WELCOME TO HOPETOWN DARLINGTON
It's the bicentenary year!
Discover Darlington's story of engineering, ideas and invention
- Friday - We have closed for the day, we reopen tomorrow.
What's On
S&DR200 Presents
a festival celebrating the birth of the modern railway, March to November 2025
WHAT'S HERE
The Goods Shed
Housing a shop and cafe as well as a new digital media experience, this Grade II* listed building is the gateway to the site.
North Road Station Museum
Explore the story of Darlington’s pioneering progression of rail transport in the early 19th century in a museum housed in a Grade II* listed Victorian station.
The Carriage Works
Visit exciting events and exhibitions in the Exhibition Hall or explore our vast 30,000 railway collection in The Stores, both found in the Carriage Works
The Stores
Engage with our collection and archive and delve into the history of the railways in Darlington and North East England from 1825 until the late 20th century.
Exhibition Hall
Located within the Carriage Works, the Exhibitions Hall is where you can visit spectacular exhibitions and seasonal events including Halloween and Christmas.
Darlington Locomotive Works
Watch live engineering in action in the home of the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust. Come and see volunteers build the UK's newest steam locomotive, Prince of Wales.
1861 Shed
Home to our partners Darlington Railway Preservation Society and North Eastern Locomotive Preservation Group.
Skerne Bridge
The oldest operating railway bridge in the world, Skerne Bridge is a testament to the history of engineering on the Stockton & Darlington Railway.
Foundry Green
Relax, exercise, enjoy a picnic, walk the dog - or join us for a special event or festival in this vibrant outdoor space.
Lime Cells
A rare example of an early railway structure, the Lime Cells are one of the earliest known railway-associated buildings in England.
GROUP VISITS
Our group packages offer exciting and unforgettable memories. Join us for a visit like no other to discover Darlington's railway heritage.
STORIES
Lily Laundry Lady
Meet Dorothy, otherwise known as they the Lily Laundry Lady, and listen to her story about one of our items in our collection...
Double Award Win
We won big at the Heritage Railway Association Awards, brining our award total since opening to six seperate awards and accolades
S&DR200 festival launch
The S&DR200 festival will launch with All Change, a spectacular open-air event in Bishop Auckland combining dazzling projections, drones and performances.