Locomotion image

Locomotion

Tourist attraction Museum Rail museum National museum

One of the Best Places To Visits in Shildon


Address

Dale Road Industrial Estate, Shildon DL4 2RE, United Kingdom

Website

www.locomotion.org.uk

Contact

+44 330 058 0058

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (3.5K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: Closed
  • Thursday: Closed
  • Friday: Closed
  • Saturday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Sunday: 10 AM to 4 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: visit (51) museum (41) free (34) trains (30) great (26) train (25) cafe (24) shop (20) good (19) worth (18)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Ross M. 2 years ago on Google
    Locomotion is a free museum. The donations are not mandatory. You can book your free ticket online and if you are happy to donate you can do it at the end of the visit. If you a train lover you are going to enjoy the museum. There is a lot of trains to see. Because of the covid, some exhibits are closed and you won’t be able to see them inside. On site there is plenty of free parking spaces. As the other section of the museum is closed for reconstruction the visit time will be around two hours. I would definitely recommend it, it is free so you have nothing to loose.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 aleksander l. 1 year ago on Google
    Free entry, donation made! Some lovely ages. The Winston Churchill locomotive is spectacular. As is the royal carriages from 1900’s.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Elena L. 1 month ago on Google • 547 reviews New
    What an educational and child friendly space! Loved all of it . free entry and car park is on site also free. Don't miss playground.

  • 5/5 Paul C. 2 months ago on Google • 102 reviews New
    Brilliant free museum for young and old. Good selection of trains & rolling stock. Easily visited by train but quite a walk from the station. Especially worth visiting when they have events as I did. You can make a no obligation donation as you leave.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Team S. 3 months ago on Google New
    Visted today to see the flying scotsman for the first time! The staff are very friendly and welcoming to everyone, we spent a good few hours looking and reading the history of the exhibits. Also, grabbed some food and drinks from the cafe, then we waited in the cue to jump on the scotsman. If you're planning to jump on the scotsman, my advice would be to arrive before opening as the waiting times can vary from an hour to a couple of hours. Either way, it's worth the wait! Thanks, locomotion and staff
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Craig W. 2 years ago on Google
    We made a last minute visit during half term due to bad weather but have been meaning to go for ages. Both kids and adults enjoyed it. Well managed and staffed and the efforts of the volunteers is great. Cafe and facilities good. The walk along the line with the old buildings being renovated was worth a trip to see. The trains aren't spectacular but what they do have is historical significance. World's fastest diesel, the first train to pull passengers (hence the name), etc. Great that its also free but had to support it. Worth another trip in the future as not as busy as York.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Barbara W. 1 year ago on Google
    An excellent way to spend a couple of hours. The museum is lovely and the exhibits are well placed for good viewing. Lots of interesting facts and a chance to see the working bits close up. Train wheels are seriously scary! The Royal Carriage is beautiful. In addition there is a well stocked shop (filled with memorabilia that is a train enthusiast's paradise) and a lovely little cafe so you can round off your visit with a cuppa and a snack. I'm amazed this interesting little museum is FREE TO VISIT but we were more than happy to make a donation. Worth a visit and 100% recommended.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael M. 10 months ago on Google
    Fantastic afternoon at Locomotion. There was so much for us to see and do. Our 3 year old loved everything about it including the outside play park and the activities within the main shed. The staff and volunteers were friendly and helpful. A highlight was standing at the controls of an engine and the knowledgeable volunteer (Bob I think his name was) providing a very detailed talk. We also had lunch there which was very tasty and reasonably priced. All in a great day out.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Paul M. 8 months ago on Google
    A splendid museum full of some of the most amazing locomotives and stories. The staff were very helpful and friendly. We wondered round for about an hour and then had a cuppa. The disabled facilities are the best. I would heartily recommend a visit it seems to be very children friendly including a playground
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 nigel E. 2 months ago on Google • 173 reviews New
    Lovely place. Free entry donations only. Don't be shy. Good day out for the family. There's a gift shop, cafe, outside hot drinks stand. We'll worth a visit. Staff are very hopeful and knowledgeable

  • 5/5 Lee M. 2 months ago on Google • 163 reviews New
    Went on 29th Dec to see the Flying Scotsman with my two sons and we had a brilliant day out. Locomotion is an excellent place to visit and the exhibits are superb. I think it's being extended as well for the future. Obviously the Flying Scotsman was the star but there was so much else to see including Stephenson's Rocket and some great history. The wait to go onto the FS footplate was up to two hours though.

