Railway Mania

Railway Mania

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.

Mining Art Gallery, Bishop Auckland

Railways developed because of the need to transport coal and other minerals efficiently through varied landscape. And coalmining was an industry which prompted an artistic response. Wonder at the work of local and nationally known coalminers-come-artists at the Mining Art Gallery, part of The Auckland Project.

National Museum of the Royal Navy

Long before railways developed, the oceans served as highways. Explore HMS Trincomalee in Hartlepool, one of the oldest surviving British warships still afloat.

Saltburn Victorian Cliff Lift

Operating since 1884, this beautifully preserved lift transports visitors between the town’s elegant upper promenade and the charming seafront below. As you glide down, soak up stunning views of Saltburn’s golden beach, historic pier, and dramatic coastline.

Skerne Bridge

The oldest railway bridge in the world still in continuous operation. The bridge famously carried Locomotion No.1 and its passengers across the River Skerne on 27 September 1825.

St John’s Crossing/1825 Way

1822 – the first rail of the S&DR was laid. Some original S&DR buildings remain at St John’s Crossing (viewed from path). And a steel sculpture designed by artist Steve Tomlinson depicts Locomotion No. 1 with a group of spectators.

Did you know...

Locomotion is home to the largest collection of heritage rail vehicles, under cover, and on one site, anywhere in Europe.

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Tour suggestions…

Morning:
Locomotion, Shildon
Lunch options Hopetown Darlington Clocktower café

Afternoon:
Hopetown Darlington AND Skerne Bridge (new car park)
OR Preston Park Museum and Grounds
(Museum grounds only to view route of S&DR)
OR St John’s Crossing/1825 Way - Locomotion No 1 Steel sculpture

Morning:
Locomotion, Shildon
OR Hopetown Darlington Lunch Attraction cafes

Afternoon:
Mining Art Gallery, Bishop Auckland
OR Beamish Museum
OR National Museum of the Royal Navy, Hartlepool
AND Saltburn Victorian Cliff Lift

Suggested dwell time:
• Beamish Museum
(focus on Pockerly Waggonway and Rowley Station) 2hrs 30mins
• Hopetown Darlington 2hrs 30mins
• Locomotion Shildon 2hrs 30mins
• Mining Art Gallery, Bishop Auckland 1hr
• National Museum of the Royal Navy, Hartlepool 2hrs
• Preston Park grounds 40 mins
• Saltburn Victorian Cliff Lift 40 mins

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Hotel suggestions:

• Bannatyne Hotel, Darlington, DL3 7HZ
• Bowburn Hall Hotel, Durham City, DH6 5NH
• Delta by Marriott Hotel Durham Royal County, DH1 3JN
• Mercure Kings Head Hotel, Darlington, DL1 1NW
• Radisson Blu Hotel, Durham City, DH1 5TA
• Rockliffe Hall Hotel, Near Darlington, DL2 2DU

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Travelling Times…

• Locomotion to Hopetown Darlington 17 mins
• Hopetown Darlington to Preston Park 20 mins
• Locomotion to Mining Art Gallery 12 mins
• Locomotion to Beamish Museum 37 mins
• Locomotion to National Museum of the Royal Navy 42 mins
• Hopetown Darlington to Mining Art Gallery 26 mins
• Hopetown Darlington to Beamish Museum 41 mins
• National Museum of the Royal Navy to Saltburn 49 mins

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Sat Nav

• Beamish Museum, DH9 0RG
• Hopetown Darlington, DL1 1LG
• Locomotion Shildon, DL4 2RE
• Mining Art Gallery, Bishop Auckland, DL14 7NP
• National Museum of the Royal Navy, Hartlepool, TS24 0XZ
• Preston Park Museum and Grounds, TS18 3RJ
• Saltburn Victorian Cliff Lift, TS12 1HQ
• Skerne Bridge, Darlington, DL1 1UR

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