Cradle of the Railways

Cradle of the Railways

The cradle of the railways, Durham and Tees Valley, share a fascinating 200-year railway heritage, brought to life at amazing attractions across the region.

In 2025, the region celebrates the 200th anniversary of the ground-breaking Stockton to Darlington Railway. The story of its development, the personalities who shaped it, the locomotive which steamed into the history books and the landscape it travelled over are the focus of a year-long celebration. S&DR200 - an exciting 9-month international festival, new visitor experiences and enhanced attractions ensure that this thrilling story is ready to captivate everyone all over again.

Beamish, The Living Museum of the North

Discover the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of times gone by at Beamish Museum. Enjoy a ride through the Georgian landscape, hauled by Puffing Billy – a replica of the original 1813 locomotive.

Hopetown Darlington

In 2024, Hopetown Darlington opened its doors, giving visitors the chance to relive the innovation that revolutionised transportation. At this award-winning venue, immerse yourself in interactive exhibits, marvel at historic locomotives, and discover how Darlington and its pioneering engineers left its mark on history.

Kynren, An Epic Tale of England

The 10th anniversary season of the award-winning live outdoor spectacular includes a special celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, with Kynren’s replica of the iconic Locomotion No.1 taking centre stage in the production.

Locomotion, Shildon

Locomotion in Shildon, the world’s first railway town, is home to the largest collection of historic railway vehicles, under cover and on one site, anywhere in Europe. Get up close to incredible feats of engineering, and enjoy a fun family day out in the birthplace of the railways.

Preston Park and Museum, Stockton-on-Tees

At this fascinating museum you can travel back to a time when the railways were in their infancy. Explore the Victorian street, galleries and gardens.

Weardale Railway

Part of The Auckland Project, Weardale Railway opened in 1847, an offshoot of the S&DR. Hop on board a passenger train and enjoy a ride along the 18-mile heritage line through the Durham Dales.

Did you know...

The route of the original track bed of the S&DR lies inside what is now Preston Park boundary. A footpath follows the route. This was where Locomotion No 1 went head to head, and won, in a race against a horse drawn coach.

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Tour suggestions…

Morning:
Hopetown Darlington
Lunch options Clocktower Café, Hopetown Darlington
Afternoon: Locomotion, Shildon
Morning: Hopetown Darlington
OR Preston Park Museum and Grounds, Stockton on Tees
Lunch options Attraction cafes

Afternoon:
Weardale Railway
OR Beamish, The Living Museum of the North

Evening:
Kynren – An Epic Tale of England
Every Saturday from 19 July to 13 September 2025

Suggested dwell time:
• Beamish Museum 3hrs
• Hopetown Darlington 3hrs
• Locomotion Shildon 3hrs
• Preston Park Museum and Grounds 2hrs
• Weardale Railway 2hrs

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Hotel suggestions:

• Blackwell Grange Hotel, Darlington, DL3 8QH
• Crathorne Hall Hotel, Yarm, TS15 0AR
• Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield, TS21 2EH
• Lumley Castle Hotel, Chester-le-Street, DH3 4NX
• Park Head hotel, Bishop Auckland, DL14 8QB
• Ramside Hall hotel, Golf and Spa, Durham City, DH1 1TD 
• Walworth Castle Hotel, Darlington, DL2 2LY

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Travelling Times…

• Hopetown Darlington to Locomotion 35 mins
• Darlington to Weardale Railway (Bishop Auckland Station) 27 mins
• Darlington to Beamish Museum 38 mins
• Preston Park Museum to Weardale Railway 39 mins
• Preston Park Museum to Beamish Museum 50 mins
• Locomotion to Kynren 17 mins
• Weardale Railway to Kynren 7 mins
• Beamish Museum to Kynren 42 mins

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Sat Nav

• Beamish Museum, DH9 0RG
• Hopetown Darlington, DL3 6SW
• Kynren – An Epic Tale of England DL14 7SF
• Locomotion Shildon, DL4 2RE
• Preston Park Museum and Grounds, TS18 3RJ
• Weardale Railway (Bishop Auckland West Station), DL14 7TL

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