  • 5/5 Sam C. 1 month ago on Google • 7 reviews New
    Fantastic day out. Free entry but we made a donation anyway. There was a lego workshop on which my children LOVED. plenty to see and interactive stations dotted around as well as various activity stations of knex, lego, mega blocks etc. Cafe is awesome with train chairs and tables to eat at!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jordan B. 2 months ago on Google • 161 reviews New
    I,m still annoyed they took George Stephenson's 🚀 Rocket from Darlington. However I like this museum its full of trains and railwayana memorabilia. Also its modern, warm with lots of space and things to see. They are still building and adding bits on lots of free parking space though difficult to get to if you don't get a lift or have a car. The nearest towns are Shildon and Newton Aycliffe. Locomotion has a shop Cafe, plenty of toilets and lots of space for school parties with tables and chairs.

  • 5/5 Amy F. 3 years ago on Google
    The locomotive was a great place to visit. My boyfriend had booked the tickets online around a week in advance. We chose Sunday to visit the Locomotion museum as it seemed convenient and the weather was pleasant. It wasn't busy at all . And I must say that the museum staff took the covid-19 precautions extremely well and the signs were clearly displayed around the building along with hand sanitizing stations around every corner. There is an indoor museum and outdoor museum as well as a small playground for kids. We also had lunch at the museum cafe and they had redone train seating at the cafe which was classy . I was extremely glad to have explored the rich seam of british railway history and discover how the railways have changed all our lives. It was very informative . I especially liked the vintage train among the others. The gift shop was also good and quite amazing .I had seen trains which I had had in a railway set as a child. It made me nostalgic to some extent but was very entertaining. Highly recommended
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 A F. 1 year ago on Google
    We arrived at the back end of the museum via postcode on website , everything seemed to be locked , walked a little way and met up with” Rob “ an extremely helpful and informative employee who gave us a different post code for disabled parking and the front of the building ! Thank you Rob ⭐️, on arrival we got to desk , our grandaughter spotted Lego on the table and we joined in with her , not too long later “ Richard “ arrived and asked for a ticket for Lego tower building and race car building , he advised me to go to front desk for “ free” ticket , this was our only downside to our visit , the lady ! On reception who I had spoken to on arrival , informed me rather abruptly that we should not be in that area without a ticket and there was no tickets left now it was fully booked , !!! I was distraught looking at my grandaughters face ! Just then Richard was passing and said there could be a possibility people that didn’t turn up and she was welcome to stay 🙏🌈💐thank you so much Richard activity was great you spread yourself widley and fairly and engaged everyone even the grown ups ! My carer is even hoping he makes the @ nice list “ this year ( there’s a first time for everything ) so he can ask Father Christmas for some Lego 🎄🎅We had a wonderful afternoon coloured made trains , and participated in many of the well organised activities around the museum , bought souvenirs and finished our visit with a wonderfully made coffee and Kit Kat in the carriage seats in the cafe . Thank you .
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Edyta K. 2 years ago on Google
    Need to book tickets online(free) . Spacious parking. Some activities Inside for kids ( painting, drawing etc). Small play area for little ones inside ( building blocks, trains). Nice play area outside for all ages.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Adele T. 11 months ago on Google
    This is a fantastic museum to visit. An absolute gem. It is just right for a family day out. Not overly long yet xaptures imagination and enables visitors to learn something new. It goes from strength to strength and new developments will engage and encourage future visits. The renovation works are exceptional. It us a must. The cafe is reasonably priced, comfortable and serves as a little treat following the visit. Love Shildon!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Garry H. 9 months ago on Google
    Fantastic place to visit, lots trains, carriages, etc and great history attached to each display and around the site. Cafe had good food options and drinks. Staff knowledgeable and friendly. Highly recommended.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lost At Sea Sunken S. 1 year ago on Google
    A free admission museum! Donations welcome and it's always good to donate to help keep these superb places in tacked so that history can be seen on how locomotive began! A well worth visit, Allow 2-3 hours for your visit. On site toilets and café not forgetting a small play park just off site. A recommended visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John L. 1 year ago on Google
    Fantastic place to visit on a rainy day. Free entry, although the £5 donation we gave still felt very cheap given all the activities for children and the number of exhibits. Nice cafe too. Plenty of parking, also free.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Mondo D. 1 year ago on Google
