Indoor things to do in Darlington, whatever the weather.
Three golf simulator bays, a licensed bar and a contest that takes a minute to learn. Warm, dry, open into the evening, and nobody has to be any good at golf.
Things to do in Darlington when it rains.
Virtual Fairways is an indoor golf simulator venue with three 4K bays on Lingfield Way in Darlington, priced at £13.50 per 30 minutes (£27 an hour) per bay for up to six players, with a licensed bar and free on-site parking.
The weather in the North East has opinions, and most of them are wet. A simulator bay doesn't care. You hit real balls into a screen that puts you on one of 2000+ courses, the screen does the scoring, and between shots everyone's stood at the same bay with a drink. It's closer to a night out than a sport, which is rather the point.
Groups and nights out
Bays are £27 an hour*, so four to six sharing a bay split one bill. Book bays side by side for a bigger crowd, and spectators are free and welcome. Birthdays, work socials and parties and private hire all run the same way.
Couples
Two players get round 18 holes in about an hour, and the bar brings drinks straight to the bay. We're open until 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays, so it works as the evening rather than the warm-up.
Families
Kids are always welcome, with a parent or guardian alongside at all times. Clubs are available to hire, balls and tees are included, and closest to the pin takes about a minute to explain. Complete beginners cause most of the upsets.
On your own
One of the three bays runs TrackMan, the ball-tracking tech used on the PGA Tour, and it reads ball speed, launch, spin and carry on every shot. Ask for it when you book. Wondering how it compares to the range? See simulator vs driving range.
What an hour looks like.
An hour is plenty for a first visit. It's charged in 30-minute blocks, so you can extend on the day if you're having too much fun to stop.
Turn up
Park at the door and walk in. No clubs, no dress code and no prior knowledge required; trainers are fine and we'll talk you through it when you arrive.
Pick a game
A full course from the 2000+ on the screen, or one of the party games: closest to the pin, longest drive, or a nine-hole scramble with the scores on every screen.
Play
Order drinks and bar snacks to the bay whenever you like. The simulator keeps score, so all that's left to argue about is who's buying.
What it costs, and how to book.
£13.50 per 30 minutes, or £27 an hour, per bay*. Four sharing a bay works out around £12.75 each for the hour. Full rates, packages and memberships are on the pricing page.
Both routes are on the book now page. Friday and Saturday evenings go first, so book ahead if you want one. Cancel at least 24 hours before your slot and we'll move you or refund the booked time.
Finding us.
Unit 30, Evans Business Park, Lingfield Way, Darlington DL1 4QZ. We're two minutes off the A66 and barely longer from the A1(M), with free on-site parking right outside. About 20 minutes from Stockton and 25 from Durham and Middlesbrough, so a rained-off afternoon anywhere on Teesside still has somewhere to go.
We're open Wednesday to Sunday, afternoons into the evening in the week and from 10am at the weekend. Check this week's hours before you set off.
Before you set off.
Do I need any experience?
No. Whether you've never picked up a club or you're playing off scratch, the simulator adapts to you. It's a relaxed, pressure-free way to learn, practise or just have fun.
Can I bring people who aren't playing?
Of course, spectators are very welcome. We're fully licensed, so anyone not playing can settle in with a drink and a bite and cheer the rest of you on.
What should I wear?
No dress code here. Wear whatever makes you comfortable and just turn up and play. More answers on the FAQ page, or read the first visit guide.
Beat the forecast.
Message us with a day and a rough time and we'll book you straight in, no account needed.
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