HERITAGE WEEKENDS
The first full weekend of every month is dedicated to exploring engineering, discovering heritage, getting close to locomotives and meeting amazing volunteers
STEAM RIDES
All aboard! Steam train rides are coming to Hopetown Darlington from Tuesday 26 May
Tickets will be launched on Thursday 30 April. Make sure to sign up to our mailing list to be the first to hear.
A thrilling new chapter of Darlington’s railway story steams into life!
Passengers will board a beautifully restored 1910 built, luxury Edwardian style London & South Western Railway No.1520 passenger carriage, finished in classic salmon and brown livery. The carriage will be hauled by a selection of locomotives, beginning with Andrew Barclay Works No.2134 known as 'W.T.T". Further down the line, selected journeys will also be hauled by Darlington’s internationally renowned legend No.60163 ‘Tornado’, as well as our very own Replica Locomotion No.1.
This brand-new seasonal experience marks a major milestone for our award winning visitor attraction, offering visitors the rare opportunity to ride behind historic steam locomotives on the attraction's brand new heritage railway line.
The steam ride celebrates Darlington’s pioneering railway story, the enduring legacy of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, and the international significance of the S&DR 200 bicentenary. This is more than a one off attraction, it’s a permanent new experience designed to inspire, excite and be enjoyed by generations to come.
From the hiss of steam to the rhythm of the rails, this is a chance to experience history in motion. Whether you’re a lifelong railway enthusiast or discovering steam for the first time, get ready to create unforgettable memories where heritage, engineering and family fun steam ahead together.
Please make sure to read the FAQs below before booking a ride ticket.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust for their valued partnership and collaborative approach throughout the development of this project. Working closely with Hopetown Darlington, the Darlington Railway Preservation Society and other specialist partners, their knowledge, experience and practical support have played an important role in delivering the new mainline connection and heritage railway line. The Trust’s continued involvement, including the participation of No.60163 Tornado, reflects a shared commitment to high-quality heritage, careful engineering and ensuring Darlington’s railway story can be experienced, enjoyed and understood by future generations.
FAQs
The ride will operate between 10.15am - 3.15pm on the days it is in operation.
Rides will depart every 30 minutes.
The duration of the ride is approximately 20 - 25 minutes minutes.
There is a flat fare of £7.50 per passenger for ages 1+.
Each passenger must carry a valid ticket and present this at the entrance to the visitor attraction and again to the ride operator.
Book your tickets here.
The passenger coach has capacity for 30 passenger per ride.
While work begins on constructing a permanent platform at the 1861 Shed, passenger boarding will take place outside of the building using a temporary boarding arrangement. During this initial phase, access to the carriage will be via a set of temporary platform steps and, unfortunately, will not be fully accessible as there is currently no ramp or lift in place.
We sincerely apologise for this temporary limitation and understand how important accessibility is for our visitors. We are actively working on a thoughtful alternative offer for those who are unable to take part in the ride during this early phase, and further details will be shared soon.
A permanent new platform at the 1861 Shed will be fully accessible when opened later this year.
You must enter Hopetown Darlington through the Goods Shed as normal. Please allow up to 30 minutes to reach the 1861 Shed.
Entrance to the ride is at the 1861 Shed within the grounds of Hopetown Darlington.
The route involves crossing a bridge over the railway line.
The route is accessible and their are toilets and baby changing facilities throughout. Find out more about site accessibility here.
The ride is operated by the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust on behalf of Hopetown Darlington (Darlington Borough Council).
Passenger Carriages
- London & South Western Railway No.1520 passenger carriage
- Experiment! passenger carriage used during S&DR200
Locomotives
- Andrew Barclay Works No.2134 'W.T.T'.
- A1 Peppercorn Class 60163 'Tornado'
- Replica Locomotion No.1
Disclaimer
In the event of a locomotive breakdown, the ride may be operated by a diesel locomotive.
You will be riding in a heritage vehicle. Unfortunately food and drink, except water, are not permitted on board the ride.
Unfortunately prams and buggies are not permitted on board.
These can be stored in the pram store next to the Goods Shed (next to the main entrance of the site) or next to the lift at the bridge. Signage will be in place.
These are left at the owners risk.
Small bags up to a standard backpack size are welcome on board. Please do not bring larger backs, including suitcases, on board.
Random bag searches may be carried out.
Only guide / assistance dogs are permitted on the ride. No other animals are permitted on board.
Yes, and yes again! Please capture and film as much content as you like to post online. All we ask if for you to kindly tag us as we occasionally share visitors experiences online.
Heritage Experiences
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
EXHIBITIONS, TALKS AND LECTURES
Discover Darlington's pioneering railway heritage through a series of visiting exhibitions, lectures and talks