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.
North Road Station Museum
Discover how ideas can change the world
Explore the story of Darlington’s pioneering progression of rail transport in the early 19th century. Experience the amazing stories of the people connected to this special place. Learn how ideas from the North-East helped launch a network of passenger railway routes across the country.
It’s a story that we are uniquely placed to tell, on the site of the world’s first steam-powered public railway - where a journey in 1825 changed the world forever.
Using hands-on exhibits and experiences, interactives and digital storytelling techniques that bring the railways to life, this new exhibition explores the influential lineage between railway innovation and advancement in society. Housed inside a Grade II* listed Victorian railway station, it celebrates the past, present and future of rail travel and engineering brilliance.
Take a voyage of discovery and explore the world on track.
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Stories
Moving on up
How we moved star exhibit Derwent from the track to the platform in North Road Station Museum.
It's 5 o' clock somewhere: from Darlington time to GMT
Standardisation of time is all down to the expansion of the railways!
Hopetown's got pots of character
Find out about Hopetown's connection with pottery, past and present.
Is it a bird, is it a plane? Is it a loco, is it a train?
Is it a locomotive or is it a train? There's a lot of terminology in the railway world so let us explain the difference between a train and a locomotive.
VENUE HIRE
Set in characterful surroundings, Hopetown Darlington is the perfect space to hire for any occasion - whether for work or play