National Railway Museum At Shildon
Today the NRM is one of Britain’s busiest museums and is perhaps the most popular railway museum in the world. It serves a diverse audience at its two sites and elsewhere through its network of partnerships with museums and heritage railways across the UK. As part of its plan to retain its popularity plans are being developed for new displays which will help a 21st century audience discover the huge impact the railway has had in the shaping of the modern world.
Discover over 300 years of history and over a million wonderful objects.
Marvel at iconic locomotives, watch engineering work in progress in the Workshop, browse our object-filled Warehouse, or let off steam in the outdoor play area.
Before the National Railway Museum was in existence, the Science Museum in London – which was then known as the Patent Office Museum – started its collection of railway artefacts by acquiring Rocket in 1862.
Collection building:
Admire display of more than 70 railway heritage vehicles from the National Collection – including the prototype Deltic; British Rail’s Advanced Passenger Train; and the iconic L.N.E.R. locomotive Green Arrow.
Check out the progress on our Conservation Workshop’s latest railway restoration projects from a purpose built viewing platform.
You’ll also find an indoor picnic area, the Platform Seven Café, our and gift shop.
Hackworth:
Learn more about pioneering railway engineer Timothy Hackworth, and Shildon’s role as the world’s first railway town.
Timothy Hackworth moved to Shildon in 1825 to take up the position as resident engineer on the soon-to-be-opened Stockton & Darlington Railway.
Over the next 25 years, Timothy Hackworth designed and built several pioneering locomotives. During this time, Shildon developed into a railway town and its workers became highly skilled in heavy engineering.
Welcome Building:
Timothy Hackworth’s original Sans Pareil is on display in Welcome building.
This locomotive was built to compete in the famous Rainhill Trials, which were held in 1825 to select a locomotive for the proposed railway between Manchester and Liverpool.
Soho:
One of the oldest industrial buildings in Shildon, this imposing building was originally an iron merchant’s store but later became a railway workshop.
Youngsters can run off steam in outdoor play area.
Relax in café – and take advantage of our Christmas Meal Deal.
VISITORS INFOMRATION:
Opening Times
Daily 10:00 to 17:00 (1 Apr - 4 Oct)
Daily 10:00 to 16:00 (5 Oct - 31 Mar)
Collections only on Mondays and Tuesdays in Winter
Closed 21 Dec - 3 Jan
ENTRY FREE
How To Get Here:
By rail
Regular services run from Darlington station (platform 4) to Bishop Auckland, stopping at Shildon station.
By bus
Service 1 and 1B (to Crook and Tow Law) runs from Darlington town centre every half hour Monday to Saturday, stopping at Dale Road (opposite Ashfield House). Sunday services are hourly and stop at Shildon railway station (two minutes' walk from the museum).
By car
From junction 58 on the A1, take the A68 and the A6072 to Shildon. Locomotion is 1/4 mile southeast of Shildon town centre – follow the brown heritage signs.
On foot
Locomotion is a ten minute walk from Shildon town centre. The museum’s first building, 'Welcome', is located on the corner of Soho Street
Facilities And Access:
Restaurant
Our Platform Seven Café is open daily, and serves a range of snacks, light lunches and refreshments.
Play/picnic area
Youngsters will love our outdoor play area. Enjoy a packed lunch at our indoor and outdoor picnic tables.
Gift shop
There’s something for everyone in our gift shop, which offers a wide range of souvenirs and gifts.
Accessible travel
Free parking spaces are available at a designated car park beside the Welcome building.
Free car parking on site.
The Museum is fully wheelchair accessible
Address:
NRM Shildon
"Locomotion"
Shildon, Co Durham
DL4 1PQ