    Warm welcome upon entrance even though I thought the entrance fee was free I didn't realise this weekend was a Lego themed event and needed a ticket. Ushered to counter and ticket obtained no problem and very helpful and understanding It was a great turnout and seemed a very popular event and attraction to young and old how little plastic blocks can give so much joy. I had a great time browsing and looking at all the train exhibits and had a really enjoyable time I was going to go to the Head of Steam museum but this venue got my entrance fee as a donation Volunteers and staff made it a great day
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Adam O. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) A fantastic place for me, a lot of history in one place. (Original) Jak dla mnie fantastyczne miejsce.Sporo historii w jednym miejscu.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 George J. 1 year ago on Google
    A great place to visit with plenty on offer for all. Free to enter, though a donation can be made of any amount,makes this a no brainer for taking the kids during their holidays. The exhibits have been restored /maintained in a great condition and each has info for you to read / watch or listen too from tge near-by points. Staff are exceptional in helping you and went beyond in making my partners day by inviting her to a guided tour of the footplate on one of the many steam engines. Food is available on site in spacious cafe and the shop has a good collection of related items that are reasonably priced. Well worth the visit and will be back soon..... in addition the place is being extended soon with a additional building being g built which will highlight the wagon works that was in the town.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aidan H. 1 year ago on Google
    Great museum with some important British rail history within. It's not super big but you can spend 2-3 hours there if you have a proper look at everything. Cafe is quite good too. Only real negative is that reading online you used to be able to get more access to some of the locomotives and on this visit there was a lot of signs blocking things off. There were also some rolling stock in the middle of the place that you couldn't get a good look at sadly. I hope one day APT is more accessible as it would be amazing to see inside. Had a great day here though, well worth a visit
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Dean S. 8 months ago on Google
    You forget how much railway history there is in the North East, wonderful examples from the Rocket to fairly modern trains with a Royal carriage thrown in, to see how the upper classes travelled. A great gift shop and café on site with an outdoor play area for the little ones. Free entry . Well presented museum with lots of volunteers keeping it that way. A nice look out .
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 The C. 7 months ago on Google
    Plenty of things to see if your a railway enthusiast. Large static displays, train rides, hot food and drinks. Friendly atmosphere and welcoming staff. FREE entry * * Train rides extra £
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Richard 7 months ago on Google
    Very good free museum with some interesting trains and a challenging little train ride. We only had a couple of hours here but enjoyed looking at all the trains. The ride on the Rocket involved more flying ash than I'd anticipated but still worth doing (once would have been enough though - they didn't need to take us twice).
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 kim h. 3 years ago on Google
    Train enthusiasts like my son will love this. Playground a good distraction if you have a sibling who is less interested in the engines. Covid measures adequate, although people were ignoring social distancing recommendations that were in place but this is not the venues fault. People need to rake responsibility for themselves.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Crystal B. 3 months ago on Google • 27 reviews New
    We visited today as a family with a very excited little boy who was desperate to see The Flying Scotsman. Parking was rather frustrating. In the website it advised using the car park at the ‘collection building’ as there main car park is currently under construction. The only problem was: we had no idea where that was as never been before and it wasn’t highlighted on the map… We queued for a good 20mins before we got to the gates of the main car park where a member of staff was managing cars in and out. We asked him about the additional car park and he said he had been told nothing about it. I feel this is maybe something that could be looked at. When we did get parked and we squelched through the mud bath of a car park we were not disappointed. (Don’t wear your best shoes!) The Flying Scotsman was there right out the front in all its glory. Thankfully the 90+ mins to step onboard was inside the museum otherwise we would have got rather soggy. A really nice laid out museum with lots to see and different activities for little ones to get involved in. The gift shop was great…. Could have spent a fortune in there! Cafe looked nice but after spending a fair amount of our visit queuing to get on TFS we didn’t fancy the long queue for refreshments. Overall a nice visit.

