Hopetown Darlington is pleased to welcome the North Eastern Railway Association with their programme of fascinating talks. These lectures focus on a range of railway topics, and include a Q&A session. March 8th: Repression to Recognition: Walter Hudson and the growth of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants from 1867 to 1897 (Ian Mitchell) June 7th: Getting to Wearhead: The S&DR and the NER in Weardale (John Addyman) September 6th: William Bouch of Shildon Locomotive Engineer (Neil Mackay)

Discover our programme of workshops aimed at children aged 610. From taking an in-depth look at a small selection of the 30,000 objects in our collection in The Stores, handling objects like a curator and complete short interactive activities, to finding out the untold history of Darlington, its association with the railways and how we tell this pioneering history, there's plenty of workshops to complete your home educating programme. Workshops are followed by one hours play in Wagon Woods.

We are excited to our first Steampunk Weekend for you to all come and explore! Come along and experience a reimagining of the past, where steam power is the primary energy source, and fantastical inventions await! The Goods Shed is home to the Clocktower Café with delicious cakes, tea and coffee, Hopetown Goods & Gifts and a digital media experience. Explore the North Road Station Museum filled with a variety of Steampunk stalls selling Victoriana, jewellery, clothes, hats and assorted crafts. Table top games Live entertainment and activities Classic vehicle display Tea duelling and Umbrella duelling Photo opportunities throughout the site with onsite photographer Best dressed costume prizes Reallife Marionette Daily promenades along the museum platform and through the Station Garden Engage with the museum’s collections and archive and delve into the history of the Stockton & Darlington Railway. Discover objects and artefacts relating to the development and operation of railways in North East England. Enjoy live music, including Alice Strange (Saturday),Captain of the Lost Waves (Sunday) and the Cogkneys (Sunday).

Join Richard Barber for a talk detailing the Darlington section of the the East Coast Mainline through Country Durham. More details to follow.

Welcome to the new Heritage Open weekends at Hopetown Darlington. On the first weekend of every month, we open the doors to Darlington Locomotive Works and the 1861 Shed for you to engage with Darlington’s pioneering and ongoing railway engineering. They’re free to visit and each month will engage with a different railwayrelated theme. The theme for January is BOILERS. Here’s what you can expect at the first Heritage Weekend: SATURDAY: FAMILY FUN DAY Bring the whole family for a lively day of railwaythemed adventures. Set off on a special treasurehunt style trail beginning in North Road Station Museum and guiding young explorers to the Viewing Gallery, into the Darlington Locomotive Workshop and, weather permitting, up to the historic 1861 Shed. Expect plenty of handson fun as you uncover clues and discover the history of locomotives. Join us at 11am or 1pm for Terry’s Talks an engaging, familyfriendly introduction to Darlington’s railway history, featuring the stories of the iconic locomotive Tornado and the Uks newest steam locomotive Prince of Wales. Throughout the day, enjoy interactive demonstrations, including practical activities inspired by boilers and nameplates. Explore the workshops, chat with friendly volunteers, and stop by the merchandise stand for souvenirs to take home. SUNDAY: RAILWAY HERITAGE DAY Sunday offers a deeper dive for those with a passion for engineering, locomotive history, and heritage railway preservation. Attend Terry’s Talks at 11am or 1pm for a detailed lecture exploring the development of the P2 boiler, with insights into its relationship with the A1 design. Each session includes time for Q&A with the Terry, project manager for the P2 Class No.2007 Prince of Wales. Discover handson demonstrations centred around the newly delivered boiler for the Class P2 and take the opportunity to explore the workshops at your own pace. Knowledgeable volunteers will be on hand throughout the day to discuss current projects and answer questions. Visitors can also browse the merchandise stand, pick up information leaflets, and learn more about how to get involved through volunteer signup opportunities.

Have you got a passion for wheels and motors? If so, you’ll love to hear that classic vehicles are returning to the heart of railway heritage for our inaugural Classic Vehicle Rally. Head on down to Hopetown Darlington to see some of the most beautiful classic cars and motorbikes from decades gone by and chat to their owners. There will be plenty of polishedup vehicles on display for serious enthusiasts and casual visitors to enjoy and pose for those amazing selfies. There will also be vintage stalls for you to rummage through and peruse too. It’s a fantastic day out for enthusiasts and families alike. Admission is totally free of charge.

