HERITAGE WEEKENDS
On the first full weekend of every month the doors to Darlington Locomotive Works and the 1861 Shed are opened for you to engage with Darlington’s pioneering and ongoing railway engineering. They’re free to visit and each month will engage with a different railway-related theme. Enjoy interactive demonstrations, practical activities, engineering talks, and hands-on experiences as you explore the workshops, chat with friendly volunteers, and stop by the merchandise stand for souvenirs to take home.
See locomotives under restoration, speak with dedicated volunteers and witness the ongoing construction of the UK's newest locomotive. Future weekends will see talks and lectures by visiting professionals and more 'hands on' experiences.
The theme for March is 'Working Parts'.
Step behind the scenes and discover the incredible engineering that powers locomotives and the railway. From pistons to fireboxes and boilers to brake systems, every locomotive is a symphony of mechanical components working in perfect harmony. In this workshop, you’ll explore the essential parts that keep steam engines running, learn how they connect, and uncover the fascinating stories behind their design.
What to expect:
- Guided exploration of real locomotive components on the J72 locomotive. Handle, inspect, and learn how components fit together.
- Why do steam engines go chuff? talk at 11am and 2pm on Saturday with Neal Woods from NELPG. Please meet in Darlington Locomotive Work 15 minutes before the talk is due to begin.
- A bespoke talk on the P2 Prince of Wales' Locomotive's Monoblock. 11am and 1pm on Sunday only.
- Clear, engaging explanations of how energy turns into motion in steam engines.
- Hands-on activities that let you experiment with working mechanisms and replica parts.
- Heritage insight into how engineers of the past shaped the railways we know today.
- Cab access to the Class 37 Diesel Locomotive - the last locomotive built in Darlington before the railway works all closed down. Open between 10.30am-3pm on both days.
Perfect For families, enthusiasts, students, and anyone who’s ever looked at a locomotive and wondered, “How does that work?”
And back by popular demand, ringing the replica's Locomotion No.1's bell is back in the 1861 Shed. Please note, the bell ringing will not take place between 11am-12pm and 2pm-3pm on Saturday whilst the NELPG talk takes place.
These experiences are also free of charge, however, donations are most welcome to help us bring more experiences to you.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Saturdays are the family fun days. Bring the whole family for a lively day of railway-themed adventures. Alongside the experiences listed above, an exciting trail guides young explorers to uncover items and discover the history of locomotives and engineering practices.
Sunday offers a deeper dive for those with a passion for engineering, locomotive history, and heritage railway preservation. The experiences listed above are still on offer, and make sure to pick up information leaflets and learn more about how to get involved with the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, Darlington Railway Preservation Society and North Eastern Locomotive Preservation Group through volunteer and covenant signup opportunities.
Each month will centre around a different theme
- January: Boilers
- February: Homegrown Heritage
- March: Working Parts
Further themes coming soon!
Join the S&DR 26 miles team for free drop in family crafts each Saturday as they celebrate the railway community! Add your own stations and trains to the Darlington Community Railway Line, design your own miniature Locomotive and share your railway memories as part of their memory collecting project.
Heritage Weekends are brought to you by Hopetown Darlington, The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust / The P2 Class Locomotive Company, Darlington Railway Preservation Society, North Eastern Locomotive Preservation Group and the S&DR26 Miles Team.
Please note
- Entry to the Locomotive Works and 1861 Shed is from within Hopetown Darlington’s grounds. Head to the Goods Shed to begin your journey.
- Your Heritage Weekend ticket is valid all day, so you can arrive and leave at any time during the day. If you wish to visit both the Saturday and the Sunday, you will need a separate – free – ticket for each day.
Have a marvellous time!
ARE YOU READY TO BOOK?
We can't wait to welcome you.