Head of Steam - Darlington Railway Museum
Head of Steam Museum, at the Heart of Darlington's Heritage.
Head of Steam - Darlington Railway Museum
Head of Steam Museum is a railway museum located on the 1825 route of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, which was the world’s first steam-powered passenger railway.
George Stephenson connected the towns of Stockton and Darlington by rail and was renowned as the “Father of Railways”, The first steam locomotive to run on the line was called Locomotion No1.
When the Stockton and Darlington line became the first to take passengers and cargo by locomotive engine, all our lives were destined to change…full steam ahead!
Address: North Road Station, Station Rd, Darlington DL3 6ST
https://www.head-of-steam.co.uk/
Please note; The Head of Steam is undergoing an exciting major redevelopment project and during this time the museum is not open to the public.Work has officially started on the construction of a fantastic new visitor destination which will be at the heartof the Bicentennial Anniversary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway in 2025.
Darlington Hippodrome Theatre
Darlington Hippodrome has a rich and interesting history; the Edwardian theatre has been a key part of the town’s heritage.
Under the grand name of the New Hippodrome and Palace Theatre of Varieties, the theatre opened on Monday, September 2, 1907.
The highlight of the era was a “flying matinee” by Anna Pavlova, she performed to a star struck full house on November 17, 1927.
On January 30,1976, ballerina Dame Margot Fonteyn appeared at gala performance and on November 30, 1990 Dame Vera Lynn performed.
The theatre attracts performances from the Royal Shakespeare Company to Christopher Biggins in Panto, entertainment for everyone!
Accessing the Theatre.
There are wheelchair spaces on all levels and two lifts to provide access to all levels both front and back of house. Accessible toilets are located on every level.
A dropped counter is available at the Hippodrome box office and bar and there is a drop-off point located on Tannery Yard.
Guide, hearing and other assistance dogs are welcome, radio frequency hearing systems installed throughout the auditorium with individual headsets available on request.
If you require any advice regarding access to the venue, please contact the box office on: 01325 405 405
Address:Parkgate, Darlington, DL1 1RR
St. Cuthbert's Church
St Cuthbert’s is a delight; a wonderful 13th-century church full of historical interest.
The story of St Cuthbert’s Church goes back to AD 995 when monks carrying St Cuthbert‘s remains from Ripon to Durham rested here.
The main church was completed c1240, and the spire later in the 14th century.
The ancient 12th-century church of St Cuthbert stands on the historic market place in the centre of Darlington.
Known as the ‘Lady of the North’ she boasts a wealth of medieval furnishings and even earlier Saxon carved stones, a must to see.
The building has wheelchair and mobility scooter access through the South Door and is fitted with a hearing loop.
Large-print service sheets are also available.
Address: Market Place, Darlington, DL1 5QG
Darlington’s Brick Train
On the outskirts of Darlington is an amazing sculpture of a locomotive made entirely of bricks!
To celebrate the rich railway heritage of Darlington, this sculpture was commissioned and created in 1997 by David Mach.
Modelled on the 1938 record setting, 126mph steam locomotive “Mallard” and funded by the National Lottery.
A total of 185,000 bricks were used in its construction in addition there are 20 special ‘bat’ bricks built in at various places to encourage the nocturnal creatures to use it as their home. Local schools also donated ‘time capsules’ which were put inside the train, something to go ‘batty’ about!
The Darlington “Brick Train” was opened on Monday, 23rd June 1997 by Lord Palumbo of Walbrook.
Visitors can park at the Morrisons Morton Park shopping area and head along special footpaths to reach the sculpture.
Directions: A66, DL1 4PH, The Darlington Brick Train Sculpture is signposted from surrounding roads.
Tees Cottage Pumping Station
Tees Cottage Pumping Station was a Victorian waterworks which began supplying water to Darlington in 1849.
From 1849, Tees Cottage Pumping Station revolutionized water supply in Darlington and Teesside by supplying cleaner, piped water to inhabitants who had previously relied on wells and rainwater tubs.
On Open Days visitors can experience the 1902 Lancashire Boilers, 1904 steam Beam Engine and 1914 Gas engine, all operated and explained by volunteers.
On public steaming days, light refreshments can be bought in the charming Tea Rooms.
The grounds and part of the buildings are accessible for disabled visitors, but the stairs to upper floors are steep and narrow, accessible toilets are located outside the Tearooms.
Open Weekends throughout the year, please call before visiting for details.
Contact: Martyn Brown, Chairman – 07680 954259
Address: Coniscliffe Rd, Darlington, DL3 8TF
