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 new 7.5 acre railway-themed 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 explore our archive and artefacts not 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.
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Pricing info
Site admission is free. Free site admission grants you entry to the Goods Shed, Goods Yard, North Road Station Museum, Darlington Locomotive Work, The Stores and Foundry Green.
Some exhibitions, events and activities carry a separate charge.
WAGON WOODS PLAY PARK
Babies under 1 – free of charge
Essential companions/carers – free of charge
Children aged 1-12 off-peak – £3.50
Children aged 1-12 peak – £5
Peak pricing applies during weekends and school holidays. Off peak pricing applies at all other times.
Booking online is recommended.
Opening hours
Darlington School Holidays
Monday – Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00
Term Time
Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00
