GROUP VISITS
Next stop, Hopetown Darlington
Looking for a group visit that truly stands out? Hopetown Darlington offers an unmissable day out at the birthplace of the modern railway, where world-changing history, immersive experiences and live engineering come together in one exceptional destination.
Whether you’re planning a self-guided short stop, a full day excursion or part of a wider itinerary - including a tour of the museum - our team can help you create a bespoke visit that will leave your group inspired and talking long after they’ve returned home.
Step into railway history
Begin your journey in the Grade II* listed Goods Shed, the oldest surviving railway goods building of its kind, before exploring a site rich in heritage. Across multiple historic buildings - including the North Road Station Museum and the Carriage Works - your group will discover over 200 years of innovation that shaped the modern world. From early locomotives to the growth of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, the permanent exhibition combines authentic artefacts, compelling stories and immersive displays to bring railway history vividly to life. Alongside this, a rolling programme of temporary exhibitions ensures there’s always something new to discover.
Experiences you won’t find anywhere else
Hopetown Darlington goes beyond a traditional museum visit, offering memorable, hands-on experiences:
- Experiment! – a unique, immersive time-travel ride exploring the past, present and future of rail travel. Designed as a gentle, seated experience, it’s accessible and enjoyable for all visitors.
- Steam train rides* – step aboard and experience the magic of heritage rail travel for yourself on our heritage railway line.
- Live engineering in action – witness the future of steam as the UK’s newest locomotive takes shape at Darlington Locomotive Works.
Make a day of it
With a welcoming café, shop and outdoor spaces, there’s plenty of opportunity to relax and socialise. And not forgetting our famous scones, a highlight for many visiting groups, and our exclusive Black Diamond Ice Cream found no where else in the country
From heritage organisations and special interest groups to community and leisure visitors, every visit can be tailored to suit your interests, pace and itinerary. With free site admission, exclusive group rates on tours and experiences, and a setting unlike anywhere else in the UK, Hopetown Darlington is fast becoming one of the region’s must-visit attractions for groups.
Book your group visit today and bring railway history to life.
*Steam rides operate seasonally. Charges may apply for selected exhibitions and experiences. All charges will be discussed during your enquiry.
A self-guided visit
offers you the freedom to explore at your own pace
Include a tour of North Road Station Museum
to see historic locomotives and heritage railway collection on display
Hop aboard the ride Experiment!
to see how Darlington shaped the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am - 4pm
Also open on Mondays during Darlington's school holidays.
Open on bank holidays.
Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.
A group visit to Hopetown Darlington is a party that consists of 10 or more people.
- Max. group size for self led visits- No max. limit
- Max. group size for tours of North Road Station Museum - 20 people
Groups of 20+ who require a tour will be split across two or more seperate tours.
Admission to Hopetown Darlington is free so there is no charge for self-guided visits.
Rides on Experiment!
- Usual price - £5 per person
Rides on the steam train
- Usual price - £7.50 per person
Tours of North Road Station Museum (45 mins)
- Usual price - £10 per person
These prices can be discounted for group visits depending on group size. Please get in touch.
Coach drop off is on Station Road directly outside Hopetown Darlington. There is no coach parking on site. The nearest dedicated coach parking is in Chesnut Street Car Park*, a 9 minute walk away.
Coaches can park in Skerne Bridge Car Park* across multiple bays, but each bay parked in must be paid for.
Coach drivers receive a voucher for free refreshments in Clocktower Café.
Why not travel to us by train instead? We share a site with North Road Railway Station!
*both car parks are chargeable, including for coaches. Car parks are owned and operated by Darlington Borough Council, not Hopetown Darlington.
Vehicles left at owners risk.
Use the online form below or email hopetown@darlington.gov.uk
All group visits must be booked in advance in order to secure a member of staff to host the tour and to reserve any additional appropriate tickets. Please aim to finalise and complete your booking at least 10 days in advance of your visit if possible.
Pre-booked groups will be greeted at the Welcome Desk in the Goods Shed.
Site admission is free for all, including a self-led group. Free site admission includes entry to North Road Station Museum, Darlington Locomotive Works' viewing gallery* and The Stores, as well as the shop, café and outdoor areas.
Some exhibitions, events and activities carry a separate charge. For these, a separate ticket is required, in addition to a free site admission ticket. This also applied for a ride on Experiment! and on the steam train rides. This will be discussed during your booking.
*if your group visit falls on the first full weekend of every month, your free ticket also grants you free entry to the workshop in Darlington Locomotive Works, and to the 1861 Shed.
The core group visit will be self-led, please see information above.
If your group selects a tour, a 45 minute tour of North Road Station Museum will be scheduled into your itinerary. The remainder of your visit will be entirely self-led.