
 
I had a good wander around and enjoyed the spring-like weather. All of the club officials were very friendly and welcoming.
 
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the stadium?
 
It is very tidy with a really decent playing surface. It probably needs a bit of work doing on it and I know there are plans for this to try and happen moving forwards. I chose to stand along the side that has the covered stand on it. I got my position very early so I had a good view of the action.
 
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
 
An absolute 0-0 howler with both teams cancelling each other out. The Darlington boss summed it up perfectly after the game saying any neutrals would have said it wasn’t memorable, it wasn’t! The officials were absolutely appalling for both teams, missing loads of obvious things and conjuring up some weird decisions along the way. A serious injury to a Darlington player held up play just on half-time and after a long stoppage in play the referee suddenly just blew for the break. Probably a good decision but all very bizarre.
 
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
 
I strolled back into town after the game, there was a steady stream of people doing the same thing. Not sure how long cars would take to get out as there is only one way to exit.
 
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
 
Nice to do the ground and great to see Darlington back settled in their home town. Not sure I’d go back especially soon as it isn’t the most enthralling ground to visit in my humble opinion. But there are a lot worse out there to be fair.
Avatar of John Hague (Blyth Spartans) John Hague (Blyth Spartans)

Darlington v Blyth Spartans
National League North
Saturday 3rd February 2018, 3pm
John Hague (Blyth Spartans fan)

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the Blackwell Meadows Ground?
 
I wasn’t. Blackwell Meadows is a new ground end of story. I don’t much like Darlington for a section of their “support” who caused trouble at Blyth in the Northern Premier League and the continual bragging by the rest of them about being a league club. They play at a rugby club!
 
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
 
A very easy drive up the A1(M) from my home on Leicester. Easy parking on Parkside, just a five minute walk away. A number of Blyth fans complained about paying £5 for the privilege of parking at the ground itself and then waiting until 5.20pm before cars were allowed to leave. Be warned.
 
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
 
Stopped at Morrison’s in Boroughbridge for food. Had a pint in the club bar and got an excellent pin badge and a lovely programme.
 
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Blackwell Meadows Ground?
 
It’s a rugby club and looks like it. No cover for away fans and we paid £14 to get wet. To say I wasn’t impressed would be an understatement.
 
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
 
A poor game that Darlington deservedly won 3-0. I’m too depressed by Blyth’s performance to say anything positive.
 
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
 
If you don’t park in the club it’s easy.
 
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
 
Depressing!
Avatar of Brian Scott (Neutral) Brian Scott (Neutral)

Darlington v Gainsborough Trinity
National League North
Wednesday 9th August 2017, 7.45pm
Brian Scott (Neutral Ipswich Town fan)

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the Blackwell Meadows Ground?
 
This was my final game of the three days in a row that I had been able to do in the National League North. Having previously been to Darlington twice before at Feethams, and the Reynolds Arena, I wanted to go to their newest ground.
 
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
 
As I had been staying in Whitley Bay after visiting Blyth Spartans, it was a relatively short train journey from Newcastle. So I went via Hartlepool and had a look around the museum at the dock.
 
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
 
After checking into the Hotel 119, in Victoria Road close to the railway station, I went into town and had a meal at the Wetherspoons. The hotel owner had told me of a shortcut to the ground taking a path on the east side of the river Skerne. This then leads into South Park and then back onto the A167 road as described in this guide. As it was not lit I did not use this route after dark.
 
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Blackwell Meadows?
 
At the end of the access road to the ground there was a big sign saying Darlington FC. I overheard comments that until this season the football club had been prevented from advertising their presence here at all! I thought that the entrance fee was expensive for football at this level. Adults £14 and Seniors £10. (At Bradford Park Avenue it was Seniors £7 and Blyth Spartans £6 + £2 to sit). Blackwell Meadows has the look of being quite new with the facilities being improved all the time. I noticed that the footings are in place for the extension of the stand on the south side. I don't suppose bolting the new stand on will take very long. On seeing the stands I decided to sit on the south side, but found that all the seats were reserved. So my only option to sit was in the three rows of older seats at the front of the north side. I was then very surprised to find that supporters were allowed to stand by the perimeter fence in front of the seats throughout the game which prevented a view of the pitch. The only way to view the action was to stand up in the seats. This needs to be sorted out Darlington! Anyone who hasn't got a reserved seat shouldn't be forced to stand. Also when segregation is in force the away fans only have a flat open area to the west end of the pitch. No roof, no steps, the view must be awful. So much still to be done, but at least Darlington FC have got a local home.
 
