Age: 10-16
Create a Character and start a story
Running time: 2 hours
Be inspired by our collections in The Stores and create your own railway character. Start a story for your character by using a storyboard template.
Home Educators
Bookings are open for home educator visits up to January 2026
BOOK TICKETS
Home educating families are welcome to visit Hopetown Darlington to explore our interactive museum, enjoy a bespoke workshop, play in Wagon Woods and plenty more.
Please check the schedule for the workshops below and click each title to book a space.
| Date and time | Workshop | Age Range |
| Tue 11 November, 10.30am | Create a Character and Start a Story | 10-16 years |
| Wed 3 December, 10.30am | Christmas Arts and Crafts | 6-10 years |
| Wed 3 December, 1.30pm | Christmas Arts and Crafts | 10-16 years |
| Tue 13 January, 10.30am | Construction Challenges | 6-10 years |
| Tue 13 January, 1.30pm | Construction Challenges | 10-16 years |
| Wed 21 January, 1.30pm | The Opening Day of the Stockton & Darlington Railway | 6-16 years |
| 19 February, 17 March, 13 May | Save the dates - further workshop details to come! |
If you are including charged activities such as Experiment! or a visit to an exhibition or activity to your overall visit you will need to book tickets separately and pay by credit or debit card at the time of booking. We are no longer able to offer invoices.
Once you have booked we will send you an e-ticket that you must bring with you for entry into Hopetown Darlington.
Younger siblings are welcome to attend but must be accompanied by their adults at all times.
Coming soon, you'll be able to browse our learning resources for free activity sheets to encourage questioning and curiosity during your visit.
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
Age: 6-16
Christmas Arts and Crafts
Running time: 2 hours
Get in a Christmas mood by making and decorating cards and decorations to take home. We’ve got origami, paint and ceramic pens to use, and some seasonal treats!
Age: 6-16
Construction Challenges
Running time: 2 hours
Be inspired by our engineering past as we design transport for the future! We've a carousel of activities using Lego, K’nex, card & wooden pieces to make models
GETTING HERE
Find out all you need to know about getting to Hopetown Darlington, including where to park.
Planning and booking your visit
£4 per child
The fee includes a one hour workshop and one hour play in Wagon Woods
Some special workshops may be free of charge. Please check each workshop for pricing information.
Home educating families, networks and groups can check availability, build an itinerary and book using the booking button below this information panel.
If you or your child or children have access needs, discover everything you need to know prior to your visit.
Please read our terms and conditions prior to your visit.