  • 5/5 Hayley N. 1 year ago on Google
    Brilliant little gem. Lots for train enthusiasts and very kid friendly. The park is lovely and the Easter themed activities were great. Also, the cafe was lovely and the best food I've tasted.

  • 4/5 Alexandra Z. 2 years ago on Google
    Lots of beautiful train models, restored in such a good condition. Truly fascinating reading about them, and lovely approachable people. I was really impressed. Free entry but donations encouraged, we donated as we wanted to support the efforts that have gone into all this work, and the history behind the trains.

  • 4/5 Mariam A. 3 years ago on Google
    I thoroughly enjoyed my visit but felt the engines were very close. The volunteers were great and exuded knowledge and enjoyment of the various engines. The central display was a pleasant surprise. I was mesmerised by the various characters moving in an ethereal world of wonder. I enjoyed the interactive displays eg moving stock and following light signals. The eating area was well spaced and surprisingly had a good selection of hot food. Everything was delicious and served with a smile. The need for hygiene did not spoil the experience and I was surprised at the low cost of our snacks. The toilets were clean and I appreciated the choice of paper towels and/or warm air dryers. The shop had a wide selection of products to suit different pockets. Although it is free there are clear indications of a minimum of £5 donation to support the museum. I would have gladly given this as it is an excellent facility No

  • 5/5 Lee C. 2 years ago on Google
    Fantastic museum with wide variety of locos from recent to some of the first. It also has a great model shop. Definitely a must visit if you are interested in trains.

  • 5/5 Andrew T. 1 year ago on Google
    Had a trip back to Locomotion with my son and we were not disappointed. The museum itself hadn't altered much since our last visit, but the stock on display had been changed around, making it a different experience. There were new locos that we hadn't seen before alongside some of our favourites. The staff and volunteers were enthusiastic, helpful and knowledgeable which helped make our visit better. Well worth a visit, and there are plans in place for another building to increase the amount of display area, so we will be going back!

  • 5/5 Angela B. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place to spend time with our train mad 8 year old! Lots of trains and info to read. The puzzle booklets kept us all entertained as we searched for answers amongst the engines. Lots of rest places for young kids with activity sheets available. Great facilities, a cafe and giftshop on site. I didn't spot a picnic area but we weren't looking for 1 either If I could make 1 thing better it would be to have the info screens turned on beside the engines Overall great place to visit with lots to see and do

  • 5/5 Tara L. 1 year ago on Google
    Ample parking 🅿️ next to working railway too so train station nearby. The examples they've got on display have been restored and cared for beautifully. In particular I enjoyed looking at the royal train and carriages of the 1900's and queen Alexandria's personal carriage. I'd say the night ferry was really interesting too, and the Winston Churchill locomotive is huge! Great place especially with free entry. Make a donation when you visit. Keep the heritage alive!

  • 5/5 David T. 1 year ago on Google
    I've visited here a number of times... plenty to see and do... fascinating looking at the old trains... the history in the trains and carriages really make you reminisce of bygone times. All is nicely laid out with information available and nice facilities. They hold various events and exhibitions throughout the year including train rides. Admission is free although a donation is suggested. There are plans to further expand the site over the next year making it the largest undercover collection of heritage rail vehicles in the world.

