Industries of Old

Industries of Old

From coal and lead mining to railway pioneer, Durham wears its industrial heritage with pride. Past industries have shaped the county as it is today and enriched its heritage offer, with award-winning attractions shining a light on this fascinating part of Durham’s story..

• Get up close to one of the largest collections of historic rail vehicles in Europe at Locomotion in Shildon, the world’s first railway town. It was here, in 1825, that people boarded the world’s first passenger train, pulled by Locomotion No 1 - just one of the amazing locomotives on display.

• Learn about the experiences of Durham miners and their families through the eyes of the Pitman Painters at the Mining Art Gallery.

• Travel back in time and explore a 1900s pit village, take a trip down the mine and hop aboard a replica Puffing Billy (the world’s oldest surviving steam Locomotive) at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North.

• Discover the story of engineering, ideas and invention at Hopetown Darlington, located on the original Stockton and Darlington Railway route – the world’s first the first passenger railway to use steam trains. Hopetown Darlington is home to a vast collection of over 30,000 objects including archives, vehicles, art, costumes, and furniture showcasing the history of the railways in the North East.

• Round off your day with an unforgettable evening at Kynren, An Epic Tale of England. This not-to-be-missed outdoor spectacle follows young Arthur, a boy from a Durham mining community, on a journey through 2,000 years of history.

Did you know…

With the opening of New Hall at Locomotion in spring 2024, the museum became home to the largest collection of historic railway vehicles, under cover, on one site anywhere in Europe! New Hall will also be the hub of celebrations to mark the bicentenary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 2025.

To request PDF copies of our Group Friendly itineraries please email us.

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Tour suggestions…

Half day:
Locomotion and the Mining Art Gallery

Full day:
Locomotion plus Beamish Museum

Locomotion plus Hopetown

Evening:
Kynren, An Epic Tale of England
(July- September)

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Hotel suggestions…

Bowburn Hall Hotel

Ramside Hall Hotel

Park Head Hotel

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Useful information…

Coach travelling times:
Locomotion to Mining Art Gallery - 15 mins
Locomotion to Beamish Museum
(via A688 / A1 north) - 45-50 mins

Sat Nav:
Beamish Museum DH9 0RG
Bowburn Hall Hotel DH6 5NH
Hopetown DL3 6SW
Kynren DL14 7SF
Locomotion DL4 2RE
Mining Art Gallery DL14 7PG
Park Head Hotel DL14 8QB
Ramside Hall Hotel DH1 1TD

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