Banish the Blues for Good this February
Find different ways to stay active and well this winter with a guide to activities and transport options in your locations:
Leave the Car at Home for Darlington Restaurant Week!
Darlington Restaurant Week runs Friday 20 to Friday 27 February 2026, with lots of great menus and food offers across town. It’s the perfect time to enjoy a night out — without the hassle of driving or parking. Darlington is really well connected by bus, train, walking and cycling routes, so you can make your journey part of the fun.
Here’s how you can get in from Middleton St George and nearby areas without a car:
Buses from Middleton St George into Darlington
The Stagecoach North East 6 / 6B bus runs regularly through Middleton St George towards Darlington town centre.
• The service typically runs approximately hourly throughout the day and into the early evening (early morning until around 22:54 on weekdays).
• Buses stop at multiple points in Middleton St George — including near Station Road, Sadberge Road and St George’s Gate — so you can hop on close to home.
• The trip to Darlington town centre usually takes around 20–25 minutes depending on traffic and your stop.
• Head to Darlington Town Hall or the main Hippodrome stop in the centre to be within easy walking distance of Restaurant Week venues.
This option is great if you want an affordable, straightforward ride in and back home again without worrying about parking.
Train Option via Dinsdale Station
If you’re near Dinsdale rail station (right on the edge of Middleton St George), the Northern Train service runs frequently to Darlington.
• Trains from Dinsdale to Darlington take only about 8 minutes.
• This can be one of the quickest ways to get into town and especially handy if your Restaurant Week night out starts later and buses are quieter.
Once you’re in Darlington — whether by bus or train — the town centre is compact and easy to explore on foot. Most of the participating Restaurant Week spots are just a short stroll from the bus stops or Darlington’s main station exits.
Walking & Cycling
• Darlington’s town centre is very walkable. If you prefer an active trip, consider combining a short cycle or walk with your bus or train journey.
• Cycle racks and secure stands are available near many restaurants and public spaces. (Tip: lights and reflective gear are especially helpful for February evenings.)
Why This Works Great
Travelling without a car means you can focus on the fun — quicker journeys, no parking stress, and less crowded streets. You’ll also be supporting cleaner air around Darlington’s town centre (and getting your steps in before dinner!).
So this Restaurant Week, give the car a break and try one of these easy, low-carbon travel options from Middleton St George and beyond. You’ll arrive relaxed, ready to eat, and ready to explore!
Blow Off the January Blues in February: Car-Free Days and Nights in Durham
January can feel long and grey, but February is a great time to get out and enjoy Durham — without the stress of driving. With the city centre so compact and well connected, it’s easy to plan a low-carbon day or evening out that lifts the mood.
February is a strong month for culture in Durham, with winter exhibitions around Palace Green, performances at Gala Durham, and quieter evenings in the city’s independent cafés and restaurants. Durham rail station sits just above the city centre, making it simple to arrive by train and walk straight into the heart of the city. Local bus services also connect surrounding villages directly to the centre.
Once you’re in Durham, everything is close together. A short walk takes you from the station to the cathedral, theatre, shops and food spots — no parking needed, no rushing back to beat traffic. Travelling by train or bus also makes winter evenings feel easier, especially when daylight is limited.
This February, swap the car for a short walk and a warm destination. A change of scene doesn’t need a long journey — just a better way to get there.
Blow Off the January Blues in February: Leave the Car at Home in Newcastle
February is the perfect month to rediscover Newcastle, especially when the city is buzzing with theatre, live music and exhibitions. It’s also one of the easiest places in the region to enjoy a great night out without driving.
From winter performances at Theatre Royal and Northern Stage to gigs and late-night events across the city, Newcastle’s February calendar is packed. The Metro and mainline rail services make getting in and out straightforward from across Tyneside and beyond, while Newcastle Central Station puts you right in the city centre.
Once you arrive, Newcastle is made for walking. Many venues, bars and restaurants are clustered within a short distance, meaning you can move easily between them without worrying about parking or traffic. Choosing public transport also helps reduce congestion in the city centre at its busiest times.
If January felt slow, February is your chance to get moving again — with culture, connection and a car-free journey that makes the night more enjoyable from start to finish.
Blow Off the January Blues in February: Winter Evenings Without the Car in Sunderland
February is a great time to enjoy Sunderland’s cultural venues and coastal spaces, especially when you can get there without the hassle of driving. Leaving the car at home turns a winter outing into something simpler and more relaxed.
The Sunderland Empire, Fire Station and National Glass Centre all offer reasons to head out during February, while the city’s coastline provides bracing winter walks followed by warming food and drink. Metro and rail services connect Sunderland’s neighbourhoods, the coast and the city centre, making it easy to plan an evening or weekend visit.
Walking routes in the city centre are flat and accessible, and travelling by public transport means you can enjoy events without worrying about parking in the dark or bad weather. It’s a small change that makes winter outings feel easier and more inviting.
This February, shake off the January blues by trying something different — a show, a walk, a meal — and let public transport do the hard work.
Blow Off the January Blues in February: Leave the Car at Home in Kettering
After the long stretch of January, February is the perfect time to get out and enjoy something a bit different. In Kettering, you don’t need to travel far — or rely on the car — to find great ways to lift the winter blues.