  • 5/5 Jonathan H. 9 months ago on Google
    I did not know what to expect when I turned up here as I had no prior info but I was absolutely blown away when I walked through the door. You are immediately greeted by a huge selection of trains and the scale of the place is so impressive! I'm not particularly a 'train person' but couldn't help but be so impressed and excited by what was on display. Getting to be so up close and touch these things was fantastic. My son absolutely loved it, there's lots of little areas for kids to do activities, play and learn. A cafe, shop and little park outside means you have all you need for a cracking little day out, and to top this all off it's free entry! They do have places to give donations but nobody was pushy about it even though it's definitely worth it. Seeing they are in the process of building a new area looks very exciting for the future! 100% recommend this place if you have even a slight interest in trains or are trying to find somewhere cheap and fun to keep your kids entertained.

  • 5/5 Kinga L. 11 months ago on Google
    Lovely half day out...lots to do for little ones who especially enjoy trains. There is a fab cafe with some good breakfast and lunch options. There is also an outside and inside picnic area, and outdoor playground.

  • 5/5 John T. 11 months ago on Google
    Great display of trains and railway memorabilia with free entry and free car park. On site cafe very reasonable and food very good. Tables elswhere if you bring your own food. Staff very helpful and polite, try the short train ride if you have kids with you. Do leave a donation as it's well worth a visit (they suggest £5). Well worth it!!

  • 5/5 William H. 1 year ago on Google
    Plenty of old locomotives old rail carriages Plenty for kids to do and loads of information on all the old railway days long gone great place to visit. It is free but they do ask for donations for the upkeep. You can also watch the renovation of rolling stock, also play area outside for kids they won't get board brilliant...

  • 5/5 Andrew C. 11 months ago on Google
    Locomotion is situated in Shildon, car parking directly outside, although they also have an overflow car park down the road. Entrance is free, although suggested donation of £5. Staff were friendly and helpful. The area is made up of a yard area where short rides can be done on the short piece of track (book at reception desk), there is also a small playground here. Inside the main building is the trains, a cafe, some activity areas, shop and the toilets. Most of the trains are not open to walk through, but there are some steps in places so you can look through the windows etc. A visit here will likely be about 2 hours ish. Only bit of feedback I would have is that we took kids over Easter weekend and was half expecting something Eastery / themed around this, particularly for the very small people. Appreciate its about trains so wasn't really required, just guess I sort of expected it..!

  • 5/5 Jon S. 7 months ago on Google
    Took my friends son for a couple of hours last week, and we both thoroughly enjoyed it. A very informative chat about the workings of a Black 5 while sat in the cab was the highlight. Living my childhood again, with the youngster living his first time around 😁👍

  • 5/5 kindness A. 7 months ago on Google
    This place is amazing and much bigger that I expected. It’s all charity based so it’s free on entry, and they got some nice bits in the shop too! Full support to this place. Staff are great. Lots of history and amazing trains too!

  • 5/5 Kirsty W. 7 months ago on Google
    Lovely display of trains, going back to the earliest to modern day discoveries. There are activities for children to do as well as a play park outside. Workshops are also available depending on when you go and what's on. We went and it was a lego workshop which the kids had lots of fun particating.

  • 5/5 Philip W. 7 months ago on Google
    Lady employee at entrance said we must view the original Sans Pareil, Rocket and Locomotion were on view. Great to see them. Plan to visit again in 2024 when new extension to museum is opened, making it the largest railway museum in the world!

  • 5/5 General Tauntaun C. 1 month ago on Google • 3 reviews New
    Best train museum I’ve ever been to! Amazing selection of engines and rolling stock. Helpful guides and a huge gift shop. Not much more to say, it’s the ideal railway museum to go to this year. Especially since they will release a new engine shed in spring! It’s going to have 27 new rail vehicles and be the world record holder for historical rail vehicles in a museum in the world! Truly an icon of the area, with the oldest standing station just down the road. Any enthusiast should come down here!

