Name: Locomotion
Rating: 5.0

Locomotion

Locomotion, Shildon DL4 2RE, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

Welcome to Locomotion in Shildon, where you can have a fun family day out in the birthplace of the railways. See incredible model railway layouts and brilliant models in action in this exhibition of vintage Hornby products and more.

Own a (small) piece of history with our model locomotives range, with exquisitely detailed exclusive creations and products from recognised brands. Every purchase helps support our museum. Find out about all the exciting events and activities happening this year.

Museum admission is free. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Hands-On History: Get up close to engineering masterpieces in the main exhibition hall, which houses over 60 rail vehicles in a dramatic, modern setting.
Historic Railway Trail: Take a walk along the 1 km demonstration line, featuring historic landmarks like Timothy Hackworth’s house, coal drops, and the original goods shed.
Family-Friendly Exploration: Younger visitors can enjoy the children’s playground, picnic areas, and interactive exhibits scattered throughout the site.
Conservation Workshops: Peer into the restoration gallery to see volunteers working on historic locomotives and carriages, providing a rare look at the preservation process.

What to See

Locomotion No. 1: See the legendary engine that hauled the first passenger service on the Stockton and Darlington Railway back in 1825.
Advanced Passenger Train (APT-E): Marvel at this sleek, gas-turbine prototype that pushed the boundaries of rail speed in the 1970s.
Deltic Prototype (DP1): Discover the powerful diesel locomotive that changed the future of British rail travel.
Sans Pareil: Visit the replica and original versions of this historic engine, which competed in the famous Rainhill Trials of 1829.
Timothy Hackworth’s Cottage: Step inside the home of the pioneering railway engineer to see how a family lived during the early days of the railway town.

Facilities

Toilets: Accessible facilities are available on-site, including baby changing areas.
Café Number One: Open daily with a range of hot and cold food, children’s lunch boxes, and drinks.
Museum Shop: Located near the exit, it sells railway models, books, classic Hornby train sets, and branded gifts.
Accessibility: The site is largely level and accessible, with lifts and ramps provided for exhibition halls and historic buildings.

Pro-Tips for Families

Check the Event Calendar: Locomotion hosts frequent special events, live steam days, and model railway exhibitions, so check the website before you travel.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: The museum site is spread out along a 1 km trail, so you will be doing plenty of walking between the historic buildings and the main hall.
Picnic Weather: If the weather is fine, bring a picnic to enjoy in the outdoor seating area next to the children’s playground.
Bag Searches: Be aware that the museum conducts occasional bag searches on arrival for public safety.

Targeted FAQ

Is the museum worth it for toddlers? Yes, the museum is very engaging for toddlers who love big machines, with plenty of space to run around safely and a dedicated playground for some outdoor fun.
How long does a visit take? Most families find that 2 to 3 hours is the perfect amount of time to explore the main hall, walk the historic trail, and grab a snack in the café.
Where is the best place to park? The museum has its own free car park on-site, which is very convenient and provides easy access to the main museum entrance and trail.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love:

The museum is vast and feels like a real "train heaven" for kids who are obsessed with engines.
The combination of outdoor space and indoor halls provides a great balance for restless children.
The staff and volunteers are consistently praised for being knowledgeable and passionate about the history.
It offers excellent value as a high-quality, free day out that can easily fill an entire afternoon.

What Visitors Don't Like:

The museum is quite spread out, which can be tiring for very small children if they are not used to walking.
The café can get busy during peak holiday times, so it is worth timing your lunch early or late.
Some of the historic outdoor buildings have limited space for larger buggies or prams.

What to see

Detailed Inventory of Museum Collections

The museum displays an impressive variety of historic railway stock and artifacts:
BR Merry-Go-Round HAA Coal Hopper Wagon (368459): The very last of over 10,000 HAA wagons built at Shildon.
Queen Mary Brake Van (B56283): A classic piece of rolling stock often used for museum passenger trips.
Night Ferry Sleeping Car (3972): A rare piece of international rail history from the historic London-to-Paris service.
Stockton and Darlington Railway Coach (No. 31): An 1846 carriage that represents the early era of passenger travel.
Class 43 HST Power Car (43102): Known as "The Journey Shrinker," this holds the world speed record for diesel traction.
Sentinel Diesel-hydraulic Shunter (H001): An essential piece of industrial railway equipment used for moving trains around depots.
Snow Plough No. 12: A rugged piece of North Eastern Railway equipment built to keep the lines clear in winter.
High Speed Freight Vehicle (HSFV1): A fascinating experimental vehicle that helped inform the design of future high-speed passenger trains.

Beyond the Main Attraction

The museum is located in Shildon, a town deeply connected to railway history, with plenty nearby:
Auckland Castle and Deer Park: Just a short drive away, this historic site offers sprawling grounds and heritage tours.
Shildon Town Trails: Explore the local area via signposted walking routes that delve deeper into the town’s status as the first railway town.
Durham Dales: Use the museum as a starting point to explore the scenic countryside of County Durham.
The Mining Art Gallery: Visit the nearby town of Bishop Auckland to see unique collections documenting the history of mining in the North East.

New for 2026

The museum has introduced several exciting updates and special features to mark the 2026 season:
Flying Scotsman Summer Visit: The legendary steam locomotive will be on display at the museum from 4–31 August, with exclusive train rides available on selected dates.
Robert Stephenson Bronze Statue: View this newly installed, grade II-listed commemorative statue, marking the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway.
Summer Festival Activities: Running from 18 July to 31 August, the museum will feature a pop-up beach, family-friendly craft sessions, and outdoor entertainment.
Twilight Trains: Celebrate the autumn season with a magical event on 31 October and 1 November, featuring illuminated train displays and lantern-lit trails.

Events: For more upcoming events please visit here.

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

The museum does not currently advertise specific children’s birthday party packages. For private event inquiries or venue hire, you can email events@railwaymuseum.org.uk or call 01904 686226.

We are open seven days a week all year round, except 24 – 26 December.
Our opening hours are 10.00–17.00 (summer), 10.00–16.00 (winter).

Address: Locomotion, Shildon DL4 2RE, UK

Post Code: DL4 2RE

Council: County Durham

County: County Durham

By car: If you’re using a satnav, enter DL4 2RE for the main car park. Follow the road into the industrial estate; the car park is the last turn on the left. Alternatively, follow the brown tourist signs found on these routes: From A689 towards Bishop Auckland (Rushyford/Eden Arms Roundabout). From A688 (Bishop Auckland) at roundabout onto West Auckland Road (A6072). Take Junction 58 on A1(M) onto the A68 (for Corbridge) and follow the Locomotion signs. We’re just 15 minutes from the A1(M).
By train: We are a 10-15 minute walk from Shildon railway station (SHD), served by Northern Rail trains from Darlington and Bishop Auckland.
By bus: Regular bus services run from Bishop Auckland and Darlington. Arriva number 1 (from Darlington) and number 5 (from Bishop Auckland) stop on Dale Road, just outside Locomotion.
On foot: Locomotion is a 30-45 minute walk away from Shildon town centre.
Parking: Free parking. If you're using a satnav, enter DL4 2RE for the main car park. Follow the access road—the car park is the last turn on the left. To reach the entrance to Main Hall from the car park, please follow the pedestrian signs along the safe walking route at the bottom of the car park.