Tracks Through Time

Tracks Through Time

Durham holds a special place in the history of the railways, being the birthplace of the modern railway system. This region, rich in industrial heritage, played a pivotal role in shaping the development of railways not only in the UK but across the world.

Whether you’re an enthusiast of industrial history, a lover of scenic rail journeys, or simply curious about how the railways shaped the world we live in today, a visit to Durham will get you on track for a great getaway.

• The 27 September 2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR), which gave birth to the modern railway. To celebrate this landmark anniversary, the nine-month S&DR200 Festival will take place across Durham and Tees Valley from March to November 2025, with a series of free large-scale outdoor events, exhibitions in world-class museums and new art commissions.

• With the opening of New Hall at Locomotion, the museum became home to the largest collection of historic railway vehicles, under cover, on one site anywhere in Europe! A definite must-visit attraction for railway enthusiasts, located in Shildon - the world’s first railway town.

• Weardale Railway was originally opened in 1847 to transport limestone from the quarries in Weardale to the industrial centre in Teesside, making it an important part of the Industrial Revolution. Nowadays visitors can hop onboard passenger trains and enjoy a ride along an 18-mile heritage line through the stunning scenery of the Durham Dales and North Pennines National Landscape.

• Hopetown Darlington. A town renowned for its rich railway heritage, located on the original Stockton and Darlington Railway route. Here you can discover the story of engineering, ideas and invention as you explore the vast collection of over 30,000 objects.

• At Beamish, The Living Museum of the North groups can enjoy a stream train ride through the Georgian area landscape, hauled by Puffing Billy - a replica of the original locomotive built in 1813. And in the 1900s Town you can explore Rowley Station, with its original signal box, waiting rooms and goods yard.

Did you know...

Durham is home to the oldest surviving single-arch railway bridge in the world! Causey Arch bridge was built by local stonemason Ralph Wood, in 1725-26. Since the railway closed, the area has been taken over by nature and is now a beautiful walking spot.

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

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Tour suggestions…

Half day:
Locomotion or Hopetown Darlington

Full day:
Beamish Museum
or
Locomotion plus Weardale Railway
Locomotion and Hopetown Darlington

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Hotel suggestions…

Bowburn Hall Hotel
Lumley Castle Hotel
Park Head Hotel

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Useful information…

Coach travelling time:
Locomotion to Hopetown - 20 mins

Sat Nav:
Beamish Museum DH9 0RG
Bowburn Hall Hotel TS21 2EH
Hopetown DL3 6SW
Locomotion DL4 2RE
Lumley Castle Hotel DH3 4NX
Park Head Hotel DL14 8QB
Weardale Railway DL13 2YS
(Stanhope Railway Station)

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