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
 
When I had told the hotel owner where I was going he said that the pitch was in bad condition due to the rugby, but it was in very good condition because no rugby has been played so far this season. The locals know that it will get cut up during the season and it is far from ideal. There were plenty of goals with Gainsborough Trinity taking the lead after only five minutes. Darlington equalised in the 28th minute and just before half time, it was 2-1. There were four more goals in the second half with the score ending 4-3.
 
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
 
Everyone has to walk in the same direction up to the main road, and for a good distance towards the town it was a steady plod along with the crowd. Even though it looks a long way from the town, it is a flat easy walk.
 
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
 
My visit to Blackwell Meadows was spoilt by having to stand for the entire game in front of my seat. Out of my three games this week this was the most expensive, but also the worst for facilities, in particular not having anywhere to actually SIT to watch the game. There were, in fact, enough empty seats to cater for all those standing by the fence. Also the team benches were obtrusive blocking the view from some of the seats.
Avatar of Paul Dickinson (Neutral) Paul Dickinson (Neutral)

Darlington v Gainsborough Trinity
National League North
Wednesday 9th August 2017, 7.45pm
Paul Dickinson (Neutral fan)

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the Blackwell Meadows Ground?
 
Having visited the three grounds that Darlington have previously played at, I was keen to add this new venue to my list. In addition, I only have two grounds left to visit in National League North, including this one.
 
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
 
It was a straightforward trip from Leeds up the A1 to Darlington. I wanted to get away quickly after the game, so avoided the car park at the ground. Simply drive past the ground on your right hand side, turn right at the next mini-roundabout and there's plenty of street parking at the side of the park.
 
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
 
I went straight into the ground, having stopped at Scotch Corner services on the way up for food and drink.
 
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Blackwell Meadows Stadium?
 
I thought that Blackwell Meadows was a neat and tidy ground and I particularly liked the main pavilion building, where club officials were watching the match from the first floor balcony. The ground is also surrounded by trees and on a lovely sunny evening, it was a pleasant environment to watch a game.
 
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
 
The game was a classic from a neutral perspective. Darlington were one down, then 3-1 up, got pegged back to 3-3 before finally scoring an excellent winner near the end. 1700 fans created a good atmosphere.
 
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
 
I left just before the end and after a ten minute walk back to the car, I was home back in Leeds just before 11pm.
 
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
 
A very enjoyable evening – its great to see Darlington climbing back through the leagues and hopefully they'll get the ground up to the standard required in order to get promotion to the National League and beyond. That's also my 321st ground ticked off, leaving just Brackley Town now to complete the National League North.
Avatar of Peter Holdridge (Leicester City and Darlington fan) Peter Holdridge (Leicester City and Darlington fan)

Darlington v Harrogate Town
National League North
Saturday 25th February 2017, 3pm
Peter Holdridge (Leicester City and Darlo fan)

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting Blackwell Meadows?

I've seen Darlington play at their three previous grounds and I have often seen them play away so wanted to see the new home ground. There had been a lot of rain in the week before so it was a relief that game was still on.

How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?

It was easy to find the Blackwell Meadows ground. It is not far from the  A1 and then on to A66 and turn on to A167 and you see the ground. (If you are coming from the East you will pass the massive Darlington Arena – former ground – first so don't be confused by this). Plenty of street parking around the park just to the town side of the ground and a short walk from there.

What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?

I took my son to the RSPB Saltholme reserve to compensate him for having to put up wi th the Football. Had lunch there and spent the journey explaining Darlo's recent history (took a long time).

What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Blackwell Meadows? 

It is great to see the club return to its home town. Blackwell Meadows is a smart modern stadium but you can tell it is a Rugby ground and the capacity will need increasing if they do get higher in the League Pyramid. No segregation of fans, the away support congregated at the uncovered west end terrace. Seating for home fans was limited to season ticket holders. Good atmosphere in the home end. North East people are famously friendly but Darlo's experiences over the last 10 years or so have led to a certain cynicism.

Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..

Evenly matched until a dubious sending off of a Darlington player after 20 minutes turned the game. Cracking second half, ended 3-2 to Harrogate. Pleased to see Seabrooks crisps on sale. Excellent stewarding and food as you would expect for non league.

Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:

I didn't realise that if you try to avoid the town and head for A1 you can only go South at the junction where you meet the A1 so I had to take a detour. Best way north is probably through the town along the A147.

Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:

Blackwell Meadows is a good place for the away fan to visit with atmosphere but no hostility. Easy to get to and park and choice of where you stand. If you need a seat contact the club in advance to see what they can do. Not sure what Darlington will do if they make it back to Football League though.