All steam ahead as doors open to new world class attraction
Hopetown Darlington, a new £37 million visitor attraction based in the birthplace of the passenger railway, has opened its doors to the public for the first time.
On Tuesday 16 July, visitors got their first chance to look around the attraction which brings to life the story of how Darlington changed the world as a pioneer of the modern railway.
By uniquely combining the old and the new, every building at Hopetown Darlington has a historical story to tell about the Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR). The S&DR operated from 1825 to 1863 and was the world's first public railway to use steam locomotives. Visitors to the newly opened Hopetown Darlington can learn the town’s impressive story through interactive exhibits and rides housed in some of the original, renovated railway buildings.
Steve Harker, leader of the councill, “I am delighted that we have been able to create such an amazing visitor attraction here in Darlington. It pays tribute to those who helped change the world by making passenger rail travel available to all.
“I would like to thank everyone involved in this impressive project from the investors and sponsors to the many varied and talented teams who have created this wonderful attraction and the local residents who have supported it. Hopetown Darlington brings our unique railway story to life, combining our proud history with the latest technology. Visitors of all ages, families and train enthusiasts, are guaranteed a fantastic day out.”
Libby McCollom, cabinet member for local services, “Hopetown Darlington is a destination tourist attraction which will attract visitors from the region, the rest of the UK and even around the world to our town.
“The unique chance to see live engineering work alongside original locos and the range of interactive displays, rides and impressive artworks means this is a place where we can all learn more about our shared past.”
The fun starts as soon as you park your car against the backdrop of Skerne Bridge – the world’s oldest railway bridge still in constant use, which featured on the £5 note in the 1990s. Thanks to augmented reality, you can see the original Locomotion No 1 steam across this iconic landmark.
You enter the site, for free, through the 1833 Goods Shed, the world’s earliest surviving example of a single level railway warehouse, where there's an artisan café serving locally sourced produce; a coal themed shop; interactive features, holograms and stunning artworks taking you to the heart of the S&DR story. Don’t forget to look up at the suspended model railway and spot two of Darlington’s most famous locomotives running above your head!
North Road Station Museum, housed within the original 1842 Victorian railway station, brings the story of rail engineering, ideas and invention in Darlington to life. Climb aboard replica Locomotion No1; see the Derwent locomotive – built by Kitching’s Foundry in 1845; meet characters from the past; watch paintings and sculptures come to life; dress up in Victorian attire and jump aboard Experiment! – a unique time travel immersive ride (opening September 2024)
In the 1853 Carriage Works, you'll find the Exhibition Hall which will host a series of special exhibitions kicking off with Brick Journeys, a LEGO® brick experience showcasing the world of transport using nearly one million LEGO bricks. You’ll also find The Stores, where you can explore the archive and artefacts of 30,000 objects and materials, reflecting the history of the railways in Darlington and the wider North East region from 1825 up until the late 20th century.
From the specially constructed viewing platform, take a look at live engineering in action at the new Darlington Locomotive Works as the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust builds the UK’s most powerful steam locomotive, the Prince of Wales.
Outside, there's Wagon Woods, a railway-themed adventure play park, retelling the dramatic way children saved runaway trains from derailment in the 1800s! Outside on Foundry Green you'll be able to enjoy a picnic or food from the cafe whilst enjoying live entertainment, music and events.
The project has been led by Darlington Borough Council with additional funding from the Tees Valley Combined Authority; The National Lottery Heritage Fund; Arts Council England; Historic England; the Railway Heritage Trust; Art Fund and the Levelling Up Fund.
Book your free tickets and find out more on the Hopetown website.