What's on in the area

Darlington Railway Centre & Museum

Daily

Cost: £2.50; children over 5 yrs & concessions £1.50; under 5s free; family ticket (2 adults & 3 children) £7.50

Hours: 10am-5pm; closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Year's Day

On the route of the original Stockton & Darlington Railway - the world's first steam-worked public railway - the Darlington Railway Centre & Museum celebrates the famous and evocative age of steam.

Fashioned from three significant Stockton & Darlington Railway buildings dating from the 1830s-1850s - the North Road Passenger Station, the Goods Shed and Hopetown Carriage Works - it is devoted to the unique history of railways in and around Darlington.

It was in 1825 that Stephenson's Locomotion No 1 was built for the opening of the Stockton & Darlington Railway. One of the oldest surviving steam engines in the world, it was also the first stream train to carry fare-paying passengers. Also on display, courtesy of the National Railway Museum Collection, is the Derwent, the earliest surviving locomotive actually built in Darlington.

In addition to the still awe-inspiring locomotives there are railway memorabilia such as station and lineside signs, uniforms, furniture, tableware and paintings, complements the larger exhibits. The actual entrance hall of the station and ticket office are restored in period style, enhanced by displays of items such as porters' barrows, luggage, posters and advertising signs.

The Centre also includes a dedicated research centre, The Ken Hoole Study Centre, named after the renowned regional railway historian, who bequeathed the core collection. This includes documentary material, photographs, plans, books and periodicals and has been added to by the library collection of the North Eastern Railway Association.

A must for any railway buff and those interested in the great Victorian age of the industrial revolution.

Darlington Railway Centre & Museum