Kettering’s town centre is compact, walkable and well connected by public transport, making it ideal for car-free evenings and days out. Whether you’re heading to a performance, a comedy night or a relaxed dinner with friends, getting there by train, bus or on foot can make the whole experience feel easier and more enjoyable.
February often brings a mix of theatre, live music and comedy to venues such as The Lighthouse Theatre, as well as smaller, community-led events in local churches, pubs and performance spaces. These are the kinds of nights out that suit winter perfectly — warm, social and close to home. Many venues are within easy walking distance of Kettering railway station and central bus stops, so you can arrive, enjoy the event and head home without worrying about parking or driving in the dark.
Live music evenings, tribute concerts and themed dinner events are also popular in February, offering a chance to do something special without the crowds of busier months. Choosing public transport means you can relax into the evening, enjoy the atmosphere, and focus on the experience rather than the journey.
Local buses connect neighbourhoods and surrounding areas directly into the town centre, while regular train services make Kettering easy to reach from nearby towns. Once you’re there, most venues, cafés and restaurants are linked by short, well-lit walking routes — perfect for a winter stroll before or after an event.
Leaving the car at home isn’t about missing out. It’s about making winter outings simpler, calmer and more enjoyable — while helping to reduce congestion and keep the town centre feeling welcoming for everyone.
This February, blow off the January blues by trying something local. Pick an event, plan a bus or train journey, wrap up warm and enjoy Kettering at a slower, more relaxed pace.
Blow Off the January Blues in February: Leave the Car at Home for February
February is a brilliant time to visit Morpeth, especially during the half-term break. With its walkable town centre, riverside paths and excellent rail connections, Morpeth is easy to explore using active and sustainable travel. Arrive by train, walk between attractions, or cycle along the River Wansbeck to enjoy the town at a slower, greener pace.
Children’s Sewing School – The Creative Studio
Creative kids can join the Children’s Sewing School at The Creative Studio and learn how to sew their own loveable otter. Suitable for ages 8 and over, this hands-on workshop helps children build confidence while learning practical sewing skills. The studio is centrally located, making it ideal to reach on foot or by bike.
Dog Man Treasure Hunt – Waterstones Morpeth
Young readers can take part in the Dog Man Treasure Hunt at Waterstones Morpeth. Children work out what word the letters spell to earn a treat, combining fun with problem-solving. It’s an easy stop while exploring the town centre without needing a car.
Storytime at Waterstones
Also at Waterstones, families can enjoy relaxed Storytime sessions, where a friendly bookseller reads a story aloud. It’s a calm, welcoming activity that’s perfect for younger children and a lovely way to spend time together during half-term.
February Fun – Half-Term Week at Whitehouse Farm Centre
For outdoor fun, head to February Fun at Whitehouse Farm Centre. Activities include live lambing, bottle feeding and an adventure playground, offering a great opportunity to connect with nature. Where possible, consider public transport, car-sharing or combining your visit with other nearby activities to travel more sustainably.
Morpeth Hunt Pony Club
Those interested in horse riding can experience pony racing and cross-country riding with Morpeth Hunt Pony Club. This exciting activity encourages physical activity and outdoor learning, making the most of Northumberland’s countryside.
With a mix of creativity, storytelling and outdoor adventure, Morpeth offers something for everyone this February. Choosing active travel like walking and cycling, or low-carbon options such as trains and shared transport, helps protect the local environment while making your visit even more enjoyable. Please check individual websites for event dates, booking details and availability.
Beat the February Blues: Walk or Cycle to Work at TeesAMP
February can feel long, grey and sluggish — but adding a little movement into your daily routine can make a big difference. If you work at or around TeesAMP (Teesside Advanced Manufacturing Park), walking or cycling to work is a simple way to boost your mood, improve your wellbeing and travel more sustainably.
Regular physical activity is proven to reduce stress, improve sleep and increase energy levels — all things that help shake off the winter blues. Even a short walk or cycle before and after work can help you start and finish the day feeling more positive.
Why active travel works in winter
Walking and cycling help release endorphins, improve circulation and give you valuable daylight exposure during the darker months. According to Sustrans, active travel can significantly support mental health, especially during winter when motivation is low.
Active travel routes around TeesAMP
TeesAMP is well connected by riverside paths and quieter routes that make walking and cycling a realistic option for many commuters. The nearby Riverside Park offers flat, traffic-free paths that link into the wider Tees Valley walking and cycling network. You can explore local routes using the Sustrans National Cycle Network or plan a journey with CycleStreets.
Combine walking, cycling and public transport
Not everyone lives within walking or cycling distance — and that’s okay. You can still travel actively by walking or cycling part of your journey and using public transport for the rest. Bus services connect Middlesbrough town centre, Riverside Park and TeesAMP, making it easier to leave the car at home. Find local travel options at Tees Valley Combined Authority – Transport.
Small changes, big benefits
You don’t have to walk or cycle every day to feel the benefits. Even choosing one or two active journeys a week can:
- Improve mood and mental wellbeing
- Increase daily energy levels
- Reduce fuel costs
- Cut carbon emissions
The NHS highlights walking as one of the easiest ways to improve both physical and mental health — no special equipment required.
This February, why not challenge yourself to swap a few car journeys for walking or cycling? Whether it’s a brisk riverside walk, a short cycle before work, or combining active travel with the bus, it’s a great way to clear your head, lift your mood and support a greener Tees Valley.
Sometimes, the best way to beat the blues is simply to get moving.