Dementia care homes in Darlington
There are 4 dementia care homes in and around Darlington on AskBart. 100% of those rated by the CQC are Good or Outstanding, against 79% nationally (CQC data, October 2023). Published fees average about £956 a week, while Darlington usually pays £843. The largest is Ventress Hall Care Home, with 106 beds.
Average residential fee in Darlington: £956/week — below the UK average of £1,702
Key facts: Darlington
| Dementia care homes listed | 4 |
|---|---|
| Rated Good or Outstanding | 4 of 4 (100%) |
| Rated Outstanding | 0 |
| Rated Requires improvement or Inadequate | 0 |
| Average published weekly fee | £956 |
| Darlington usual weekly rate (2025) | £843 |
| Largest | Ventress Hall Care Home (106 beds) |
Data: CQC register, updated October 2023. Figures are for the homes listed on this page.
What do these badges mean?
- Green Surroundings — Excellent access to parks, playing fields and other green space nearby (OpenStreetMap).
- Well Served — Excellent everyday amenities nearby — shops, supermarkets, cafés and places to eat (OpenStreetMap).
Limited — safer than 7% of similar areas (per head of population)
Excellent — parks, playing fields & outdoor space nearby
Excellent — shops, supermarkets & places to eat nearby
How we grade areas
Grades are relative, comparing this area against others of the same type across the UK. Amenity grades are based on OpenStreetMap counts within a fixed radius. The Safety grade ranks recorded police crime — per head of population where ONS figures are available, otherwise by total recorded crime. Figures are estimates to aid research, not a substitute for visiting an area.
Sources — crime: Police.uk, April 2026; amenities: OpenStreetMap, updated June 2026.
The estimated average residential care fee in Darlington is about £956/week, below the UK average of £1,702.
Estimated from published weekly fees for homes in the area. Actual costs vary by care needs and room type.
The average residential care home in Darlington costs about £956/week, while Darlington’s published usual rate is around £843/week (2025). If you qualify for council funding, expect a likely third-party top-up of about £113/week (≈ £5,876/year) to bridge the gap.
Estimate only. Councils fund care only when the person’s assets are below the means-test threshold, and actual fees, funding and top-ups vary by home, room and assessed needs. Compares the area average against Darlington’s published usual cost of residential care (2025).
- Good
updated September 2026
No care homes found in Darlington.
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Wondering if that’s cheaper than staying put? Compare a care home with care at home, or see who pays.
The average house price in Darlington is £158,188, based on HM Land Registry data. The graph shows sold-price trends by property type over the last 30 years.
Average price by property type
- All property types
- £158,188
- Detached
- £280,470
- Semi-detached
- £174,223
- Terraced
- £127,724
- Flats & maisonettes
- £95,115
Source: HM Land Registry UK House Price Index, to Jun 2026 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Figures are area averages for the wider local authority, not retirement properties specifically.
Residential care homes
3 in DarlingtonNursing homes
2 in DarlingtonDementia care homes
4 in DarlingtonRespite care
3 in Darlington534 crimes reported in April 2026, sourced from Police.uk.
- Violent crime141
- Anti-social behaviour130
- Shoplifting72
- Criminal damage & arson49
Darlington is near 6 Environment Agency flood warning areas and 3 flood alert areas within 3.1 miles — on the River Skerne and River Tees. A flood warning means flooding to property is expected when one is in force.
This reflects river and coastal flood areas the Environment Agency monitors near the town centre; it does not include surface-water (flash) flooding. For a specific property, check the government’s long-term flood-risk service.
Uses Environment Agency flood and river level data from the real-time data API (Beta), Open Government Licence v3.0.
Is Darlington a good retirement location?
Darlington has a settled retirement community (20.6% of residents aged 65+, above the national average of 18.6%) and three care homes rated as good by the CQC, ranging from 49 to 106 beds. It's a practical choice for those wanting a compact town with straightforward day-to-day services, though not a destination with resort-like attractions. It suits people with roots in the North East, or those prioritising care-home choice and community over vibrant urban life.
Health & support
- Medical access: You'll find several GP surgeries and pharmacies in the town; Darlington Memorial Hospital is locally based for routine and emergency care.
- Safety: Recorded crime stands at 534 offences in the 2026-04 period, with violent crime, anti-social behaviour and shoplifting among the most common. This is above average for smaller English towns and a fair consideration when weighing safety and peace of mind.
- Family & connection: Think carefully about how close your family or support networks are—Darlington is in the North East, which suits those with regional roots, but distance matters for frequent visits and hands-on help.
Finances & daily life
- Cost of care: Local weekly care-home fees sit close to the national average; Darlington offers competitive pricing versus pricier southern regions, making it broadly affordable for standard residential care.
- Transport: The town has bus services and a railway station with connections to nearby cities including Newcastle and York; local walking is feasible for many amenities, though a car or taxi support is helpful for some journeys.
- Housing options: Three care homes with good CQC ratings provide a modest range of choice, with bed counts spanning 49 to 106 residents—enough for different needs, though not extensive.
Lifestyle & environment
- Green space & hobbies: Darlington has 18 parks and 14 allotments, offering good scope for outdoor activity and gardening interests; you'll also find 82 restaurants and cafés and 52 pubs and bars for social life and eating out.
- Community: A settled, above-average retired population means established social groups and memory cafés are likely; ask care homes directly about on-site activities and local clubs.
- Climate: The North East has a temperate maritime climate, cooler and windier than southern England, with regular rainfall—typical for the region.
Things to weigh up
- Crime level: At 534 offences in the period measured, the recorded-crime rate is worth factoring into your personal safety assessment, especially evening mobility and local patterns.
- Care-home choice: Only three homes in the area means less breadth of choice if your first preference cannot accommodate you; early conversation with homes about waiting lists and availability is wise.
How many dementia care homes are there in Darlington?
AskBart lists 4 dementia care homes in and around Darlington, each with its latest CQC rating.
How are dementia care homes in Darlington rated?
Of the 4 inspected, 0 are rated Outstanding, 4 Good, 0 Requires improvement and 0 Inadequate by the Care Quality Commission.
How much do dementia care homes in Darlington cost?
Among the listings that publish fees, the typical fee is about £1,001 a week. Fees vary with room and care needs, so ask each home for a quote.
How do I choose between dementia care homes in Darlington?
Start with the CQC rating and the latest inspection report, visit more than once, and ask how the home supports the person's needs. Our guide "Choosing a dementia-friendly care home" covers what to look for.
Weighing up your options in Darlington?
Care needs change over time. Compare the other kinds of later-life care in Darlington:
Near Darlington
- Dementia care homes in Shildon (3)
- Dementia care homes in Stockton On Tees (4)
- Dementia care homes in Bishop Auckland (3)
- Dementia care homes in Billingham (6)
- Dementia care homes in Middlesborough (6)
- Dementia care homes in Middlesbrough (3)
Paying for care? See how care is funded and check what the council may pay.
Talk to a Darlington care expert.
Our independent advisors know the local homes inside out. Get free, friendly guidance with no obligation — just clear answers when you need them.