All aboard! Next stop, Hopetown Darlington
Step back in time and learn all about the history of the steam railway at Hopetown Darlington!
This brand new North East visitor attraction is a one stop shop for families and train enthusiasts to learn all about Darlington's heritage and how we fit into the story of the railways.
Where is Hopetown Darlington?
You can find the Hopetown site at McNay Street, Darlington, DL3 6SW.
Where can I park?
The dedicated Hopetown car park is behind JD Gyms, just off John Street along North Road. Sat Nav users can use DL1 1LG. Parking charges are £1 per hour or £4 for a day ticket.
What is there to do at Hopetown Darlington?
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Enter through the 1833 Goods Shed where there's now an artisan café, coal themed shop and a new railway-themed digital media experience
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Visit North Road Station Museum, housed within an 1842 Victorian railway station, to discover Darlington’s story of rail engineering, ideas and invention
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In the 1853 Carriage Works, you'll find the Exhibition Hall, featuring special exhibitions, and The Stores, where you can explore our archive and artefacts not on permanent display
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In the brand-new, purpose-built Darlington Locomotive Works (home to the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust) you'll have the chance to view live engineering in action
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There's Wagon Woods, a railway-themed adventure play park that builds on the story of the Stockton & Darlington Railway
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On Foundry Green you'll be able to enjoy festivals and events (open spring 2025)
What are the opening times?
The site is open every day from 10am to 5pm.
How much is a ticket to Hopetown Darlington?
Hopetown Darlington is free to enter. Some exhibitions, events and activities carry a separate charge. We recommend pre-booking for your comfort and convenience. You can obtain your tickets for all events, activities and exhibitions at the welcome desk on the day, subject to availability.
Can I get the train there?
Hopetown Darlington shares a site with North Road (Darlington) railway station. The station is served hourly, in each direction, by Northern Trains on the Saltburn to Bishop Auckland railway line. From here you can connect to the main Darlington Railway Station (Bank Top) which benefits from mainline connections to the rest of Britain.
The site is approximately 30 minutes from Newcastle and York, two hours from Edinburgh and two and a half hours from London.
Is Hopetown Darlington accessible?
There are limited accessible parking spaces in the Hopetown car park (DL1 1LG). McNay Street will also offer accessible parking spaces that are closer to the attraction entrance.
Accessible toilets are located within the Goods Shed, North Road Station Museum and the Carriage Works buildings. There is also an accessible toilet near to The Kiosk.
There is a ramp that leads up to the Goods Shed main entrance and also to North Road Station Museum's entrance. There is a lift to access the bridge leading to Darlington Locomotive Works and there is a lift within the multi-level Carriage Works building.
The Wagon Woods playground is accessible for wheelchairs and even includes a wheelchair-friendly slide.
Assistance dogs are permitted.
If you have any more questions, please visit the Hopetown Darlington FAQs. Or if you're ready to plan your visit, book your tickets now!