It is situated to the north-west of the town, close to Mowden, Cockerton, West Park and Faverdale.

It is largely made up from council owned properties and service buildings started in the late 1940s through to the 1970s.

Although some of the council built houses and flats have been sold to tenants since the 1980s under the government 'right to buy' scheme, many are still retained as rented properties by the Housing Department of Darlington Borough Council (unitary authority).

It lies in the Cockerton West Ward of the Darlington Borough and elects two councillors every four years.

Adjacent to Branksome on the Northern side lies the old Darlington to Barnard Castle railway station .