Pop on down to Hopetown Darlington's Dementia Café Our Dementia Café is a safe and welcoming space for those living with dementia, their friends and family, and anybody who has been impacted by dementia to have a cup of tea and chat with others who understand. The café gives the perfect opportunity to chat (even if that's about a dementia diagnosis and what that means for the future),take part in mindful activities, keep active, make new friends and feel more confident. There'll be crafts and games too.

Welcome... to Jurassic Town. Get ready to have a TRexcellent time at Hopetown Darlington with some very special visitors! Experience the excitement of meeting (almost) real dinosaurs! RentaDinosaur is a theatre company who puppeteer extraordinarily realisticlooking dinosaurs, and perform enchanting theatrical shows guaranteed to amaze and delight. Watch the interactive, comedic and educational show How To Train Your Dinosaur, meet and greet the walkabout dinosaurs (if you dare!),and enjoy feeding time with the Dino Babies! Prehysteric laughter guaranteed! This event is suitable for the whole family. The day will run as follows: 10.30am Dino Walkabout 11.30am Dino Theatre Show 1.00pm Dino Walkabout 2.00pm Dino Theatre Show

Join Hopetown Darlington's popular Railway Coffee Morning. The coffee morning is a men's group open to former railway employees or those with an association with the railways in Darlington and wider area. It's a chance to reminisce about their time on the railways, talk about what's going on in their lives, and to take part in railwaythemed activities together such as regular visits to the 1861 Shed and Darlington Locomotive Works. The group is aimed at men with a former connection with the railways and who may be experiencing social isolation, depression and anxiety and simply just need someone to talk to and a place to meet their mates and make new friends. Railway Coffee Morning is on the last Thursday between 11am12pm and takes place in Clocktower Cafe in the Goods Shed. You can book a site admission ticket if you wish but there’s no need to, you can just turn up. Hope to see you there! p.s. your first drink every week is on the house.

Browse a charming array of vintageinspired stalls in the historic Carriage Works, where the past comes alive in a delightful array of oldfashioned stalls, curiosities, collectables, treasures and timehonoured goods that would make any ration book blush. Perfect for a leisurely Sunday stroll and a spot of shopping. Step into a world of polished brass, pretty china, wellloved books, fine fabrics, collectables, keepsakes and curiosities, all displayed by our wonderful vintage traders for your enjoyment and discovery. Whether you are searching for something special, hunting a little treasure, or simply enjoying a gentle browse, there will be plenty to catch your eye. Enjoy the pleasure of finding something you didn’t even know you were looking for. Wander through a colourful collection of vintage and vintageinspired stalls. A chance to wander, peruse, potter and purchase at your leisure, just as shoppers once did. So take your time, enjoy the atmosphere, have a chat with our stallholders, and perhaps go home with something rather lovely tucked under your arm. Alongside the browsing, enjoy lively entertainment throughout the day, adding energy, music and atmosphere while you shop, stroll and socialise. Come and browse, come and buy, come and enjoy a little step back in time, and take a little piece of the past home with you. Would you like to trade on the Vintage Wares and Wonders day? Get in touch with us.

