Don't Miss

You are here > Home > Things to Do > Hopetown Darlington

Hopetown Darlington

McNay Street
Darlington
Durham
DL3 6SW

Tel: +44 (0)1325 405060

About

Hopetown Darlington is an award-winning railway-themed visitor attraction in the birthplace of the modern railway. Situated on the historic Stockton & Darlington Railway route, Hopetown brings Darlington's world-changing railway story to life through heritage, innovation, play and interactive discovery. Explore historic railway buildings, fascinating collections and exhibitions, enjoy hands-on adventures in Wagon Woods, and take a journey on the UK's No.1 Time Travel Ride Experiment!. You can enjoy seasonal steam train rides on the Hopetown Heritage Railway, offering a unique opportunity to experience railway history in motion. Hopetown is where stories, steam, play and imagination come together for all ages.

Book Tickets

Prices

Free site admission. Some events, activities and exhibitions may carry a separate charge.

Awards

Visit England VisitEngland Welcome Award 2026
Visit England VisitEngland Quality Assured Visitor Attraction 2024
Regional and Miscellaneous TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2025 2025
Regional and Miscellaneous Museum Accreditation 2026
Regional and Miscellaneous Trip Advisor Travellers Choice Award 2026 2026

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

573 reviews

Excellent
367
Very Good
132
Average
39
Poor
23
Terrible
12

Recent Reviews:

GlynisC493
Dunstable, United Kingdom
Interesting, for a brief visit
Thursday, 1st October 2026
It was quite interesting, but nothing significant. The best part was the cafe, which did good food and drink with friendly staff Read full review
den310
Darlington, United Kingdom
Great free visit
Saturday, 3rd October 2026
Lived in darlington for years and never been. So thort should. So much to see and learn about. Great afternoon here and the staff so friendly Read full review
kh1354
Staindrop, United Kingdom
Second visit
Sunday, 4th October 2026
Really lovely museum with lots for all ages especially children to do and see. Its clean tidy with lovely staff dotted about to assist you. Theres good disabled access with disabled toilets... Read full review

Write a review

Facilities

Other

Open

Catering

Groups: Coach Group Coffee/Meal Stop
On-Site café/restaurant
Picnic Site

Parking & Transport

Car Parking Offsite - Darlington Borough Council operated car park
Coach Drop Off / Pick Up Point - Pick up and drop off on Station Road
Coach Parking Offsite
Parking (charge) - £1 per hour £4 day ticket
Parking (free) - Free after 6pm.

Payment Methods

American Express accepted
Booking essential
Groups Accepted
Groups: Concessions for Driver and GTO
Groups: Free Entry for Driver and GTO
Maestro accepted
MasterCard accepted
Visa accepted

Provider Facilities

Conference facilities
Dogs Accepted
Event Venue
Toilets

Provider Features

In town/city centre
Indoor Attraction
No Smoking Attraction
Outdoor Attraction
WiFi Available

Target Markets

Family Fun
Marketed Towards Children
Marketed Towards Families
Marketed Towards Senior Citizens
Marketed Towards Students / Youth

Tours and Demonstrations

Demonstrations Given - Heritage Weekends the first weekend of every month
Educational Visits Accepted
Guided Tours Available for Groups

Travel & Trade

Room/unit allocations available
Wi-fi available

Access Information

PARKING

Designated accessible parking: Designated accessible parking is available within 50 metres of the main entrance or an alternative step-free entrance if applicable.

Step-free route with firm surface from car park to entrance: There is a step-free route with a firm surface from the parking to the main entrance or an alternative step-free entrance.

BUILDING ENTRANCE

Step-free entrance: There is step-free access at the main entrance or an alternative entrance. This may be via a ramp or lift.

ACCESS TO KEY AREAS

Lift: There are lift(s) available. An evacuation chair should also be available in case of emergency.

Step-free access to all or most areas: There is step-free access to all or most areas. This may include access by ramp or lift. As a minimum, there is step-free access to an accessible toilet and at least one food and beverage outlet, where available.

RESTAURANT / DINING ROOM / BAR

Dietary requirements catered for: A selection of food is offered for a range of dietary requirements.

Quieter table: A table located in a quieter area is available, where noise is minimised.

Table service as standard or on request: Table service is available as standard or on request.

Wheelchair-accessible food and beverage outlet: There is at least one wheelchair-accessible food and beverage outlet on site.

GENERAL

Assistive listening system: There is an assistive listening system available e.g. a hearing loop.

Changing Places toilet: There is a Changing Places toilet, which includes an adult size changing bench, toilet, sink and hoist.

Designated quiet space or room: A designated quiet space or room is available.

Disability awareness / equality training: Disability awareness / equality training is provided for staff.

Emergency alarm with flashing lights: There is an emergency alarm with flashing lights, to alert deaf guests to a fire or other emergency scenario.

