HERITAGE

A combination of open weekends, live steam rides and more to celebrate Darlington and all things railways!

Where the past powers the future!

After S&DR200, we couldn't just let the legacy of the festival fade. We will keep celebrating the pioneering influence the Stockton & Darlington Railway (S&DR) still has on the world today, and how the significant impact Darlington, the festival, and the railways have had globally over the last 200 years.

To put it simply... Heritage is the opening of the 'other side' of Hopetown Darlington which contains Darlington Locomotive Works, the 1861 Shed, the new heritage railway line and all the land in between.

The first weekend of every months sees Heritage Weekends giving you full access to Darlington Locomotive Works and the 1861 Shed, plus the chance to take part in memorable activities with our onsite partners.

Annually every September we celebrate the opening of the S&DR, just as we did for S&DR200 and all the years leading up to the bicentenary.

Working with onsite partners and those further afield, we'll host a series of visiting exhibitions, talks and lectures exploring the world of the railways associated with, or influenced by, Darlington, the S&DR and North Eastern Railways.

And, opening soon, we'll be launching brand new steam rides on the brand new heritage railway line!

Click on each of the cards below to discover what we mean by LEGACY:

Heritage Experiences

STEAM RIDES

Ride historic steam locomotives on a new heritage railway celebrating Darlington’s railway legacy, the S&DR, and its bicentenary in a memorable experience

HERITAGE WEEKENDS

The first full weekend of every month is dedicated to exploring engineering, discovering heritage, getting close to locomotives and meeting amazing volunteers

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

Held every September, the celebrations offers fun for families alongside inspiring experiences for railway heritage enthusiasts all in celebration of the S&DR