Step out in style and back in time for our grand finale! Monday will see us fully transported to the 1940s, with a day dedicated to the sights, sounds and spirit of the era. It’s a properly splendid community day full of music, laughter and good old British spirit… the sort that keeps us smiling whatever the weather! There will be lively entertainment in the Goods Yard, rousing tunes, and dancing for those who fancy a turn around the floor, along with a fine display of 1940s era vehicles outside of North Road Station Museum to admire. Enjoy themed food and drinks, inspired by wartime favourites (with a few welcome comforts too!),and have a go at traditional games and activities for young and old. At the heart of it all will be our Community Tea Party because no good gathering is complete without a nice cup of tea, a bit of cake or a scone, and a friendly chat. Do come along, pull up a chair, and enjoy the company. When you have a moment, do head across to Foundry Green where you will find a WW2 Supermarine Spitfire on display. Perfect for a photo opportunity and to learn more about the important role this aircraft served during the war. So, dust off your best hat, polish your shoes, pin on your victory curls or braces, and if you can, come dressed in your finest 1940s fashion. Whether you come to dance, sing, remember, or simply enjoy the atmosphere, you’ll find a warm welcome and plenty of smiles waiting. Expect period vehicles, entertainment and activities worthy of a Home Front celebration. Let’s make a day of it to celebrate community, togetherness, cheer, and everyone just having a jolly good time. Would you like to get involved in 1940s day as a performer, a supplier, a trader or maybe to display a militairy or civilian vehicle? Get in touch with us. A note on period dress. We warmly welcome 1940s military vehicles and 1940s civilians and allied military attire, and we encourage everyone to join in with the spirit of the time. However, we respectfully ask that historic Axis Powers military uniforms, insignia or symbolism are not worn at this event. Our Vintage Weekend is a celebration of community, remembrance and the shared spirit of the era. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Join dress historian Lucy Adlington for highlights of Forties fashion in the History Wardrobe collection, with a unique array of garments, from London couture to home thrifting and wellworn uniforms. Discover the fascinating stories and memories behind a refugee’s hat, a bride’s parachute, a sapper’s jerkin, a firefighter’s PJs, a Bletchley Park scarf, a coat from the Coventry bombings and more. Lucy Adlington is author of New York Times bestselling books The Dressmakers of Auschwitz and Four Red Sweaters, in addition to Stitches in Time – the Story of the Clothes We Wear, and Women’s Lives and Clothes in WW2 Ready for Action. Hopetown is thrilled to welcome History Wardrobe back to celebrate our vintage weekend in style!

Big Science returns to Hopetown Darlington, with funfilled experiments using sweets and treats! Expect to be blown away with demonstrations, experiments, and more. The perfect way to introduce kids to science through interactive examples and handson inspection. Each child will make their own pot of sherbert and a fizzing mocktail! Suitable for ages 311 (younger children may need assistance from their grownup!)

Hop, hop, hop down to Hoptown this Easter Monday! Join us for a magical, family‑friendly Easter adventure bursting with activities, entertainment, and special guests. There’s something for everyone from little explorers to grown‑ups looking for a joyful day out! SPECIAL GUESTS: PETER RABBIT AND MCGREGOR Meet the beloved Peter Rabbit... and the notsobeloved Mr McGregor! Hop down to Station Garden to grab your photo with everyone's favourite bunny a perfect moment for little ones and big fans alike! LIVE PERFORMANCE: THE DISCO SCARECROWS Get ready to boogie! The lively Disco Scarecrows will be dancing up a storm in the Goods Yard! Guarenteed giggles, wiggles and plenty of fun. EASTER EGG HUNT Families can explore the site using our Eggcellent Easter Trail and may be lucky enough to find one of the chocolate surprises hidden throughout site. The fun doesn't stop there! Take part in free planting crafts in The Stores and take your creations home with you, jump aboard the thrilling ride Experiment! and burn off some energy in Wagon Woods, the railwaythemed play park. There's nowhere more fun to be this Easter Monday. charges apply

We're thrilled to welcome the Spectre Detectors for a night of paranormal discovery. North Road Station Museum at night will be the backdrop for an eerie evening with the spirits as the team of Spectre Detectors lead you through a ghosthunting experience. The museum has a history of paranormal stories as a result of reallife events. Paranormal investigators for over 15 years, Elaine Kelly and her team have gathered evidence of hauntings up and down and country and are now heading to our nearly 200 year old museum to discover what lies within. Discover the methods of ghosthunting, including tabletipping, Victorian seance, spirit photography, kinetic SLS camera, automatic writing, spirit box and much more. Spectre Detectors do not use ouji board. This event is for over16s. Please note than spirits and 'spirits' do not mix anyone wishing to participate but are under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be asked to leave and no refund given.

Dance away the decades at our adult-only silent disco! Join us for a night of nostalgia where we'll be hosting an adults' silent disco event to kick off the summer! Get your babysitters booked, because this is an evening designed for the Big Kids (18+)! North Road Station Museum will be transformed into time machine transporting you back to either the 80s, 90s, or 2000s depending which channel you choose! Grab a glowstick, a pair of headphones and get dancing and singing. There will be refreshments to keep you going, and a grownup takeover of Wagon Woods play park will ensure maximum hilarity! Yep you heard that right, we're opening up our playground to the grown up. Trust us, you definitely can fit through the tunnels and down the slide! Tickets are £12 online or £15 on the door. Book online to save! Dust off your legwarmers and party on down! The disco ball awaits... Ages 18+ only. Please bring a form of Photo ID.