  • 5/5 tommy H. 3 years ago on Google
    Its a train museum with very knowledgeable staff and volunteers

  • 5/5 malc b. 3 years ago on Google
    Very interesting

  • 5/5 Joan B. 3 years ago on Google
    A lovely place, free too. Locomotives, shop, toilets and cafe, friendly staff. Enjoyed our visit, will definitely return.

  • 5/5 John W. 3 years ago on Google
    We called here on our return from a holiday in the area, arriving on the first day of the new lockdown measures in the north-east. Everything was set up to be very Covid-secure, with a one-way system throughout. There is a wonderful array of railway history on show here, as befits the region, and I would recommend it to anyone. Admission is free, but you do need to book a time slot in advance.The museum was very quiet when we were there, but there is plenty of space for everyone, even at busy times.

  • 5/5 Philip B. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place to visit.

  • 5/5 Skye S. 3 years ago on Google
    Been visiting here since I was a little girl I'm not 22 and I come with my little boy lovely little place cafe is beautiful staff are really friendly lots of trains and fact and history about them little play area to

  • 1/5 Peter C. 3 years ago on Google
    Good place if you like trains

  • 4/5 paul b. 3 years ago on Google
    Opening hours a bit strange but a very nice place

  • 5/5 David P. 3 years ago on Google
    Kids loved it.

  • 5/5 Philip B. 3 years ago on Google
    Excellent. Lots to explore & free entry.

  • 5/5 darran d. 3 years ago on Google
    It is closed at present, but well worth a visit once it reopens

  • 5/5 Andrew P. 3 years ago on Google
    Place was packed with loads of interesting engines,the highlight for me was Queen Alexandra's Royal Train,they also had some fantasy contraptions and trains under renovation... A complete collection of Hornby Models showing the rise in Train set interest. The Cafe was excellent best independent Coffee and Cream Scones and Jam ... Some ex train seats Free entrance too!

  • 5/5 Miles N. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place. Easy to socially distance due to the ticket system currently in place due to Covid. Don't be afraid to go and visit but do donate even if just a little

  • 5/5 Michael C. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place to visit, and its free entry too!

  • 5/5 Martin G. 3 years ago on Google
    The museum is situated in Shildon. The main exhibit hall is generally crowded with exhibits but is easy to get around. Good disabled access. The exhibits do change as the collection is part of the York railway museum. There is a 1 kilometres walk to the other end of the site but on the day of our visit nothing was open. Ample free parking and good access and facilities for the disabled. Well worth a visit by train buffs.

  • 5/5 Wendy G. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing place to visit, staff are knowledgeable helpful and extremely helpful. Have a wee nibble whilst we were there and the cafe was truly lovely full of homemade goodies 😊

  • 5/5 Alex P. 3 years ago on Google
    Pre-booked ticket for The Locomotion Museum as we were staying in Durham for a short-break and wanted to get to know more about the area. Sunday was an ideal day to visit - it was not busy at all and the weather was decent. The Museum is about 5-10 mins walk away from Shildon station, and there is both an indoor section and outdoor exhibits. I thoroughly recommend it - a well worth visit. They have taken their COVID-19 precautions extremely well and there are plenty of signs around the building and hand sanitiser stations. We ate in the cafe for lunch - everything is spaced out very well and they recreated train seating which was made into a cafe table! Also, the plates and cutlery they provide is all environmentally-friendly which is a plus. The Museum itself is fantastic and there is plenty of history on The Locomotion in relation to the Stockton to Darlington railway. There is also a model railway and plenty of locomotives including a moving display in the centre! From viewing the interior of carriages to a museum shop selling Hornby trains, there is everything to see here. 3-4 hours is sufficient, although it is only open for 5 hours in total.

  • 5/5 Steve S. 3 years ago on Google
    The family spent over three hours here, enjoying getting close to famous locomotives. Many of them have information on boards to read and steps up to the cabs or footplates. The café has train seats to sit on while you enjoy the excellent cake, and the shop is well stocked. Staff throughout are friendly and helpful.

