Arthur Wharton: He Changed The World From Here
Thursday 11 June - Monday 31 August , 10:00am - 4:00pm
HOPETOWN DARLINGTON
We changed the world from here
Book a visit to your award-winning railway-themed visitor attraction
- Friday - We have closed for the day, we reopen tomorrow.
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.
EXPERIMENT!
Join Georgie and Stephen on our railway-themed time travel experience ride. An extraordinarily vivid immersion into passenger rail travel.
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
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.
STORIES
LET THE GAMES BEGIN!
This summer, as the World Cup kicks off, we're blowing the whistle on LET THE GAMES BEGIN! where history, heritage & sporting fun all play on the same team.
Railway Coffee Morning 10th Anniversary
April 2026 marks the 10th anniversary of Hopetown Darlington's monthly Railway Coffee Morning, a decade of memories, community, reminiscing, and support.
The Old Darlington Locomotive Works
Did you know Darlington’s legendary Darlington Locomotive Works served the railways for more than 100 years before closing on April 1st 1966?
GROUP VISITS
Our group packages offer exciting and unforgettable memories. Join us for a visit like no other to discover Darlington's railway heritage.