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Experience the atmosphere of the steam railway age and see Stephenson’s Locomotion No 1. Step back in time as you enter the historic North Road passenger station, dating from 1842. Head of Steam - Darlington Railway
Museum is a symbol of Darlington’s history as the ‘birthplace of the railways’. The museum itself is on the original route of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, the world’s first steam worked railway.
Explore the railway heritage of the North East of England through a remarkable collection of locomotives, carriages, models, signs, interactive displays and other exhibits.
The Museum is devoted to the area formerly served by the North Eastern Railway, with particular reference to the Stockton & Darlington Railway, and the railway industry of Darlington.
Exhibits include Stephenson's "Locomotion No. 1", built for the opening of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, and "Derwent", the earliest surviving Darlington built locomotive, on loan from The National Railway Museum Collection. Locomotion is one of the oldest surviving steam engines in the world and the first ever steam train to carry fare paying passengers.
A range of smaller items including station and lineside signs, uniforms, furniture, tableware and paintings, complements the larger exhibits. The entrance hall and ticket office are restored in period style, enhanced by displays of items such as porters' barrows, luggage, posters and advertising signs.
The museum also has a dedicated research centre, The Ken Hoole Study Centre, which has an extensive collection of documentary material, photographs, plans, books and periodicals. The core collection was bequeathed by Ken Hoole, (a renowned regional railway historian) but the Study Centre also houses material from numerous other sources, including the library collection of the North Eastern Railway Association.
Facilities
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free onsite parking
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railway cafe, open 11am to 3pm Monday to Sunday
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wheelchair access to most parts of the museum
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baby changing facilities within the museum main building
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Gift shop selling a wide range of souvenirs and memorabilia.
Darlington Railway Centre & Museum
North Road Station
Darlington
DL3 6ST
Tel: 01325 460532
Fax: 01325 287746
Email: museum@darlington.gov.uk
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