  • 5/5 teresa m. 3 years ago on Google
    Good safety practices for stopping virus. Easy to book tickets on line. There wasn't any special events advertise but as it was a Saturday they had a circus inside and acrobatics outside which our grandson loved. Lots to see and picnic tables outside and cafe was open. Social distances were adhered to also public toilets inside very clean. Worth a visit.

  • 5/5 Mike S. 3 years ago on Google
    Lovely museum with lots of historically significant railway exhibits, set in the "Cradle of the Railway" at Shildon. Free entry, but worthy of a suitable donation.

  • 4/5 Peter C. 3 years ago on Google
    Great for children and adults alike. Shop is a little pricey, but the museum is free. Excellent place to visit for a couple of hours.

  • 5/5 dominic b. 3 years ago on Google
    This place is full of the best of the old locos and the new experimentals, including the apt-e and the prototype HST. A great visit.

  • 4/5 Kate R. 3 years ago on Google
    Visited here today with a 6 year old travelling via train . It was very easy & simple to access on foot from shildon train station. Online booking time slot is straight forward and tickets free of charge. A small donation is requested for running costs. Great variation in exhibits . Onsite cafe , gift shop and toilets . Outside picnic benches and Childrens play area. Enjoyable day out!! 😊

  • 5/5 BigD m. 3 years ago on Google
    Very nice displays and additional exebition. Had a nice time there and I love coming back there.

  • 5/5 scott w. 3 years ago on Google
    Fun little railway museum

  • 5/5 Rachel G. 3 years ago on Google
    Love it here. My little boy thoroughly enjoys coming every time

  • 4/5 Bill W. 3 years ago on Google
    Exhibits to close together. Otherwise excellent

  • 5/5 Peter H. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place to visit

  • 5/5 Brian R. 3 years ago on Google
    Loads to do 4 everyone plenty 2 see staff r so Helpful

  • 5/5 Liam M. 3 years ago on Google
    Great free museum. Loads of information boards that dont overload you with information. Lots of hand sanitisation points and a 1 way system. Have to book your tickets which meant it also wasn't too busy. Well worth a trip.

  • 5/5 Pom S. 3 years ago on Google
    It's free......FREE. Cafe and shop selling toys. Perfect for parents with curious kids.

  • 4/5 John G. 3 years ago on Google
    Allright for a couple of hours, not a great deal of interaction but have some nice little events on. Cafe staff sexy

  • 5/5 Andrew P. 2 years ago on Google
    The historic locomotive's and rolling stock are housed in an impressive, modern hanger type building. There's a lovely cafe on one side and a proper railway themed shop on the other. Loads more besides including a working model railway inside and a HST, 08 and Pacer outside when I visited one Wednesday afternoon in September.

  • 5/5 Vanessa G. 3 years ago on Google
    The locomotive was a great place to visit. Book online before going is best. A good day out, with lots of trains,a good gift shop, and a nice cafe, friendly staff.. Highly recommended..

  • 1/5 SIGNATURE M. 3 years ago on Google
    Poor service. Cafe run by incompetent and rude women that don’t understand dietary requirements... not impressed

  • 5/5 Derek B. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice exhibits, unobtrusive covid protection, not overly busy

  • 5/5 The L. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing this is free 🙌

  • 5/5 Steve M. 3 years ago on Google
    Good staff very helpful and informative the covid precautions are great too

  • 5/5 Jakob W. 3 years ago on Google
    Even though it's not as big as the one at York, but it is another great place to learn more information about railways worth the journey too, I will be returning soon, maybe even more in the new year when this pandemic is over.

  • 5/5 Stephen M. 3 years ago on Google
    Excellent museum

  • 4/5 Alan R. 3 years ago on Google
    Free entry

  • 4/5 John J. 3 years ago on Google
    Not a great deal to do but that may be down to the current pandemic, its definitely worth the trip though.


Call +44 330 058 0058 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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