HERITAGE WEEKENDS
Engage with Darlington’s pioneering and ongoing railway engineering
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.
Next month's theme
Internal Combustion (Diesel Locomotives)
Step inside the workshop this April and experience a whole new angle on railway heritage, as this time we swap steam for diesel. The newly arrived Class 08 shunter will be stripped right back, giving you a rare, close‑up look into the engineering that keeps these hardworking locomotives moving. From exposed components to expert insights, this is your chance to understand the Class 08 like never before.
What to expect:
- Join our knowledgeable team for engaging TEL (technology, engineering and locomotive) talks all about the Class 08, held at 11:30am and 1:30pm on both days (with Q&A). Discover why this locomotive became an industry icon and hear stories from its working life.
- Here to stay, form a queue at the 1861 Shed to take your turn ringing the replica Locomotion No.1's bell.
- “Complete the Tour” Ring Toss. Three cones, three destinations… can you land each ring at the right stop to complete the journey?
- As it's Easter, there will be themed games, crafts and activities for the younger ones to take part in.
- Pop into the Merch Shed to browse exclusive items, gifts, and railway‑themed treasures.
More activities are being planned and we'll be able to reveal these soon, stay tuned.
Perfect For families, enthusiasts, students, and anyone who’s ever looked at a locomotive and wondered, “How does that work?”
These experiences are all 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
- April: Internal Combustion (Diesel Locomotives)
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.