STEAM RIDES

The ride will operate between 10.30am - 3.30pm on the days it is in operation.

Rides will depart every 30 minutes.

The duration of the ride is approximately 20 - 25 minutes minutes.

We will be able to announce more ride dates in due course.

The ride is approximately 2km (1.25 miles)

There is a flat fare of £7.50 per passenger.

There are no discounts or concessions available. The full fare applies to all passengers including children, toddlers and carers.

Each passenger must carry a valid ticket and present this at the entrance to the visitor attraction and again to the ride operator.

There is capacity for 30 passengers 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. The ride departs from the 1861 Shed within the grounds of Hopetown Darlington.

Please allow up to 20 minutes to reach the 1861 Shed from the Goods Shed.

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.

Details correct at time of publication and may change without prior notice due to operational reasons.

The ride will operate come rain or sunshine, this is Britain after all. Always be prepared for the weather on the day, if it's looking gloomy or the forecast isn't great we recommend bringing an umbrella. 

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.