Emergency evacuation plan for disabled people: Personal or General Emergency Evacuation Plans are in place for disabled customers.

Enclosed outdoor area: There is an enclosed outdoor area for customer use.

Facilities for assistance dogs: Facilities are available for assistance dogs e.g. water bowls, toilet area, within the grounds of the venue or nearby.

Map / floorplan showing accessibility facilities: A map or floorplan showing accessibility facilities is available.

Seating at regular intervals: Seating is available at regular intervals.

Tactile signage: Tactile signage is available. This may include Braille.

Wheelchair-accessible toilet in public areas: A designated accessible toilet designed for wheelchair users, and others with visible and non-visible accessibility requirements, is available within the main public areas.

Wheelchair-accessible viewing area: A wheelchair-accessible viewing area with step-free access is available providing an optimal vantage-point to view performances, presentations or activities.

This information is self-assessed; therefore we accept no liability for its accuracy. Please contact the venue for further information.

Access Information

Opening Times

2026 (1 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2026)

* Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-4pm.

Also open on Mondays during Darlington's school holidays.

Open all bank holidays except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.

Map & Directions

Map Link

View Map

What's Nearby

Locomotion

Explore 200 years of railway history in the world’s first railway town at Locomotion,…

6.82 miles away
Hardwick Park

This VisitEngland accredited attraction is an 18th Century parkland featuring beautiful…

9.05 miles away
Bishop Auckland Town Hall

Bishop Auckland Town Hall is a multi-purpose cultural venue situated in Bishop Auckland…

10.18 miles away

The Auckland Project - No 42 Gallery and Shop

No.42 is home to The Auckland Project’s Art, Social History Collection and Future Plans…

10.18 miles away
The Spanish Gallery - The Auckland Project

The Spanish Gallery is unique in Britain, telling the story of the Spanish Golden Age in…

10.22 miles away
Auckland Tower - The Auckland Project

Auckland Tower is the perfect place to get a feel for The Auckland Project, the stunning…

10.22 miles away
Mining Art Gallery - The Auckland Project

With three permanent rooms and one temporary exhibition space on the ground floor, the…

10.23 miles away
The Gardens, Wynyard

The Gardens at Wynyard Hall are fast becoming one of the North’s leading visitor…

10.56 miles away
Binchester Roman Fort

Remains of Commandant's house and neighbouring bath-house containing one of the best…

10.96 miles away
Raby Castle, Park and Gardens

Welcome to Raby Castle, Park and Gardens. A stunning complete medieval castle in County…

11.01 miles away
Spennymoor Town Council

The Gallery houses a permanent collection of art, including paintings by Norman Cornish,…

11.39 miles away
The Paddocks

Step into nature’s playground, with over 50 animals to interact with and feed in a…

11.57 miles away
Low Barns Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre

One of our region’s most important wildlife sites, this wetland reserve, bordered by the…

12.69 miles away
Brancepeth Castle

Brancepeth is one of the oldest castles in the North East. The building today is a…

14.37 miles away
The Bowes Museum

There’s always something great to see and do at The Bowes Museum. With more than 58,000…

14.54 miles away
Hamsterley Forest

Information point and tearoom, forest drive with children's play area. Four mile forest…

15.65 miles away

Previous Next

Home	Accommodation Hotels, B&B and Guest Houses, Inns & Pubs, Self Catering & Holiday Cottages, Caravan, Camping & Glamping, Dog Friendly, Hostels,	Things to Do Attractions, Activities, Shopping, Sightseeing, Tours & Guides,
What's On Family Events, 2026 Unmissable Events, What's on this Week, Cinema, Theatre & Music Events, Dark Skies Events,	Food & Drink Restaurants, Tearooms & Coffee Shops, Pubs & Bars, Get a Taste of Durham, Tasty Places to Stay, Foodie Events,	Inspire Me Short Break Ideas, Discover Durham's Great Outdoors, Delve Into Our Heritage, Durham's Unmissable Highlights, Itineraries,
Explore Durham Durham City, Durham Dales, Vale of Durham, Durham Coast, Durham Towns, North East England,	Visitor Information Maps of Durham, Getting to Durham, Getting Around Durham, Accessible Durham, Sustainable and Responsible Tourism in Durham, Visitor Guides,	Submit Event

Don't Miss

Follow Us...

Hopetown Darlington

About

Book Tickets

Prices

Awards

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

Recent Reviews:

Facilities

Other

Catering

Parking & Transport

Payment Methods

Provider Facilities

Provider Features

Target Markets

Tours and Demonstrations

Travel & Trade

PARKING

BUILDING ENTRANCE

ACCESS TO KEY AREAS

RESTAURANT / DINING ROOM / BAR

GENERAL

Access Information

Opening Times

Map & Directions

What's Nearby

Search What's Nearby

this is our blog