Celebrate Darlington’s heritage and diversity with Songs of the Railways, a free concert here at Hopetown Darlington as part of Black History Month that commemorates the importance of black individuals and their contribution to the railways and local history. There will be acoustics around the site, but the main attraction will be in the covered marquee on Foundry Green. Starring The Voice finalist Milena plus loads of other great local musicians, this is a concert you don’t want to miss. Featuring classic covers of railway themed songs from Elvis Presley, Jonny Cash, Jimi Hendrix and more. Both hot and cold food and drink is available throughout, and there are picnic benches located just outside the marquee; this is a family-friendly event, and children are more than welcome. With thanks to Creative Darlington, The Bishop Line Community Rail Partnership, and The Arthur Wharton Foundation. The final set list will be revealed in the coming weeks.

The ultimate LEGO® weekend is coming this May 2026. Get ready, Darlington… the bricks are coming and they're bigger than ever! Join Brick Alley members and special guest builders for an unforgettable LEGO extravaganza packed with: Incredible custom LEGO model displays. Handson building zones to unleash your creativity. Fun challenges and activities for all ages. A buzzing marketplace full of pocket‑money treasures, rare sets, and those hard‑to‑find gems every LEGO fan dreams of. Whether you're a seasoned builder, a curious newcomer, or a family looking for a brilliant day out, this two‑day celebration of imagination is one you simply can’t miss.

We're thrilled to bring you Playtown, an immersive indoor playscape designed around discovery, learning and adventure. The Exhibition Hall in the historic Carriage Works has been transformed into an engaging zone-based playscape. There are lots of different areas to Playtown. You'll find... The Station. Role play area with dressing up clothes, food, luggage and cleaning materials. Village Green. Lots of different games, such as skittles, connect four, jenga, hoops, bean bags and targets and quoits. Young Drivers Zone. Practise driving with the siton tractors and diggers, use cones to set out a course. Build it! Construction Site. There’s mini high vis and hard hats, wheelbarrows and lots and lots of foam bricks – and a little skip. Art School. Develop design and building skills with sand and smaller construction toys. Draw your designs first on the easels. There is a roll of paper on each easel – adults can tear off their child’s picture to take home. Coloured pencils and a sharpener here too. Quiet area. We have a sensory den and some fidget toys for anyone needing a quieter space. This event is completely free of charge and is aimed at under7's, although everyone is welcome to come and enjoy! Parents are responsible for their children within the play area.

All Aboard for a Circus Adventure at Hopetown this May Day! This May Day Bank Holiday Monday, don’t just run away to the circus, ride the rails to it! We’re excited to welcome Newcastle Circus Arts for a spectacular day of thrills, skills, and show‑stopping performances. Step onto Foundry Green where the circus energy will be full steam ahead! Try your hand at a fantastic range of guided circus skills, or climb aboard the fun with a session on the aerial rig. (Be sure to book an extra ticket for the aerial experience. Spaces, like seats on a train, are limited!) And keep an eye out on your travels… our balloon modeller will be roaming the site, crafting brilliant balloon creations faster than an express locomotive. You can even take his creations home with you. Make sure you don’t miss the breathtaking aerial cabarets at 11am and 1.15pm. They’re guaranteed to lift your spirits higher than any railway bridge!

Get ready for a fantastic day of activity, creativity and play as Move More Day arrives at Hopetown Darlington! Join us for four hours of nonstop family fun, packed with arts and crafts, face painting, and a brilliant mix of sporting activities and games for all ages to keep them smiling, moving and busy throughout the day. And that’s not all! Families can make a full day of it by exploring everything else Hopetown Darlington has to offer including North Road Station Museum to discover, explore and learn together, Playtown for imaginative play for younger visitors, Wagon Woods for the epic outdoor adventure play and Experiment!: The Ultimate Time‑Travelling Global Adventure! Bring the kids, get moving, and enjoy a brilliant fun‑filled day out! Brought to you by the Move More Team at Darlington Borough Council.