Darlington is considered the birthplace of the passenger railway. Afterall, it was right here on 27 September 1825 that the first passenger railway journey in the world took place on the historic Stockton & Darlington Railway.
Hopetown Darlington is a brand-new visitor attraction centered on this important piece of history. Set across 7.5 acres of historic railway land and five early-railway buildings – including the Grade 1 listed 1825 Skerne Bridge - the attraction promotes Darlington’s pioneering and internationally significant 200-year railway heritage.
The original North Road Station opened in 1842 on the route of the Stockton & Darlington Railway. It was the only railway station in Darlington until 1887. In 1975, station was transformed into a railway museum, and an outside platform is still used today by local Northern Trains services.
The restored 1833 Goods Shed, believed to be the oldest surviving railway Goods Shed in the country, boasts the spectacular Clocktower Café which serves a selection of locally sourced hot and cold food and beverages – including our own special coffee blend.
Make sure to include a visit to The Stores, housed within the Grade II listed Carriage Works which was built in 1853. Here you can get up close and personal with our 30,000 item collection spanning from The Stockton & Darlington Railway to North Eastern Railways featuring nameplates, lamps, signals, furniture, models, clothing and so much more.
Experience the thrill of innovation by jumping on Experiment! the immersive railway-themed ride. The journey begins with the first passenger railway journey here in Darlington in 1825 before taking you on a time-travel journey across the world and into the future.
Gaze upon the construction of the UKs newest steam locomotive, the P2 class No.2007 Prince of Wales, right here in Darlington at Darlington Locomotive Works. Once finished, the locomotive will become the most powerful steam locomotive to ever run on the British rail network – ever!
Hopetown Darlington is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-5pm. We’re also open on Mondays throughout the school holidays and we’re open on all bank holidays except for Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Admission is free and groups can benefit from bespoke tours, talks and perks all year round.
Fun fact – the world’s oldest railway bridge still in continuous operation can be found right here at Hopetown Darlington! The Grade I Skerne Bridge carried the first passenger train on its inaugural journey back in 1825. The bridge also featured on the reverse of the £5 note during the 1990s.
Whether you're stopping off for a quick cup of tea and a visit to the loo, or spending the whole day here - we can help you plan a bespoke visit that will give your group plenty to talk about once they're back on the road.
