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.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Admission is free. Some exhibitions, events and activities carry a separate charge. Booking is recommended.
BOOK FREE SITE ADMISSION
It started here
In 1825, a railway journey changed the world forever. Locomotion No. 1 became the first steam locomotive to haul a passenger-carrying train on a public railway - the Stockton and Darlington Railway.
Hopetown Darlington is a 7.5 acre visitor attraction where every building has a unique story to tell.
Enter through the 1833 Goods Shed where there's now an artisan café, coal themed shop and a new railway-themed digital media experience. Visit North Road Station Museum, housed within an 1842 Victorian railway station, to discover Darlington’s story of rail engineering, ideas and invention. In the 1853 Carriage Works, you'll find the Exhibition Hall, featuring special exhibitions, and The Stores, where you can find over 30,000 railway heritage items on permanent display. In the brand-new, purpose-built Darlington Locomotive Works (home to the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust) you'll have the chance to view live engineering in action.
Out of doors, there's Wagon Woods, a railway-themed adventure play park that builds on the story of the Stockton & Darlington Railway. On Foundry Green you'll be able to enjoy festivals and events.
Welcome to Hopetown Darlington, the north of England's newest visitor attraction.
VISIT US
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.
Wagon Woods
Encourage children's imaginations to run free at our railway-themed immersive outdoor adventure play park.
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
Located within the Carriage Works, explore our archive and discover artefacts and objects that aren't on permanent display.
Exhibition Hall
Located within the Carriage Works, the Exhibitions Hall is where you can visit spectacular exhibitions and seasonal events: starting with Brick Journeys in 2024
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.
North Road Locomotive Works
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.
GETTING HERE
Find out all you need to know about getting to Hopetown Darlington including where to park.
How to book
Tuesday to Sunday 10:00-17.00.
Last entry 16:30.
Open on Mondays during school holidays.
Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Open New Years Day and all other bank holidays.
Entry to the site is free of charge.
Free site admission includes entry to North Road Station Museum, Darlington Locomotive Works viewing gallery and The Stores (where you can explore our archive and discover artefacts and objects not on permanent display), as well as the shop, café and outdoor areas.
Free tickets are required to enter the site, to manage capacity.
Some exhibitions, events and activities carry a separate charge.
If you require an essential companion or carer, they can visit the paid-for elements at Hopetown Darlington free of charge. Choose 'essential companion' from the drop-down menu when booking your tickets.
Booking online is recommended.
Capacity is limited so we recommend pre-booking your admission tickets. This will reduce queue times, allow you to plan your day with certainty and avoid disappointment.
You can also book your tickets in person at the welcome desk in the Goods Shed.
If you have booked tickets online and created an account, you can access all of your tickets from your account.
