Venue Description

Located on the 1825 route of the Stockton & Darlington Railway (the world's first steam-worked public railway), Hopetown Darlington is devoted to the area formerly served by the North Eastern Railway, with particular reference to the S&DR, and the railway industry of Darlington. Exhibits include Stephenson's 'Locomotion No. 1', built for the opening of the S&DR, and 'Derwent', the earliest surviving Darlington built locomotive, on loan from The National Railway Museum Collection. A range of smaller items including station and lineside signs, uniforms, furniture, tableware and paintings, complements the larger exhibits. A dedicated research centre, The Ken Hoole Study Centre, has an extensive collection of documentary material, photographs, plans, books and periodicals. We also look after Piercebridge Roman Fort.

Accessibility

• The main entrance to Hopetown Darlington is via the Goods Shed with has both a stair and ramp approach. • The entrance to the museum is via 3 natural stone steps. There is also a ramped approach. • The entrance to the Carriage Works building is flat. • The Carriage Works is a one story building with multiple levels. There is a lift between the levels. • There is an open air bridge linking the visitor attraction to Darlington Locomotive Works. The bridge contains a lift. • The Wagon Woods adventure playground has an area for wheelchair users and their companions. There is an interactive raised level accessed by a ramp and there is a slide for wheelchair users and their companions.

Access Statement

Access Statement Link: HoS_access_statement_October_2016.pdf

Awards List

Sandford Award for Excellence in Heritage Education

Toilets

• There are disabled toilets located in the Goods Shed, Railway Museum and Carriage Works buildings within Hopetown Darlington. All have step-free access and have doorways which are wide enough for powered or manual wheelchairs to access. There are drop down rails, lever operated taps, a disposal bin, and pull cord alarm. • Funding has been granted and approved for a Changing Places toilet that will be located within the Museum building. This will be available from July 2024.

Staff

• All front of house staff and staff answering the main telephone have been trained in disability awareness. The majority of staff are Dementia Friends.

Assistance dog facilities

Other assistance dog facilities

• Guide / Assistance dogs are welcome – and drinking water can be supplied.