HERITAGE WEEKENDS

The first full weekend of every month is dedicated to exploring engineering, heritage and locomotives

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: Restoring the Replica

Please note, May's Heritage Weekend will take place on Monday 4 May 2026.

Step inside the 1861 Shed this May and get hands‑on with history in the making.

After stealing the show during S&DR200, our 1975‑built replica is back in the shed for some well‑earned TLC. This is your chance to see what it really takes to keep a legendary locomotive in working order... up close, noisy, and fascinating.

For a limited time, the replica will be opened up for restoration, lifting the lid on the craftsmanship, care and clever engineering behind its future journeys. From freshly revealed components to behind‑the‑scenes stories, it’s locomotive restoration like you may never have seen before.

Tornado is back! Make sure to pop to Darlington Locomotive Works to see Tornado who has returned from her tour across Britain, including a recent visit to East Lancashire Railways.

Make sure to pop into the Merch Shed in Darlington Locomotive Works 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.

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.